Decoding the Differences and Implications for Your Health

Introduction

In a world where environmental concerns and health are at the forefront, the terms “bio” and “organic” have become staples in the vocabulary of wellness-conscious consumers. Yet, while often used interchangeably, these terms hide significant distinctions. This article aims to clarify these differences, examine the implications of each approach, and help consumers make more informed food and product choices..

" To grow organically is to cultivate the land; others cultivate their plants."

Definition of Terms

Bio : The term "BIO" is a label that certifies that products meet specific standards for agricultural production and processing. Organic labels vary from country to country and may include criteria for the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and growing methods. However, it is important to understand that this label does not always guarantee that products are free of certain chemical additives or that they come exclusively from living sources. Some organic labels, particularly in Switzerland, are known for their rigor, but the quality can vary, and it is crucial to verify the credibility of the specific label.

" Organic is just a label, and it wasn't even created by passionate farmers."

Organique : The term “organic” refers to products that come from living, local sources. Organic products are designed to be composed entirely of living matter, whether plant or animal. Organic criteria emphasize the natural and local origin of ingredients, excluding minerals and other non-living substances. Organic farming goes beyond simple production to integrate sustainable practices that also include packaging and waste management.

" Growing organically means avoiding petrochemicals."

Certification Criteria

Organic Label :

• Cultivation Methods : Organic products are grown without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. However, some organic labels allow the use of mineral fertilizers and specific natural or synthetic pesticides.
• Additives and Preservatives : Certain additives and preservatives are permitted, provided they meet organic certification standards..
• Bien-être animal : Animals must be raised in conditions that respect their welfare, without the use of routine antibiotics or growth hormones.
• Import and Localization : Organic products can be imported, and location criteria are not always strictly enforced. Verifying provenance is crucial to assess the overall environmental impact.

" Organic allows certain chemicals in its list."

Organic Criteria :

• Living Sources : Organic products must come exclusively from living sources. Mineral fertilizers, which require chemical transformation to be used, are not considered organic. "Minerals are not organic... They require chemical transformation to be used as fertilizers."
• Location : Organic products emphasize local origin, thus reducing the environmental impacts of transportation and promoting the local economy. "Growing organically means using recycled local products."
• Cultivation and Processing Methods : Practices must be entirely based on natural methods and must not include non-living ingredients or chemicals. In addition, packaging must also meet ecological standards to ensure a truly sustainable approach. "Growing organically means avoiding petrochemicals."
• Certifications and Labels : Organic products often have to meet specific certification criteria to ensure they meet these standards. Among the respectable labels, the IP Suisse label stands out for its rigorous requirements for sustainable production.

" Growing organically means using local and recycled products."

Comparison of Approaches

1. Pureté et Origine : Organic products may include certain additives and preservatives, some of which may be chemical. In contrast, organic products guarantee a completely living and local composition. This distinction is crucial for consumers looking for products that are completely natural and free of non-living components. "Organic is just a label... and not even created by passionate farmers." Furthermore, "Organic allows chemicals in its list," which can compromise the integrity of organic products.
2. Environmental Impact : Organic products, by emphasizing locality, reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Organic products, although they meet certain environmental standards, do not necessarily guarantee a reduction in the impacts linked to importation. Indeed, the packaging of organic products can often come from petrochemicals, which contradicts the ecological approach if we do not take into account the entire life cycle of the product. "Growing organically is cultivating the land, others cultivate their plants."
3. Cultivation Methods : Organic growers focus on caring for and regenerating the soil, creating a sustainable ecosystem for plants to grow. They avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides, favoring growing techniques that maintain the health of both the soil and the plant. In contrast, organic growing methods may include chemical fertilizers and pesticides in some circumstances. The difference is also in the approach: an organic grower works and nourishes the soil, while an organic grower focuses primarily on the health of the plant, sometimes at the expense of soil sustainability.

" Minerals are not organic; they require chemical transformation to be used as fertilizers."

Bio Indoor: Especially in CBD

The concept of"bio" is usually associated with outdoor farming practices, where the land can be monitored and tested to ensure that it is free of chemicals. In Switzerland, for example, the organic label requires that the soil has been free of chemicals for at least 15 years, ensuring that the soil is almost completely pure. This requirement is difficult to meet in an indoor environment, as indoor growing conditions do not allow these criteria to be met strictly.

Indeed, for a product to be certified organic, the soil must be rigorously controlled and analyzed, which is practically impossible to achieve in indoor cultivation where soils are often made of artificial substrates or mixtures that cannot be completely checked for the absence of chemical residues. In addition, the management of increasing contaminations in a controlled environment, such as pesticide or fertilizer residues, makes it difficult to maintain organic integrity.

However, indoor growing offers significant advantages in terms of environmental control and purity. Unlike outdoor growing, where pests like spider mites, aphids, or thrips can be constant problems, the controlled indoor environment allows for these risks to be effectively managed. Indoor growers can maintain strict control over growing conditions, allowing for high purity and even opt for organic methods using natural predators to control pests. However, these indoor growing methods do not meet the criteria for organic certification due to the inherent limitations of these growing systems and the specific challenges of soil and substrate testing and certification.

It is also important to note that these challenges are not uniformly recognized by all labels. In Switzerland, for example, the only label to which we give real credibility is the label"IP Suisse", which is distinguished by the presence of a specific symbol on its logo. This label imposes rigorous criteria and in-depth controls, ensuring high compliance with organic standards. On the other hand, other organic labels can leave a list of charges to be desired, often authorizing practices and chemicals that do not meet the strictest expectations in terms of organic farming. Less demanding labels may not offer the same guarantee of purity, leaving room for practices that are not entirely in accordance with the principles of true organic farming.

So, in the realm of CBD and other indoor-grown products, it’s crucial for consumers to understand that organic certifications don’t apply to these growing methods at all. Indoor-grown products may offer benefits in terms of environmental control and purity, but they don’t meet the criteria for organic certification due to the inherent limitations of these growing systems.

" Dolomite, azomite, etc., are not organic; they are minerals."

Conclusion

Organic labels offer a guarantee of certain standards of production and processing, but may include ingredients and practices that are not entirely natural or local. Organic products go further by guaranteeing an exclusively live and local origin, and by integrating sustainable practices into all aspects of production. For consumers concerned about purity, sustainability, and environmental impact, organic products present a compelling alternative to organic products. Ultimately, choosing products that meet the criteria of purity, sustainability, and locality can contribute to a healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle.