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You're in a bit of a dilemma standing in front of the produce section of your local supermarket.
In one hand, you're holding a conventionally grown Granny Smith apple. In your other hand, you
have one that's been organically grown. Both apples are firm, shiny and green. Both provide vitamins
and fiber, and both are free of fat, sodium and cholesterol.
The conventionally grown apple costs less and is a proven family favorite. But the organic apple
has a label that says "USDA Organic". Does that mean it's better? Safer? More nutritious? Become
a better informed consumer for your next trip to the supermarket. Several differences between
organic and non-organic foods exist. The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process
agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming
practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who
grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent
livestock disease.
Here are other differences between conventional farming and organic farming:
* Organic or not? Check the label
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established an organic certification program
that requires all organic foods to meet strict government standards. These standards regulate how
such foods are grown, handled and processed. Any farmer or food manufacturer who labels and
sells a product as organic must be USDA certified as meeting these standards. Only producers who
sell less than $5,000 a year in organic foods are exempt(免除) from this certification.
If a food bears a USDA Organic label, it means it's produced and processed according to the
USDA standards. The seal is voluntary, but many organic producers use it.
1. The main purpose of the passage is ________________.
A. to promote the sales of organic food
B. to inform people organic food is better for their health
C. to compare conventional and organic foods
D. to persuade people to become informed consumers
2. According to the passage, organic farming is intended to ________________.
A. improve the quality of the soil and water
B. take the place of the traditional agriculture entirely
C. prevent livestock from getting disease more effectively
D. adopt environmentally-friendly methods to grow plants and feed animals.
3. According to the passage, the conventionally grown apple ________________.
A. costs less but tastes worse than an organic one
B. doesn't look the same as an organic one
C. contains more fat, sodium and cholesterol
D. has proven itself acceptable by the family
4. Which of the following methods belongs to organic farming?
A. Using chemicals to kill insects and prevent disease.
B. Using rotted plants as fertilizer to promote plant growth.
C. Using growth hormones to speed up animals' growth.
D. Using pests to reduce insects and disease.
5. From the passage we know the organic certification program ________________.
A. is not meant for all producers of produce
B. makes it a must to attach a USDA Organic label
C. sets restrictions on the sales of organic produce
D. requires all foods to satisfy the strict government standards
