Biodiversity

One definition for Biodiversity according to Chef Robert Garlough (2010) “is increasing the available plants and animals, in an area so that they will exist and mutually support each other’s growth. Each ecosystem benefits from biodiversity and the protection of the local plants and animals. A healthy ecosystem protects a region from natural disasters or helps with the speedy recovery from one”.

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting an organic farm where I was exposed to the production of food using biodiversity techniques and sustainable systems together which produce natural foods. The compost used as fertilizer for the plants is also organic. Understanding the concept of biodiversity may be a philosophical change in mindset for some though the facts are clear. Some people may first have to accept the fact that organic farming provides safer food for the public without the use of herbicides, pesticides and other toxic chemicals. The toxins are used to destroy microbes, insects, and plants in an effort to produce more food.

One difference between organic food and conventional food is that organic food uses no toxins in the growing process and conventional farm foods do. There is still a strong debate as to the nutritional value one gets when eating these foods though many believe food that has no toxins is healthier than food produced with toxins.

Farmers who understand and use biodiversity and sustainability systems are producing healthy foods and the effect this has on the ecosystem is assisting its natural reproduction verses destroying our ecosystem through the use of toxins.

Help support your local farmer.