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Difference between organic, ecological and biological

Many times when talking about a certain product we use terms such as ecological, biological or organic interchangeably and they really have similar meanings, but they are not synonymous. A study reveals that more than 60% of Spaniards refer to these concepts as synonyms, and therefore interchangeable, which is a mistake. In this AgroCorrn article, we clarify the meanings of these three words and what is the difference between organic, ecological and biological . Take notes to know how to use them correctly.

You may also be interested in: Differences between ecology and environment
Index
  1. What is an organic product
  2. What is an ecological product
  3. What is a biological product
  4. Conclusion on organic, ecological and biological products

What is an organic product

These products tell us that no chemicals , pesticides or chemical fertilizers have been used in their production . They are products that can have an especially good effect on the health of those people with certain intolerances or allergies to certain chemical products, and in some cases, they are also totally respectful with the environment. It should be noted that this does not mean that they are Bio products, since although they do not use certain chemical products in their preparation, they can be made with genetically modified products , as occurs with sweets of some fruits or the grapes of certain wines.

Thus, some of the characteristics of organic crops are:

  • Contribute to maintaining and increasing the fertility of a soil.
  • Use crop rotation.
  • Prevent erosion and loss of life in the subsoil.
  • Help maintain the purity of groundwater.

An example of the use of organic products is organic cotton T-shirt companies or those that produce different totally organic food products, such as apple cider vinegar or the apples themselves.

What is an ecological product

They are those products that develop all their growth stages naturally in the soil and without using any artificial product in their production. Organic products are equally respectful of the environment . Products that are organic, receive an organic certificate that guarantees:

  • Use of good environmental practices.
  • Make the most of natural resources.
  • Apply very strict regulations that guarantee animal and plant welfare to the maximum.
  • Use of renewable resources.

For example, for a vegetable or vegetable to be considered organic, its seeds must also be organic, as well as decontaminated soil or water. In addition, natural soil or climate conditions should be used and no chemical fertilizers or pesticides used. For livestock production, the animal is raised in areas that are free of contamination, they are fed with organic food and neither growth hormones nor antibiotics are used.

An example of the commercialization of ecological products are the companies that commercialize natural and ecological makeup, apart from many food products.

What is a biological product

They are those products that do not have any component that has undergone genetic alteration processes in the laboratory, as can happen with some fruits or vegetables to improve their color, volume or preservation. These products with the biological seal or bio seal are characterized by:

  • Choose to use natural selection processes of the species.
  • Contribute to the increase of genetic diversity, using the natural reproductive cycle of the species.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity .

An example of companies that produce products with the biological seal are many of those that market food, but only those that are really organically produced and that comply with the laws receive this seal.

Conclusion on organic, ecological and biological products

Products that belong to these three groups must bear on their labeling the terms “ecological”, “biological” or “organic” and the name of the entity, public or private, that certifies it. This is how the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) tells us. In addition, organic products produced in Europe specifically bear a stamp that they are produced in the European Union.

The law only allows organic products to have a maximum, up to 5% of ingredients that come from Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). At the consumer price level, this is higher than conventional products, due to the fact that the production costs of these products are higher, they have lower productivity and their distribution is more limited, which justifies their higher price. At the regulatory level, the law is the same for the three groups of products, being in Europe the European Regulation 834/2007 which regulates them.

There are other names at the European level, but they are not regulated, so they can be misleading. For example, the term natural is used in almost all products and can be misleading.

If you want to read more articles similar to Difference between organic, ecological and biological , we recommend that you enter our category of Other ecology .

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Hello, I am a blogger specialized in environmental, health and scientific dissemination issues in general. The best way to define myself as a blogger is by reading my texts, so I encourage you to do so. Above all, if you are interested in staying up to date and reflecting on these issues, both on a practical and informative level.

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