Once upon a time, family farms were sprinkled across the rural landscape amongst wild, open spaces and thriving small towns that served the needs of farm families. This warmly appealing image still defines the American psyche and our vision of ourselves. However, this bucolic landscape has all but disappeared. In an alarmingly short period of time, chemical agriculture, and the factory farms it spawned, has almost obliterated the family farms that nourished our culture and has rendered them into nothing more than a sweet memory. We have all lost something very precious as a result – not only a way of life that defined us, but also a safe and healthy food supply, numerous biological species, undisturbed wildlife and aquatic habitats, clean air and safe drinking water.

Farming practices are some of the most significant influences on our health and the natural environment. In fact, the simple choice to eat certified organic food and food supplements might be more important to your health, your family’s health and the health of the planet than any other lifestyle choice you make. While there are numerous reasons for this, they can be sorted into two primary categories: the toxic trail and the vanishing nutrients. Both have enormous implications for your health and the health of the planet.

Micronutrients are different from macronutrients (like carbohydrates, protein and fat) because they are necessary only in very tiny amounts. Nevertheless, micronutrients are essential for good health, and micronutrient deficiencies can cause serious health problems. Micronutrients include such dietary minerals as zinc and iodine, and they are necessary for the healthy functioning of all your body's systems, from bone growth to brain function.

Although needed only in small amounts, micro-nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of every system in the body and are vital for good health. There are two classes of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals. Each vitamin and mineral has a specific role in bodily function.

Our bodies cannot make all of these micro-nutrients, so they must be supplied through the diet. Different foods contain different levels of vitamins and minerals, so it's important that you eat a wide variety of foods from the different food groups and a variety within each food group, to make sure you get an adequate supply of all the micro-nutrients your body needs.

Vitamin A is an important micronutrient needed for healthy eyesight and gums, Vitamin C for a healthy functioning immune system, and Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which helps fight free radical damage in the body. We need vitamin D for strong bones and immune function, and our B vitamins for energy production, nervous system health and for proper digestion.

There are also essential minerals that play important roles in the body such as iron needed for red blood cell production, calcium for strong healthy bones and teeth, magnesium for nervous system health, and zinc for healthy skin, reproductive and immune function. Selenium is also an important mineral which acts as an antioxidant to protect the body from chronic diseases and premature aging.

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