Organic vs. Conventional Foods: Is One Healthier Than the Other?

In this episode, Dr. Gabriel Keith Harris joins us to break down the science behind organic and conventional foods, and why the conversation is far more complex than most labels suggest. We explore how farming practices shape nutrient content, pesticide exposure, and environmental impact, and why “organic” doesn’t always mean pesticide-free or healthier foods. Dr. Harris also walks us through how post-harvest handling, processing, and packaging influence the health qualities of our food, and why the journey from farm to fork matters just as much as how a crop is grown. Finally, we discuss sustainability trade-offs, the limits of current research, and the need for hybrid solutions that borrow the best from both systems. As Dr. Harris puts it, “Let’s look at the best of each of these practices that currently are working in their own silos.”

Learn more about Dr. Harris’ work below:

• NC State Bio Page: https://cals.ncsu.edu/food-bioprocessing-and-nutrition-sciences/people/gkharris/ 
• Wolfing Down Food Science: https://wolfingdownfoodscience.buzzsprout.com/ 

Check out the following resources to learn more about today’s topic:

• Youtube Video: “Is Organic Really Better? Healthy Food or Trendy Scam?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PmM6SUn7Es 
• Article: Consuming organic versus conventional vegetables: The effect on nutrient and contaminant intakes: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691510005028#:~:text=A%20probabilistic%20simulation%20approach%20was,between%20organic%20and%20conventional%20vegetables 
• Article: Conventional and organic farms with more intensive management have lower soil functionality: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr0211#sec-4 

The Science That Feeds Us podcast brings together extension agents, faculty specialists, and scientists for interdisciplinary conversations on emerging trends in agriculture and the food system. Designed to inform and engage both professionals and curious consumers, we highlight the stories behind the science to build deeper connections to food and agriculture research. The Science That Feeds Us is supported by NC State Extension and NC State University.

Edited and Produced by: Bhavisha Gulabrai

Music: Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm. Learn how to start a podcast here.