The word “organic” defines the way agricultural products are grown and processed.

Importantly, organic farming methods prohibit the use of toxic and persistent chemicals in favour of earth-friendly practices that work in harmony with nature. It’s that simple. Organic plants (grains, vegetables and fruit) are grown using healthy, rich soil to produce strong plants that resist pests and disease. Livestock are raised and kept healthy and productive using preventative measures.

Stringent standards ensure that specific practices are used to produce and process organic agricultural ingredients used for food and non-food purposes. The result? Choosing organic foods is all about consuming less of the “bad” stuff and more of the “good” stuff.

We hear a lot about sustainability these days. Sustainability relates to almost every aspect of our life on Earth.

In ecological terms, it means the ability of biological systems to remain diverse and productive. For mankind, it means the long-term maintenance of well-being. Of course the foundation for this well-being is the health of our planet and responsible use of natural resources.

Organic agricultural processes help support sustainability. And choosing organic products helps promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

It’s comforting to know that organic foods, such as Stonyfield probiotic organic yogurt, are produced in accordance with these very strict regulations.

Other yogurts? Well, if they’re not certified organic, you don’t have that assurance.

The Canada Food Guide recommends that you eat a variety of foods every day, including dairy products.

If you’re concerned about pesticides, you’ll be choosing organic dairy products such as Stonyfield organic yogurt more often these days.

Sometimes, organic choices are not an option – especially for fruit and vegetables. When it comes to the crunch, how do you choose the best of the bunch?

On its site, the Environmental Working Group lists 12 popular fresh fruits and vegetables that are consistently the most contaminated with pesticides and the 12 that consistently have low levels of pesticides. For convenience, download their wallet card or iPhone app (it lists the “dirty dozen” and the “clean 15”). The list can help you choose produce that lowers exposure to pesticides for you and your family. For the Dirty DozenTM, try to substitute organically-grown produce whenever possible. When this is not an option, you should still eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables but buy those that typically have fewer pesticides.

The growing consensus amongst scientists is that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during fetal development and early childhood.

Scientists know enough about long-term consequences of ingesting these powerful chemicals to advise that we minimize our consumption of pesticides.

How can I minimize my family’s consumption of pesticides?

The Environmental Working Group has found that people who eat the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables consume an average of 10 pesticides a day. Those who eat the 15 least contaminated conventionally grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer than two pesticides daily.

Will washing and peeling help?

Nearly all studies used to create the Environmental Working Group’s lists assume that people rinse or peel fresh produce. Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides. Peeling helps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin. The best approach: eat a varied diet, rinse all produce and buy organic when possible.

1. Organic products meet stringent standards. Organic certification is your assurance that products have been grown and handled according to strict procedures without persistent chemical inputs.

2. Organic food tastes great! It's common sense. Well-balanced soils produce strong, healthy plants that produce nourishing food for both people and animals.

3. Organic production reduces health risks. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent pesticides from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us. This is important for everyone – including agricultural workers.

4. Organic farms respect our water resources. The elimination of run-off from polluting chemicals and fertilizers, in combination with soil conservation, protects and conserves water resources, minimizing contamination of rivers, lakes, oceans and drinking water.

5. Organic farmers build healthy soil. Soil is the foundation of the food chain. A primary focus of organic farming is to protect and build healthy soil.

6. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature. Organic farmers respect the balance needed to support a healthy ecosystem. Wildlife is encouraged by using permanent pastures, utilizing buffer zones, planting wildlife refuges and by protecting wetlands, forests and other natural areas.

7. Organic producers are leaders in innovative research. Organic farmers have led the way, largely at their own expense, with innovative on-farm research aimed at reducing pesticide use and minimizing agriculture's impact on the environment.

8. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity. Biodiversity (a large variety of life forms within a given ecosystem) is one of the most pressing environmental issues. The good news is that many organic farmers and gardeners have been collecting and preserving seeds, and growing unusual varieties for decades.

9. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for their crops.

10. Organic is becoming mainstream. Now every food category has an organic alternative. Non-food agricultural products are being grown organically too - even cotton, which most experts felt could not be grown this way.