Most of the restaurants and fast-food chains around the world remain closed. In some countries, they are allowed to accept home delivery orders. However, studies have pointed out that these days people prefer to cook at home rather than ordering food from outside. A higher number of buyers prefer using organic vegetables for cooking.
Customers willing to pay the extra cost
Organic food comes from registered and certified farms. So, from a consumer’s point of view, there’s an added layer of protection during the COVID-19 crisis. Buyers want suppliers to deliver products directly at their doorstep and are willing to pay higher than regular prices.
Besides fruits and vegetables, younger customers prefer buying organic cosmetics, non-alcoholic beverages, beef, ready-to-eat foods, poultry, and healthy products. Organic foods are better in quality, taste, and fresher compared to non-organic ones.
Remember, every country has a different set of agricultural laws and regulations regarding residue limits and pesticide levels. However, eating fruits and vegetables cultivated without the use of pesticides can considerably reduce the risk of getting cancer. Researchers have pointed out that consuming organic produce can help in reducing toxins intake by as much as 80 percent.
As per the Washington-based Organic Trade Association, organic farmers play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by altogether avoiding the use of 700 plus chemicals that are prohibited.
Every year, Washington, D.C. based Environmental Working Group releases its updated list for vegetables and fruits that become dirty due to a large number of pesticides used while cultivating them. The list is created according to the tests conducted by the US FDA and the Department of Agriculture. The organization suggests consumers should buy organic spinach, strawberries, apples, cherries, tomatoes, potatoes, peaches, and hot peppers.
Why are organic food items costlier than non-organic ones?
Washing and scrubbing vegetables and fruits before using can reduce the risk. But, it may not be adequate to get rid of all the pesticides and harmful chemicals completely. These are used by conventional farms that cultivate on a large scale.
Compared to conventional farms, organic farms are smaller. Farmers involved in cultivating organic food do not use chemical fertilizers, pesticides, drugs, to increase the shelf life of food products. In some countries, there’s a cost involved in getting the food certified as well. Fresh Fruits and vegetables are handled and delivered as per prescribed guidelines. Thus, organic farming is costly, labor-intensive compared to conventional.
Focus on increasing local production
The COVID-19 crisis has disrupted the food supply chain, resulting in challenges for countries that rely on imports. Thus, the UAE and other GCC countries are emphasizing on increasing local production. If you are searching for an online organic food store that provides fresh local produce at your doorstep, you should download the FreshOnTable mobile app. FreshOnTable not only manages food delivery in Dubai but supports domestic food consumption by connecting consumers directly with local farmers. You can order a variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat, using the firm’s Android/iOS mobile application.