Long ago, Hippocrates said: “Make meals of candy, and meals of candy.”
Today, this term is used to describe the foundation of “organic”. Because it's something you eat every day, I'm pouring the psychology of people who want to choose safer things.
In the United States, 70% already decided to incorporate organic food into their diet, and in France, half of the school lunch ingredients are organic.
In addition, nowadays, more and more people are practicing lifestyles that meet all elements of clothing, food and shelter with organic foods, not just the food sector.
Organics are becoming familiar every day in Japan, and organic sake (organic sake) has appeared in the world of sake.
This time,
- Difference between overseas and Japanese organic circumstances
- Is organic food the best choice for health and the environment?
- Is organic sake delicious?
I will explain.
Organic is now a lifestyle
Organic means crops grown without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and is also called “organic”.
In order to sell under the name of organic cultivation, you must be certified by the organic JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) If you call yourself “Organic…”, severe penalties are waiting.
Nowadays, organic has become so popular that it is used not only for the legal division of food, but also as a word for the person's principle and way of life.
Specific examples of organic lifestyles are:
- Daily meals are organic
- For clothing, wear organic materials such as cotton, silk, linen and cashmere.
- When building a house, use building materials that do not contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that cause sick house syndrome
- Use natural ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar for cleaning
- Reduce the use of cars and pay attention to carbon dioxide emissions, etc ...
Increasing numbers of people believe that sustaining such an organic life will help individuals gain a natural and healthy well-being and, in turn, improve the global environment.
Organic is not just a product of using “organic fertilizer”
Do you know the definition of “organic”?
According to the “Questionnaire Survey on Consumer Understanding and Interest in Organic Agriculture”About 20% of people misinterpreted that `` If you use organic fertilizer, you can use chemical fertilizer or synthetic pesticide ''It is shown that you are doing.
This confusion is due to the guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries prior to the enforcement of the Organic JAS Law.
The guidelines at that time alone were not binding enough to crack down even if they were sold as “organic” by using some organic fertilizers while using pesticides and chemical fertilizers. For this reason, consumers are still unable to dispel the wrong “organic” image.
At the time when the Organic JAS Law was enforcedThe right organic definition It is,
In order to maintain and enhance the natural circulation function of agriculture, it is based on avoiding the use of chemically synthesized fertilizers and pesticides. Produced in fields that employ cultivation management methods that reduce the environmental burden as much as possible.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and FisheriesJapanese agricultural and forestry standards for organic agricultural products'
It is difficult to write, but to summarize it simply,
about it. Specifically, the following items are also required.
- Produced in fields where soil was made by composting for more than 2 years before sowing or planting (or more than 3 years before the first harvest in the case of perennial crops)
- Certified by a registered accreditation body accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
- Organic JAS mark affixed
* In principle, labels such as “no pesticides” and “reduced pesticides” are prohibited.
Behind this strict revision of organic JAS,
Because there was an unexpected situation.
In order to export agricultural products and processed products overseas as organic, Japanese regulations must be equivalent to those of other countries.
The current organic JAS is treated as a certification with standards equivalent to those of overseas organics in the US, EU, and Canada.
Overseas organic circumstances
The organic food market size in Japan is 1,850 billion. Compared to the US 525 billion (5.6 trillion yen) and the EU's 307 billion euro (3.6 trillion yen), the Japanese organic market is insignificant.
In Asia, organic farm products are produced in an area ratio of 1.0% in Korea and 0.4% in China, but organic farming in Japan is 0.2%.
EU organic food growth is up 2012% in 2016 compared to 47.7. As a result, the number of farmers turning to organic has increased to 18.7%.Supply not in time for organic popularityIn some countries, demand is rising.
Organic food consumption by country
Let ’s look at annual organic food consumption by major country.
| Country | National consumption | Per capita consumption |
| America | 525 billion (5.6 trillion yen) | 159 dollars (16,814 yen) |
| Germany | 109 billion euro (1.2 trillion yen) | 132 Euro (15,577 Yen) |
| France | 84 billion euros (9,900 billion yen) | 128 Euro (15,111 Yen) |
| Japan | 1850 billion yen | 1,468 Yen |
When the amount of organic food consumption in each country is converted to 1 per person, the amount is more than 10 in Japan.
Organic circumstances in France
In France, it is announced that half of the food purchased by the public sector must be organic.
Organic school lunch
The public sector includes schools,By 2022, half of the school lunch ingredients are organicDecided to be. You can feel the attitude of taking care of the children who will lead the future.
Choose organic wine over regular wine
In FranceOrganic wine is also popular.
Organic wines are made from grapes grown according to the principles of organic farming, and the use of chemical fertilizers, chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides is prohibited in principle.
In the next few years, wine consumption in France is expected to be almost flat,Apart from organic wine. Market analysis shows that 2022 million organic wines per year by 8750Is expected to be drunk, so organicity is likely to be required for sake.
It is mainly France that is leading the organic wine market in the world. It is already the momentum that occupies 15% of the organic market. It is said that this trend is gradually spreading not only to the city center but also to the surrounding area.
American organic circumstances
Organic is a trend in the United States.Organic wine has established itself as one of 1 wine genresdoing.
The wine-growing region has also become increasingly organic.
For example, Oregon is known as the main producer of red wine. The more 40% of vineyards are certified organic, the more popular organic wine is.
In addition, according to “WINE TRADE MONITOR (Wine Trade Monitor) 2018” by Sopexa, more than 35% expects organic wine sales to increase significantly over the next 2 year.
Differences in pesticide recognition between overseas and Japan
Organic popularity abroad is stunning, but why do they demand organic products that are orders of magnitude different from Japan?
There is a view that the preservation of the global environment, but everyone is cute. In the UK survey95% "to avoid pesticide consumption"Answer.
In Japan, pesticides from plastic bottle tea
On the other handThe Japanese government permits pesticides that are still banned overseas and relaxes the restrictions on the amount used.is.
The following is the content of the Asahi Shimbun article “NPO Survey for Pesticides in the Body, If the Organic Food Continuing Continues” (2019, 7, 12, XNUMX).
According to the results of a joint research conducted by Fukushima's NPO “Fukushima Prefecture Organic Farming Network” and “Hokkaido University Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine” That.
Pesticides accumulated in the bodyNeonicotinoidSystemic insecticides "6 species. 400 tons are used annually because it is easy to dissolve and handle in water.
This pesticide has also been detected in all commercially available PET bottle teas. (Author summary)
Here is a quote from “Food Encyclopedia.COM” ↓.
Source:Food Encyclopedia.COM “Wash grapes? Don't wash them? Are pesticides okay? Is it safe to eat whole skin?”
What is strange here is that “the amount of pesticides accumulated in the body has decreased”Despite the fact that Japanese people say "Japan's pesticide residue standards are strict so it's okay"This is why neonicotinoids are accumulated in the body.
Cancel neonicotinoids overseas
Neonicotinoids are considered to be pesticides that are absorbed from the roots and spread throughout the plant, affecting the central nervous system of insects such as honeybees that cause paralysis and death.
Bees that have obtained nectar or pollen from plants that have used neonicotinoids are unaware of the location of their nest to return.Bee disappearedDue to the nectar that is further contaminated with neonicotinoidsDecreased number of queen bees laying eggsSome studies have reported that the number of bees has decreased.
So every country except JapanPesticides that neonicotinoids cause destruction of the global ecosystemAs,
- Already major in the EUUse of neonicotinoid 3 typesBan
- France isNeonicotinoids are completely banned
- The US Environmental Protection AgencyCanceled approval for 12 types of neonicotinoids
- In Minnesota, besides restricting the use of neonicotinoids, it is more active in protecting bees
There are active moves to restrict and prohibit use.
In this way, Europe and the United States are very conscious about environmental conservation.
On the contrary, deregulation in Japan, fipronil dangerous to human body is still used
The current situation in Japan has, on the contrary, relaxed the neonicotinoid residue standards. "You can use more ♪"
Known to be highly toxic to humans and marine animals and plantsFipronilThere are pesticides, but since 2017Despite being banned from full use in the EU, spraying is still OK in Japan.
Is organic delicious and safe? Validation 8 example
In Japan, the display of crops by the use of pesticides and fertilizers is divided into 3 types. The meaning of each is as follows.
- General crops: normal crops available at supermarkets and greengrocers
- Organic crops: crops that meet JAS standards
- Specially cultivated crops: crops that are made to reduce or eliminate pesticides according to the local conditions
* The above-mentioned natural farming methods are not defined by law (Organic JAS Law, etc.).
Organic produce must meet organic JAS standards.
As mentioned earlier, since there was a past in which Japanese organics were not recognized as organic in the West, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has changed the standards to quite strict standards in order to make Japan's agricultural products equivalent to those in the West.
What is the organic JAS standard?
- The paddy field needs more than 3 years after not using pesticides and chemical fertilizers
- Furthermore, it is separated from non-organic paddy fields, and measures to avoid the inflow and inflow of agricultural chemicals are also necessary.
- For the construction of soil, compost, soil animals, and the power of microorganisms are used, and chemical fertilizers are prohibited.
- Physical and animal exclusion of pests. No use of pesticides
- Paper mulch is allowed, but biodegradable mulch cannot be used
- Avoid mixing with non-organic produce after harvest
- Not using GMO technology ... etc.
However, the following exceptions are permitted.
- Seeds and seedlings should be used in cases where it is difficult to use seeds that are compatible with the method of production of organic produce.Ordinary seeds are acceptable
- For soil management, if normal crop growth is insufficientAcceptable fertilizers and soil improvement materials can be used
- To eliminate pests that cause serious damage to agricultural productsAcceptable organic JAS standard acceptable pesticides (hereinafter referred to as “organic pesticides”)
① Organic crops have no health benefits compared to general crops
A meta-analysis by the Stanford University team has published the following results for Organic:
- For general and organic cropsNo difference in health effects
- Vitamin contentThere is no significant difference
- Organic isHigh phosphorus content
- But organicMilk has a lot of omega-3
Unfortunately, there is no concrete evidence that "organic contains more vitamins and minerals than traditional produce and is more nutritious than regular crops" ...If so, it is a close differenceIt was only a result.
② There is no evidence that organic produce is more delicious than general produce
Organic has a reputation for having a strong taste, but organic has many types of local production for local consumption, and consumers eat it while it is fresh.
The same can be said for general crops. It is delicious if it is fresh. On the other hand, if you leave the organic in the refrigerator for a few days, the taste and nutrition will be lost.To go.
Not only organic doubts,Organic food is more dangerousThere is also a theory that.
③ Vegetables grown without pesticides produce toxins
Unlike common crops protected with pesticides and chemical fertilizers, organically grown vegetables need to fight many pests and weeds. as a result,Plants add more natural toxins in plants to protect themselves from pests and natureI will
For example, potato solanine is harmful enough to cause death.
Psoralen (contained in celery, kiwi, orange, etc.) is phototoxic and causes spots, blisters, and eczema on human skin under sunlight.
In addition, organics tend to increase the number of phenolic compounds (antioxidants) to protect themselves from insects.There is not enough research that "phenol contributes to health".
Conversely, high concentrations of phenol cause mutations and inhibit iron absorptionBecause of this fact, women who are anemic need to be careful.
④ Organic farm products that do not use chemical fertilizers have many bacteria
Compost that can be used by organic farmers is “saturated livestock and poultry excreta with bedding”.
“The contents of livestock and poultry feeds and medications used (antibiotics, etc.) are not a problem,” the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries recommends using compost as a soil conditioner. But,If the excreta is not properly composted and matured, the agricultural products will become contaminated.May be.
For example in excrementEscherichia coli O157 is a serious disease if it continues to live in the soil from 90 days to 120 days, invades the edible part of agricultural products, and neglects proper cleaning and heating.Cause
⑤ Organic agricultural products weakened by insects and weather are vulnerable to mold
Organic vegetables are non-GMO. That meansResistant to pests and the natural environmentthere is not.
Nevertheless, it is not protected by pesticides and must withstand attacks by pests. The weakened plantAflatoxin, a carcinogenic toxic substance made by a mycotoxin mold■ContaminatedWill be easier.
Organic farm products don't use fungicides on vegetables when harvested, so aflatoxins continue to grow in storage.
* Aflatoxin is a mold toxin that can induce liver cancer even at low doses.
⑥ Organic pesticides are worse for the environment than chemical pesticides
Use of chemical pesticides is prohibited, but organic pesticides may be used. But someOrganic pesticides are harmful to beneficial insects protecting cropsThere is a research called.
Organic pesticides are composed of natural products or natural products, so there is a safe impression.
However, there are some organic pesticides that are clearly written that there is a risk of “affecting marine animals and plants” when they flow into rivers.
Organic pesticides are often less effective than chemical pesticides.Necessary to spray in large quantitiesthere is. No matter how much organic pesticides are used, there is a risk of destroying the ecosystem if they are used in large quantities.
⑦ Organic farm products are expensive
Organic pesticides are expensive. The organic pesticide “Rimonica” for mites requires 300 to 990 liters for rice fields (2 tsubo / 4 square meter), but the price per 1 liter is 33,000 yen! This is a maximum of 132,000 yen.
It is said that organic agricultural products are expensive because it takes time and effort such as weeding, but in fact it is thought that prices are rising due to the use of high organic pesticides.
⑧ Organic agricultural products cause global warming
Organic crops often grow poorly, and some farmers increase their planting area. That leads to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions and spurs global warming.
Research has shown that organic cereals and organic pigs have higher greenhouse gas emissions than general agricultural products. In particular, organic paddy fields generate a large amount of methane (CH2), a greenhouse gas with a heat retention capacity 25 times that of CO4.
GAP has priority over organic produce at the Tokyo Olympics
Ingredients used at the Olympic and Paralympic Olympic Village are GAP■It is supposed to be procured from the farmer who manages.
GAP is a farming method that does not deny pesticides indiscriminately, but requires some ingenuity in how to avoid the use of pesticides.
What is organic sake?
From paddy field, rice cultivation and brewingSake that maximizes the original potential of rice by the power of nature without relying on chemical substances. That is organic sake.
Strict conditions have been issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for organic sake.
Cleaning the warehouse does not use drugs
It ’s essential to use organic rice,Not only rice but also yeast is organicCertificate is required. Furthermore, all the sake makingEliminate chemicals and chemicals from the processHave to.
For example, equipment.
Plywood is prohibited on the wall of the warehouse. No chemicals are allowed to clean the warehouse. All will be hot water disinfection by hand.
Organic JAS mark that can not be obtained
In order to make organic sake, thorough management is necessary.The mark allowed by the country is a small indication that it is inconspicuousOnly ... This makes it difficult to differentiate from other sake.
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If possible, it would be easy for consumers to understand that organic JAS mark is prominently visible like this product, but organic sake is under the jurisdiction of the National Tax Agency. I can't put it on.
In France, the French government ’s organic certification logo “Label AB” is displayed on the wine (the part circled in red circles), so it ’s easy for consumers to choose products…
Let's choose sake at "Taste First"
If you use organic rice for sake brewing, you will have a sense of security on the side of drinking, and you will be able to enjoy the deliciousness of rice grown with the power of organic food.
But,
It can also be said.
To live a healthy life, staying organic and thinking about the global environment is wonderful!
In Europe, where there are many cool and semi-arid areas, and in the United States, which has a mild climate, in contrast to Japan, where temperate monsoon climate has a lot of rain and moisture, insects and weeds are likely to occur, and organic crop production is difficult.It seems.
As I read the blog that says it ’s so hard to make organicIf you are an organic farmer who has overcome such difficulties, you will be filled with thoughts.
Certified as GIAHS (Gias: World Agricultural Heritage)! Sake with rice from Niigata and Sado Island
In 2011, FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization) certified Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture for the first time in Japan.
The reason why Sado Rice is produced in a way that reduces chemical pesticides and fertilizers in a way that harmonizes with nature is the reason why it was recognized as a World Agricultural Heritage.
There are 3 reasons why Sado Island was certified as Diaz, but among them, the agricultural system called “Certification System for Living with Toki” is highly evaluated.
This certification
- Reduce pesticides and chemical fertilizersAiming for “agricultural methods to nurture creatures”
- "Growing rice while respecting the life and nature of living things
- The resulting rice is ``Agricultural products recognized as "safe and delicious"
Only given to agricultural systems that have cleared
Part of the sales of safe and delicious Sado rice was donated to the Sado City Toki Conservation Fund. By buying safe Sado rice, you can protect the declining red pepper.
This system is a more specific way to protect the Earth's ecosystem than the vague slogan “Protect the Earth”. By donating a definite amount of money to protect the world's extinct organisms around the world, it will lead to “global environmental conservation”.
In such Sado Island,Yamada Nishiki, grown under contract farming with farmers, is refined to 35%, and sake is made by long-term low-temperature fermentation.
'Is characterized by a “smelling fragrance that makes you feel the fruit” and a “taste that is delicate and luxurious” that drifts softly when you open the bottle.
Enjoy tonight's supper while imagining the appearance of red toads in the clear sky of Sado.
→Click here for Amazon Kitayuki Sake Brewery YK35
Summary of organic sake
In Japan, an increasing number of people are organic.
Considering the global environment, including the health of you and your family, and changing your lifestyle to organic is meaningful, organic food is the first choice, even at a slightly higher price.
However, with regard to sake, it seems that there is no need to worry about “dangerous pesticides remain in sake made with regular rice” and “it is not organic and the taste goes down”.
Do not use any chemical fertilizer, organic fertilizer, human or animal dung, animal dung compost, meat-and-bone meal, fish meal, rice bran, rice bran, charcoal, agricultural chemicals, etc.Yamada Nishiki of “natural farming”There is also a sake that uses sushi.
Note:organicとNatural farmingAre not the same
What is the definition of natural farming?
Instead of using agricultural chemicals, human manure and chemical fertilizers, compost is made from dead grass and straw and returned to the vineyard, creating the same life-threatening environment as the natural soil. Agricultural product production method that reproduces the mechanism of
Source:Wikipedia “Natural Farming”
In natural farmingOrganic pesticides,Animal wasteNot use.
- Don't plow land
- Do not weed
- Pesticide-free
- No fertilizer except using hay
And it ’s the ultimate “natural cultivation”. However, it can be said that natural farming is “a more natural, permanent, and cyclic farming method”.
If possible, I would like to enjoy various local sakes such as organic sake and naturally cultivated sake without dividing them into genres.
Reference site
・ Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “About organic food inspection certification system”
・ News European Parliament
・ Reiko Yoshino “Questionnaire Survey on Consumer Understanding and Interest in Organic Agriculture”
・ Sopexa
・ Japan Soil Association “Materials that can be used in organic agriculture”
・ Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “Efforts in Japan to prevent the harm of bees by agricultural chemicals”
・ JETRO "Overseas Business Information"
・ Science Daily "Organic pesticides not always'greener' choice, study finds"
・ Stanford Medicine `` Little evidence of health benefits from organic foods, study finds ''
・ IFLScience `` Organic Food Is Worse For The Climate Than Non-Organic Food ''
・ Nippon Agricultural Chemicals Co., Ltd. “Nichino Spray Oil [Machine Oil Emulsion]”
・ Ehime University Faculty of Agriculture “Study on Evaluation of Rice Growth, Yield and Quality and Generation of Methane and Nitrous Oxide in Organically Cultivated Paddy Field”
* Calculated with the exchange rate of 2019 in 8 year.
* This article is a writer's original opinion based on reference information. Please use the information at your own risk and judgment. The writer and publisher are not responsible for any direct or indirect damages resulting from this. Please note.
