Good nutrition intake is important in our lives, and we need to consider what we take to benefit our health and the community’s well-being. USDA Organic is a certification that makes the strict standard for businesses and farmers to ensure their handling, processing, and growth procedures are beneficial for consumption (Schoolman et al., 2023). Food products that contain USAID seal means that the products meet the organization’s standards and it has above 95% of organic content. Organic production is important as it ensures natural ingredients and processes. USDA benefits the environment and community by ensuring less production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), soil protection, better nutrition content in food products, and the production of various products (Schoolman et al., 2023).
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a direct marketing model where community members initiate support for their farming operations. The support provided assists the farmers in making their farmland either spiritual or legal, the community farm, where the growers and consumers give mutual sharing and support for any risk and profit from the produce (Šūmane et al., 2018). CASs offer diverse opportunities and support for the population to meet and address various community issues. CASs also means health, as a healthy soil means healthy food products.
Cage Free is a poultry farming environment where hens laying eggs live in open indoor spaces. Cage-free hens vary widely and generally represent increased life quality for hens kept there compared to those kept in cages. Scientist support that cage-free hens are laying eggs with overall healthier nutritional content. In Cage-free, the hens can practice natural behaviors like dust-bathing and nesting (Trejo & White, 2021).
Report: USDA Organic, CSA, and Cage-free
Introduction
USDA Organic ensures the moderation of organically produced food in groceries, farm marketplaces, and restaurants. Community Supported Agriculture provides a collection of producers and consumers in the community over locally-grown farming. Cage-free egg production is healthier for both the hens and the consumers. This report aims to provide important changes for healthier nutrition for self, community, and environment.
Method
The methods I applied included conducting questionnaires in different farm marketplaces, grocery stores, and some community members. Also, observation was the key aspect as it directed the finding of healthier nutrition among different individuals in Colorado Springs.
Key Findings
Some examples of top grocery stores with USDA organic in Colorado Springs include Mountain Mama Natural Foods, Sprout Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s. This store has many customers who purchase its products (Schoolman et al., 2023). Colorado Spring’s most popular CASs cities are Greeley, Loveland, and Durango. The consumers in this part support the programs as they can receive fresh produce, including vegetables, meat, herbs, and fruits. The farmers in Cage-free hens farming mostly consider their eggs produced as it is described to be more nutritious compared to those laid in a Cage.
Conclusion
Firstly, organic farming improves soil health, which is good for the environment. Also, USDA Organic ensures the safety of the consumers by minimizing their experience with persistent and toxic chemical food (Schoolman et al., 2023). CSA promotes self and community healthier eating in various ways by increasing vegetable and fruits consumption, supporting mindful eating, and encouraging a plant-based diet. Therefore, it is encouraged to join the CSA program as it provides access to various vegetables and fruits, encourages sustainable farming practices, and builds a strong sense of community population (Šūmane et al., 2018). Lastly, it is encouraged to consume cage-free eggs as it contains multiple nutrients beneficial for our health.
References
Schoolman, E. D., Tulloch, D. L., & Halprin, F. R. (2023). Is organic for everyone? Access to sustainable, locally grown produce at farmers’ markets in New Jersey. Local Environment, 28(2), 135-156. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13549839.2022.2134322
Šūmane, S., Kunda, I., Knickel, K., Strauss, A., Tisenkopfs, T., des Ios Rios, I., … & Ashkenazy, A. (2018). Local and farmers’ knowledge matters! How integrating informal and formal knowledge enhances sustainable and resilient agriculture. Journal of Rural Studies, 59, 232-241. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0743016716302194
Trejo-Pech, C. O., & White, S. (2021). Egg production: conventional or cage-free? The CASE Journal, 17(4), 462-493. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/TCJ-10-2020-0132/full/html
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