Have you seen claims that organic food isn’t any more nutritious than conventional food?

Wondering if buying and eating organic food is worth it?

The other day I got a text from Julie, one of our long-time CSA members. She wrote:

“I keep seeing posts and information saying that organic growing uses as many pesticides as conventional crops and there’s no measurable difference nutritionally. So the bottom line with these posts is there’s no point in buying organic because it’s still dirty with chemicals. Can you debunk this and help people understand that local is the way to go? Also, is it true that imported organic goods have to be ‘sprayed’ before they’re sold in the US?”

I’m so grateful for her question. It cuts straight to the heart of a confusing issue. If you’ve been wondering the same thing, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of misinformation circulating. 

So let’s break it down.

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“Organic uses just as many pesticides as conventional.”

This statement is misleading at best and intentionally confusing at worst.

Yes, organic farming does allow the use of certain pest and disease controls. But the substances permitted are  naturally derived.  They are much less harmful than conventional synthetic chemicals. Think:

• PyGanic – made from chrysanthemum flowers

• Spinosad – a naturally occurring soil bacterium that targets specific pests

Here on our farm, we only spray pesticides when absolutely necessary to save a crop.  When we do, it’s minimal and targeted. We rely heavily on non-chemical methods: insect netting, crop rotation, row covers, healthy soil biology, and beneficial insects.

Compare that to conventional agriculture, where glyphosate (Roundup) is routinely sprayed on genetically modified “Roundup Ready” crops multiple times during the growing season—and often used as a drying agent on wheat, oats, legumes, and more right before harvest.

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Roundup: What’s the Risk?

Glyphosate is now the most widely used herbicide in the world, and residues have been found in cereal, granola bars, baby formula, and drinking water.

Health concerns include:

• Increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Endocrine disruption and hormonal interference

• Gut microbiome damage

• Liver and kidney toxicity in animal studies

The World Health Organization’s cancer research division has labeled glyphosate a “probable human carcinogen.” And multiple lawsuits have found in favor of individuals who developed cancer after years of exposure.

So, no—using a small amount of naturally derived PyGanic is not the same thing as drenching crops in Roundup. It’s not even in the same ballpark.

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“There’s no nutritional difference.”

This claim shows up a lot, often based on outdated or cherry-picked studies. But more recent research tells a different story.

Several meta-analyses have found that organically grown produce has higher levels of certain antioxidants, polyphenols, and micronutrients compared to conventionally grown produce. Why?

Because healthy, living soil produces healthier plants—and healthy plants pass those nutrients on to you.

That said, there can be little nutritional difference between a tired “Big Organic” apple shipped 3,000 miles and its conventional counterpart. That’s why freshness and farming practices matter just as much as the label.

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Imported Organic Goods: What’s the Deal?

Julie also asked if it’s true that imported organic produce has to be sprayed before it can enter the U.S.

The short answer is: sometimes, yes—especially fruits that are at risk for introducing pests (like citrus, mangos, and berries). These treatments may include:

• Methyl bromide fumigation (a banned substance in organic production but allowed for imports)

• Hot water treatments

• Irradiation or quarantine protocols

So even if a product is labeled “organic,” if it’s imported, it may have been treated with substances that would not be allowed in organic farming here in the U.S. You just don’t know unless you ask.

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Why Local, Small-Farm Organic Is Different

This is where your local farmer comes in.

At Oak Spring Farm (and other farms like ours), we:

• Harvest produce right before you get it—preserving flavor, freshness, and nutrients

• Never use synthetic sprays or chemicals

• Rely on prevention, biodiversity, and hands-on care instead of inputs

• Grow food for you—not the global supply chain

You’re not just getting food. You’re getting a relationship. You’re getting accountability and transparency. When you know your farmer, you know your food.

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So Why Do Some Experts Say “There’s No Difference”?

Some respected functional doctors and health influencers have said there’s no meaningful difference between conventional and organic from a grocery store. And you know what? Sometimes they’re right—when comparing Big Organic and Big Conventional.

Because if you’re buying old, tired produce from halfway around the world that’s sat in cold storage for weeks, your kale might be equally sad—whether it’s organic or not.

But that’s a flaw of the supply chain, not a flaw of organic farming.

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Bottom Line: The Difference Is Local

So here’s the truth: Not all organic is created equal.

If you’re buying organic strawberries from a corporate farm in another hemisphere? Sure, the benefit might be minimal.

But if you’re buying local, small-farm organic produce from someone who:

• Uses minimal inputs

• Builds soil health

• Grows for taste, nutrition, and community…

…then yes. It makes a huge difference. For your health, for the environment, and for your peace of mind.

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Know Your Farmer. Know Your Food.

Thank you, Julie, for asking the hard questions and trusting us to answer them. When in doubt—ask your farmer. And if your farmer can’t or won’t answer? That is your answer.

Your choices matter. Local matters. You matter.