Greece Organic Food Market: Pros and Cons

The world has seen an increased shift towards healthier eating habits. That includes more preferences for organic food. This also happens in Greece among other nations. As more consumers take more concern into what they eat, there has been a growing demand for Greece organic food market.

According to a prominent market research firm, GMI Research, there has been significant growth in Greece organic food market size. This rapid development is due to the growing concerns for health among the consumers and the rising knowledge regarding the benefits of consuming organic products.

The Advantages

The growing popularity in the country is also due to the many benefits that it offers.

1. Minimize pesticides exposure

Organic food offers significant benefits including minimized pesticides exposure thanks to strict regulations in organic farming. There has been controversy surrounding this issue. Viewpoints such as that of Steven Savage, a plant pathologist who wrote for Forbes, suggest that pesticide residues on conventional foods often adhere to established safety standards.

However, in a feature article published by the Harvard School, the editors highlight that these safety limits are based on animal studies. They point out that some birth-cohort studies conducted in the US indicate that pesticides can indeed negatively affect children’s brains. It can lead to adverse effects on IQ and diagnoses of ADHD.

In the end, regardless of personal opinions about levels of pesticide in traditional foods, it is challenging to argue that reduced pesticide exposure is anything but a positive thing of organic foods.

2. Lowered antibiotics exposure

A study released by the parliamentary research in Europe highlights that antibiotics usage in agriculture is a major contributor to the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance. It has the potential to transfer between humans and animals. Organic agriculture’s restricted use of antibiotics represents a significant benefit. Rather than depending on antibiotics for animal health, organic farmers prioritize preventive strategies. That includes providing sufficient space for animals to roam. This practice helps decrease the spread of infections and diseases.

3. Minimize allergies

An examination of current scientific research highlights that certain studies suggest a correlation between consuming organic food and a reduced childhood allergies risk. The review also points out that adults who regularly consume organic foods are less prone to being overweight.

However, no definitive studies have established a causal relationship between these variables. This is particularly crucial because it is challenging to isolate organic food consumption from other lifestyle aspects within the same population that could also influence these health outcomes.

4. Better animals' treatment

According to a survey, a majority of organic food consumers hold the belief that organic farms must adhere to higher standards of animal welfare than conventional factory farms. Nonetheless, vague regulations and loopholes in enforcement mean this is not always guaranteed.

If your main priority when purchasing organic food is to avoid supporting factory farms and promote animal welfare, consider purchasing products which are Certified Humane and other comparable regulatory certification. These certifications ensure that animals receive high-quality care and living conditions.

5. Improve sustainability

In certain instances, it is clear that consumers assume the organic label automatically means animals are provided with ideal living conditions. Many consumers also assume that organic practices are generally more sustainable in comparison to conventional agriculture. This presumption isn't necessarily true, though.

As an instance, organic farmers have the flexibility to plant crops outside their natural seasons. They often employ heating systems or other resource-intensive practices. If sustainability is a key concern, it is advisable to research thoroughly to verify that the organic brand is genuinely eco-friendly.

6. Contain more nutrition

A common belief among consumers is that organic foods are more nutritious in comparison to conventionally produced ones, even though there is scant evidence supporting this view. One study in a recent publication revealed that organic onions possessed roughly 20 percent more antioxidants than conventionally grown varieties. Other studies published indicate that organic meat and milk contain greater levels of fatty acids in comparison to nonorganic alternatives.

The Disadvantages

Regardless the many benefits, Greece organic food market also faces challenges. There are farms that practice mostly organic methods but have chosen not to pursue official organic certification. This could be due to perceiving organic standards as overly restrictive or because they prefer not to increase costs for customers.