Go Organic

                                                                                         

“Going Organic” is a phrase that is thrown about a lot lately and seems to be the latest trend in the fashion of healthy living. In reality, organic living is far more than a fad and is a fast growing phenomenon that should not be ignored. Organic produce currently makes up 2% of the world’s total food sales and this number is expected to rise dramatically in the coming years, with organic food soon making up 50% of some countries’ total sales. These numbers are making people sit up and take notice and begin to educate themselves on “Going Organic”.

Hazendal Wine Estate
What is Organic?

Hazendal Wine Estate
First off, what exactly is does organic mean? There are many contesting definitions of this term, but at its most basic, something is only organic if it was grown or produced according to strict and specific production standards. These standards are laid out and regulated in each individual country and differ accordingly. In essence, organic produce that is grown should have been done so in an environment free of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilisers and sewerage. No radiation or additives should come into contact with the produce.

In animal farming, no antibiotics or growth hormones may be used for the meat product to be classified as organic. While not standard in all countries, most definitions of what can be classified as organic also excludes anything that has been genetically modified. Many people confuse “whole foods” with organic products. Whole foods are those that have no added ingredients such as sugar or salt and are as unrefined and unprocessed as possible. Whole foods are not necessarily organic and vice versa. Organic products do not only extend to food, but can also include cleaning agents and other products. Organic cleaning products should be biodegradable and any other products should be made out of recycled or sustainable materials.

Hazendal Wine Estate
Why Buy Organic?

Hazendal Wine Estate
There are many reasons why you should switch to organic produce and products, even though they carry a 10-40% higher price than their conventional equivalents.

• Environmental Impact - In the short term, organic farms are far less damaging to the environment as they do not consume or release synthetic pesticides and are better at sustaining existing eco-systems. Organic farms also produce less waste and use much less fertiliser, making them much friendlier to their immediate environment.
• Health Benefits - A 2007 study found that organic produce contains up to 40% more antioxidants than their conventional equivalents. Other studies have also found that organic produce also tastes better and is more appetising.
• Sustainable Development – Particularly in South Africa, most organic produce comes from local farmers and smaller groups trying to make a living from the increased demand. In most cases, buying organic means that you are putting money back into your country ensuring future development and growth.

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Where Can You Buy Organic Products?

Ten years ago it was very difficult to live and eat organically as only small private families farmed in this way and sold their wares at small markets. Today, this produce is widely available in many supermarkets and areas around South Africa. Eating out and staying organic is still quite difficult though, as very few places serve completely organic meals. Erratic supplies and a huge demand for products mean that restaurants can’t always be 100% organic, but it is not as hard as it sounds for you to ensure that your home is an organic one.

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Organic Markets
These are by far the most fun and exciting ways to buy organic produce. More and more are emerging around the Cape Town area and in many cases constitute a whole morning outing for the entire family. One of the most popular is the Neighbourgoods Market in the old Biscuit Mill Woodstock. This weekly event features over 50 food and design stalls and has become the place to be on a Saturday morning. Wandering around can take all morning as there is so much to see and learn about – you will leave with everything from organic vegetables to beer and cupcakes. More and more markets like this are springing up around Cape Town and include the Porter Estate Produce Market in Tokai Forest and a monthly event at Imhoff Farm.
There are very few of these types of markets further away from Cape Town and, recognising this, Hazendal Wine Estate is the first to implement a new organic market in the Bottelary area. This soon to be established weekly event will feature organic products from farmers in the surrounding areas and allow everyone in the Stellenbosch and Kuils River regions to also be able to buy these products. A section of land on the Hazendal Estate has also been gifted to its dedicated workers for organic farming and the market will give them a platform to sell their wares, further enhancing the sustainable development aspects of the wine estate.

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Organic Box Schemes
This is a popular way to buy organic produce as it is quick and easy and supports organic farmers directly. Many different schemes exist that allow you to order what produce you want online or via the phone. You simply tell them what you want and they will fill a box or two for you. This is either then delivered to you or left at a collection point.

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Grocery Stores
Many of the larger South African grocery stores and supermarkets now carry an organic produce and products section. While often not huge, this does make organic products more available to everyone. In the past, most people chose to rather purchase organic foods directly from the farmer, claiming that if “you know the farmer, you know the food”. While this is no longer possible in today’s world, the key to buying organic produce in a large supermarket is to read the labels to ensure that what you are getting is truly organic and worth the extra spend. Make sure that all the ingredients listed in a product are also organic and that no additives or chemicals have been added. A “certified organic” label is a must, as this offers assurance that the product has been checked and endorsed by the relevant control body.

About the author:
About the Author

Hazendal Wine Estate was recently revived thanks to its new owner, Dr Mark Voloshin. The wine estate is committed to social development and uplifting the people of South Africa and has many projects in place to ensure that it gives back to the environment and people who have sustained it since its establishment in 1699.

www.hazendal.co.za


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