Tala Rhodes

Pd 7th
Organic vs. Conventional Foods

The food industry presents us with a choice between organic and so-called
conventional food, but consumers do not understand the repercussions of the choice to follow
the crowd by choosing conventional food. I, too, was deceived by the food industry before doing
my research. I believed that conventional food was merely widely-produced, while organic food
was produced on a smaller-scale and over a longer period of time. I didnt believe they were all
that different. The sacrifice I did not know that I was makingthat most consumers dont realize
they are makingis the trade between quality, nutritious food and cheap, convenient food.
The food industries, organic and conventional, have differences in animal treatment, diet,
and living conditions. Conventional farms use marketing labels with images of sunshine and
traditional farms to hide the cruel and unusual standards of living livestock have to endure.
Animals, such as cows, are force-fed corn as a cheaper alternative to grass. This accelerates
weight gain more meat for the consumer and more profit for the company. (Joanes) How cows
are affected does not even matter anymore. At one point cows were fed other dead cows as an
even cheaper alternative to corn. It was this inhumane treatment that led to Mad Cow. The
animals are born into a world to be subjected to serving humans alone and live a miserable
quality of life.
Another difference between the organic and conventional food industries lies in their use
of pesticides. Many farmers prefer to use synthetic pesticides instead of organic pesticides
because the former is generally more effective at lower doses. Farmers are able to save money
and time by using the synthetic option. On the other hand, farmers who use organic pesticides
find themselves hav[ing] to use of the natural pesticides because they break down faster.

Tala Rhodes
Pd 7th

(Moyer). Even though the synthetic pesticide is much more efficient, it is incredibly toxic. For
example, the chemical Monitor is so toxic to the nervous system that no one is allowed in the
field for five days after it is sprayed. (Pollan). Synthetic pesticides, like Monitor, are so toxic,
that agricultural companies prefer to let go of a potential profit in order to guarantee safety in
these working conditions. The choice for synthetic pesticides is based primarily on profit and
convenience, rather than health, safety, and diet, as is the case with organic pesticides.
My newfound knowledge of the food industry has opened my eyes to see how my food
choices can impact not only my personal health and diet, but the treatment of animals and the
environment. The food I choose has the power to affect the lives of animals that are under the
threat of profit-oriented companies and convenience-seeking consumers. Choosing my produce
carefully can protect me from traces of toxic substances that are intended to protect company
interests rather than the publics health. The irony of using so called conventional foods is that
they rely on synthetic manufacture. Conventional foods may be a cheaper choice; however, we
are paying for it in the long run.

Tala Rhodes
Pd 7th

Citation Page

Fresh. Dir. Ana S. Joanes. Perf. Diana Endicott, John Ikerd, Andrew Kimbrell. Ripple Effect
Films, 2009. DVD.
Moyer, Melinda W. "Skip the Organic Aisle. Conventional Produce Is Good for Your Kids."
Slate Magazine. The Slate Group, Graham Holdings Company, 28 Jan. 2014. Web. 22 Apr. 2014.
Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. New York:
Penguin, 2006. Print.