Organic

In an era where consumers increasingly understand the term Organic, it's not just fruits and vegetables that are going organic and chemical-free. Food products like meats and eggs are also now receiving attention from producers in this regard.

Today, organic eggs have become a staple for many health-conscious consumers. But the history of these eggs goes back further than many might think. The organic egg industry has its roots in the organic farming movement that began in the early 20th century. This movement marked a positive beginning for the rise of the organic egg industry, which eschews synthetic chemicals in animal husbandry.

"Father of the Organic Movement" in the USA

The organic farming movement first emerged in the United States, starting in 1940 led by the Rodale Research Institute, an organization founded by J.I. Rodale, who is hailed as the Father of the Organic Movement in the USA. Rodale disseminated information through his institute and magazines about farming and gardening techniques. This information promoted a return to traditional farming methods that relied on natural processes and avoided synthetic chemicals.

It wasn't until the 1970s that the organic farming movement gained full momentum, as a large number of consumers became concerned about environmental issues and their own health. Thus, alongside the growth of organic agriculture, the organic egg industry also began to take shape.

The Pioneer and "USDA Organic" Standards

Gene Logsdon is one of the pioneers of the organic egg industry. He was a writer and farmer who believed in the principles of organic farming and wrote about his experiences raising chickens without antibiotics or synthetic chemicals. He then became a leading advocate for the organic egg industry and helped popularize the concept of organic eggs in the United States, gaining support from the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, which established national standards for organic farming and the USDA Organic label.

Key Requirements for Producing "Organic Eggs"

Organic egg producers must maintain several standards that go beyond those set for conventional egg producers, such as:

Feeding hens organic feed: This means feed free from synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, other chemicals, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

No routine antibiotics.

Cage-free environment: Providing sufficient indoor space to prevent overcrowding and stress. Allowing chickens access to fresh air and sunlight, and opportunities to forage for natural foods like plants, beetles, and various insects. This helps enhance a diverse range of nutrients and contributes to the chickens' overall health. Therefore, for eggs to be organic, hens must consume organic feed and be raised in a good, happy, and stress-free environment.

Benefits of Organic Eggs: Nutrients and Sustainable Choice

The main benefit of organic eggs is that they are richer in nutrients than conventional eggs. Studies have shown that organic eggs contain over 40% more Vitamin A and twice as much Omega-3 fatty acids as conventional eggs. Besides being healthier, organic eggs are also a more sustainable choice because organic farming emphasizes protecting and conserving the environment, which can positively impact soil health, water quality, and biodiversity.

Although organic eggs are priced higher, there are several reasons why consumers choose them. They believe organic eggs are healthier. Additionally, consumers expect that the hens producing these eggs are treated ethically and humanely, indicating that most consumers are concerned about the welfare of farm animals used to produce their food. This is another reason why they are willing to pay more for organic products.