Anthia Koullouros answered these questions about organic products.

What is an organic product?

A product grown and processed without pesticides, fertilisers, fungicides, herbicides, colours, flavours, preservatives, synthetic growth hormones, vaccines, antibiotics and genetically modified organisms.

What is certified organic?

It’s a process that involves an annual audit by a certifying body to ensure the product is free of synthetic substances. For example, Biological Farmers of Australia certified organic means more than 95 per cent and ideally 100 per cent of the product (excluding salt and water) must come from agricultural origin to be certified organic at all.

What is biodynamic?

Biodynamic farming is a method of producing crops and animals that cares for the environment without the use of synthetic chemicals. Farmers deter pests by planting diverse crops, rotation planting with the seasons, and conserving natural ecosystems. Its focus is on soil health, which leads to healthy plants and animals.

Why choose organic?

Choosing organic acknowledges the interactions between people, animals, environment, food and the products we use. In many cases organic products are healthier, more nutritious and less allergenic. Evidence is emerging that higher concentrations of antioxidant-rich compounds occur in organic crops, as the plants produce their own immunity if no pesticides are used. When we consume such plants, we take in these cell-protecting constituents.