1. WHY SHOULD I BUY ORGANIC PRODUCTS WHEN THEY COST MORE THAN NON-ORGANIC PRODUCTS?

Organic farming is more labour-intensive than chemical farming, since the application of toxic chemicals is avoided. Unlike chemical pesticides and fertilizers, organic supplies such as compost and bio-pest control are usually not subsidized by agri-business or the government. Thus, both labour and materials cost more for organic agriculture.

However, when buying organic goods, you can be assured what you are eating is safe, will not increase the risk of illnesses for you or your family, endanger farmers and their families, or further degrade the environment. If you factor in the costs of environmental pollution and illness caused by chemical farming, buying organic goods may well be LESS expensive over time.

Finally, organic foods simply taste delicious! Our customers report that we are “spoiling them” with our wholesome products.

2. HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT JAIVA PRODUCTS ARE ACTUALLY ORGANIC?

Jaiva sources all goods directly from farms that Jaiva staff has personally visited. All of our products can be traced directly to the farmer. Some of our products are certified organic by a reputable certifying agency. However, some farmers who are in fact growing organically cannot afford official certification. We believe that these small organic farmers should not be denied access to organic markets just because they cannot afford certification. Occasionally Jaiva also stocks “transitional” products. Organic certification requires that no chemicals be used on the land for at least the past five years. “Transitional” indicates that the products are grown without pesticides by farmers who have switched to organic methods, but that the five year time limit has not yet been reached. If the farmers demonstrate that they are truly using organic methods, or are transitioning to organic methods in good faith, Jaiva is pleased to be able to stock their products.

3. IF FARMERS STOP USING PESTICIDES AND FERTILIZERS, WON'T THAT LEAD TO DECREASED YIELDS?

This question has a complex answer. It is true that for some crops, effective, organic alternatives to chemical farming have not yet been developed, and growing these crops on a large scale without chemicals is more difficult. However, for many crops, effective organic methods of cultivation do exist. Methods include using natural compost and natural pesticides such as neem, choosing more pest-resistant seed varieties, and introducing insects that eat crop pests. When farmers initially transition from chemical to organic farming, yields for crops are likely to decrease at first, since the chemicals previously used have weakened the soil. However, within a few years, as soil health improves, yields often increase dramatically, often meeting and sometimes even surpassing previous yields using chemical methods. A recent US study based upon data from 154 growing seasons showed that employment of organic methods yields 95% of crops grown with chemically intensive, non-organic methods. Here in India, small farmers switching to organic methods were found to achieve get yields often approaching or even surpassing previous yields after about three years.

It is also important to note that research directed towards developing the most effective organic methods has been very limited. By contrast, agri-businesses have spent many crores of rupees developing and promoting chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Given the severe dangers of many pesticides, and that fact that organic farming methods are so promising, doesn’t it make sense to push for organic agriculture?

4. WHAT CAN I DO AS A CONSUMER TO SUPPORT ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN INDIA?

• Buy as much as you can from Jaiva or other organic outlets! Even if you cannot afford to buy all organic foods, do what you can given your budget.
• Educate yourself. The internet has a wealth of information about the risks of pesticides and the benefits of organics. Learn about the larger context of agricultural trade, and the pressure that the chemical industry exerts on Indian farmers. Visit www.jaiva.org for some web links to get you started.
• Join environmentally-minded organisations, or start one yourself.
• Tell your friends about Jaiva. Talk to others about environmentally-friendly lifestyle choices and the benefits of organics.
• In order to avoid excess use of plastic bags, remember to bring a cloth bags when you shop. You can buy them at Jaiva, too. • Talk to farmers and get to know them.
• Begin your own organic garden at home. You can even grow some plants in pots if you do not have access to land.
• Volunteer at Jaiva or with other environmentally oriented organisations.
• Offer your suggestions to us! Call us at 98440 70353 or email info@jaiva.org.