You may feel it is difficult to make a choice standing in front of the produce section of your local supermarket. In one hand you’re holding a traditionally 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(钠)and cholesterol(胆固醇)
The traditionally 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?
Several differences between organic and non-organic foods exist. Become a better informed consumer for your next trip to the supermarket.
The word“organic”refers to the way farmers grow and process products, such as fruits, vegetable, grains, daily products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water protection and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don’t use traditional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock(牲口)disease.
Here are other differences between traditional farming and organic farming.
| Traditional farmers | Organic farmers |
| Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth | Apply natural fertilizers to feed soil and plant |
| Apply insect poisons to reduce pests and disease. | Use beneficial insects and birds to reduce pests and disease. |
| Give animals antibiotics(抗生素)，growth hormones(激素)and medicines to prevent disease and promote growth, housing. | Give animals organic food and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures-such as a balanced diet and clean housing-to help minimize disease |
*Organic or not? Check the label.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started an organic certification program that requires all organic foods to meet strict standards which 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.
61.What does the first paragraph want to tell us ?
A.It is difficult to tell organic food traditional food
B.The organic food and the traditional food are both delicious
C.The organic food is better than traditional food
D. Both organic food and the traditional food contain much nutrition
62.The main purpose of the passage is .
A.to promote the sales of organic ways of choosing food in supermarket
B.to introduce two different ways choosing food in supermarket
C.to persuade people to think twice when purchasing traditional food
D.to provide information about organic and traditional food for consumers
63.According to the passage, the traditionally grown apple .
A.costs less but tastes worse than an organic one
B.doesn’t look the same as an organic one
C.has proven itself acceptable by the family
D.contains more fat. sodium and cholesterol
64.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(荷尔蒙)to speed up animals’ growth.
D.Using pests to reduce insects and disease
65.From the passage we know the organic certification program .
A.is not meant for all producers of produce
B.makes it a requirement to attach a USDA Organic label
C.sets limitations on the sales of organic produce
D.requires all foods to satisfy the strict government standards