When organic pays off

The term organic farming describes a particularly natural and species-friendly type of agriculture. It uses natural fertilisers from animal sources, plants and rocks, relies on natural pesticides and hardy plant varieties and animal species. Advanced technologies for weed and pest control are also used, as long as the principles of care and sustainability are upheld. Soil fertility and biodiversity are specifically cultivated and promoted, while the animals are cared for and fed in a species-appropriate manner. The term «organic» has been legally defined in Switzerland for 20 years.

If parents favour organically grown food when cooking for their child, this has a number of potential benefits. However, scientific research in this area is far from complete.

Organic products offer an alternative with fewer pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilisers. Avoiding these can reduce the potential intake of residues in the diet. Growing children appear to be more susceptible to the negative effects of such chemicals. Research also suggests that organic foods may have increased levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Higher nutrient content in foods can have a positive impact on children's diets.

Organic biscuits are just as sugary

So is organic always better? The issue of nutrients in particular is a constant source of controversy among experts. Weather, soil, growing period, time of harvest and test methods have different effects on the test results. This raises the question of whether organic food is necessarily healthier.

With fruit and vegetables, the quicker they are eaten after harvesting, the more nutrients they retain. This is also the reason why vegetables frozen directly after harvesting often have higher nutritional values than market vegetables. In the case of processed organic products such as biscuits or crisps, the often high sugarand fat content cancels out the possible positive aspects and they are just as useless as the conventional alternatives.

Organic is more expensive

Certification fees and higher standards often result in additional costs for organic farmers. In addition, yields are often lower with these cultivation and husbandry methods, which leads to higher prices for organic products. This can be a strain on a family budget. Parents should therefore always weigh up the pros and cons. When it comes to fruit and vegetables, it can therefore make sense to consider seasonal and locally produced varieties rather than organically grown produce.

However, when it comes to meat - especially meat from abroad - it is worth choosing certified organic products. Compared to Switzerland, which also has relatively high standards for conventional livestock farming, animal welfare is not always prioritised when it comes to farming conditions abroad. The motto here is: limit your meat consumption and occasionally opt for more expensive but more sustainably produced meat.

Deciding whether to favour organic food at the family dinner table is therefore complex. Whilst organic produce can offer potential benefits, parents must also consider the financial burden and limited scientific validity. The priority should be to offer children a balanced diet with a variety of fresh foods, whether organic or conventional.

Remember: teaching your child to be conscious about food is just as important as the food choices themselves. Promoting healthy nutritional awareness and a balanced diet are fundamental to your child's long-term health and well-being.