ORGANIC PRODUCTS AT THE RESILIENT STORE
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Time to read 5 min
For our bodies, organic foods mean protection against chemical residues and less exposure to harmful substances. For the Planet, organic agriculture is synonymous with preserving soil biodiversity, reducing water contamination and lower environmental impact. Furthermore, organic products often involve agricultural practices that respect animal welfare.
The search for a healthier and more sustainable life almost always leads to organic foods – those grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical or synthetic fertilizers or genetically modified organisms, promoting more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
At The Resilient Store Brasil, we believe in the power of organics to not only promote individual health, but also to boost sustainable agricultural practices. One of the criteria that guides our curation is that the items selected for our store are completely organic, as a way of ensuring that the products available promote the health of our community and also the well-being of the planet .
What are organic products?
Organic products are foods grown and produced according to agricultural practices that do not involve the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, growth hormones or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
They are certified by regulatory agencies that guarantee compliance with specific organic production standards, aiming to promote soil health, water conservation and biodiversity.
What is the difference between industrialized and organic products?
Industrialized and organic products are two distinct types of food with very significant differences in terms of production, ingredients, agricultural methods and environmental impact.
ORGANIC PRODUCTS
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Production methods: produced following organic farming standards, which prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and other synthetic additives. Organic growers use natural methods to maintain soil and plant health.
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Ingredients: Generally made with natural, unprocessed ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meat and dairy products from animals raised without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics.
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Environmental impact: they tend to have a lower environmental impact, as organic farming methods promote biodiversity, soil conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.
- Health: They are often considered healthier as they are free from pesticide residues and synthetic fertilizers. They also tend to have higher levels of certain nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
INDUSTRIALIZED PRODUCTS
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Production methods: they are produced on a large scale using industrial and ultra-processing techniques and often contain chemical additives, preservatives, colorings and flavorings.
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Ingredients: May contain a variety of ingredients, including many that are processed and refined, such as white flours, refined sugars and hydrogenated oils.
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Environmental impact: They often involve intensive agricultural practices that can have negative impacts on the environment, such as soil degradation, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Health: may contain artificial ingredients, additives and preservatives that may be unhealthy when consumed in excess. Additionally, industrial processing can result in nutrient loss.
The consumption of organic products is increasing worldwide
There are different types of organic products, from fruits, vegetables and legumes to meats, dairy products and grains . However, the most consumed in Brazil generally include vegetables, fruits and eggs.
Growing awareness about the health benefits associated with organic foods has driven demand for these products.
Comparatively, Brazil is still expanding in the organic market compared to European countries, such as Germany and France, which have a long tradition in this sector. However, the country has advanced in the production and supply of organic foods, seeking to meet growing consumer demand for healthier and more environmentally friendly options .
Agrofloresta - Photo: Café Gato-Mourisco Project - Unsplash
Data indicates that the organic market in Brazil has grown at an average annual rate of approximately 20% in recent years, reflecting an increase in interest and acceptance of these products by the population.
Photo: Megan Thomas - Unsplash
Recent data on the consumption and market of organic products in Brazil:
- Brazil is one of the main producers and consumers of organic products in the world, with a total organic cultivation area of approximately 1.5 million hectares .
- Organic food sales in Brazilian retail exceeded 5 billion reais in 2023 , and the trend is for this growth to continue in the coming years.
- Brazilian consumers are increasingly aware of the benefits of organic products for health and the environment, boosting the market.
- Supermarkets, street markets and specialized stores are the main sales channels for organic products in Brazil, offering a growing variety of options for consumers.
- In addition to food, other sectors, such as cosmetics and organic cleaning products , are also gaining prominence in the Brazilian market.
Awareness about the environmental benefits of organic production is also a relevant factor, leading consumers to choose products that promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Furthermore, organic certifications and quality seals are crucial to guarantee the authenticity and traceability of products , promoting consumer trust.
Photo: Greta Hoffman - Pexels
However, access to organic foods is still a challenge for many consumers, as these products generally have higher prices compared to conventional ones.
Socioeconomic issues can influence the accessibility of organic products, as the low-income population may find it difficult to afford these foods.
Strategies to make organics more accessible , such as tax incentives, subsidies or family farming programs, can play a fundamental role in democratizing this market.
Certifications and Seals for organic products
In Brazil, certification of organic products is essential to guarantee the quality and reliability of food. Several seals and certifications are used to attest to organic production, each with its own specificities and criteria. Below are some of the main ones:
SisOrg - Brazilian Organic Conformity Assessment System
Managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA), SisOrg is responsible for the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies (OACs) that carry out the certification of organic products in Brazil. It ensures that certified products meet established standards.
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IBD - Biodynamic Institute
One of the main certifiers in Brazil, IBD is internationally recognized and certifies organic, biodynamic and Fair Trade products. Founded in 1991, the institute carries out audits and checks to ensure compliance with established standards.
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Ecocert
Based in France, Ecocert is one of the largest organic certification organizations in the world. In Brazil, Ecocert works by certifying organic products, natural cosmetics and ecological cleaning products, following strict sustainable production criteria.
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IMO Control - Ecological Market Institute
Present in more than 90 countries, IMO Control is a certification organization that works to verify organic products, sustainable textiles, natural cosmetics and ecological cleaning products. In Brazil, it is recognized for its expertise in organic certification.
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Family Farming (Participation of Family Farming in the Organic Market - PAF)
This certification highlights organic production from family farming, valuing the work of these producers and promoting socioeconomic sustainability. Family farming is largely responsible for producing the majority of food consumed by us Brazilians every day. There are countless products present in our daily lives, and we often don't even notice this striking presence. There are almost 87% of cassava, 70% of beans, 58% of milk, 50% of poultry, 59% of pigs, 46% of corn, 38% of coffee, 34% of rice and much more from this agriculture recognized for its diversity of production.
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These are just some of the seals and certifications available for organic products in Brazil. Each of them represents a commitment to sustainable production, consumer health and environmental preservation, ensuring that organic foods meet the highest quality standards.
