Why Buy Organic Fruit and Vegetables? My personal view.

I Choose Organic Fruit and Vegetables for the Health, Ethical & Environmental Case (and Why the Monsanto Lawsuits Matter)

Lately, I’ve become more passionate than ever about buying organic fruit and vegetables. It's not just a “nice-to-have”, for me, it’s a deeply considered choice that ties together my health, my values, and my concern for the planet. Here’s why, and why I think more people should think twice before going conventional, especially given what we now know about lawsuits and legal battles involving Monsanto (now part of Bayer) and their glyphosate-based weedkillers like Roundup.

Health First: Reducing Exposure to Glyphosate

One of the biggest reasons I choose organic is to minimize my exposure to synthetic agricultural chemicals, particularly glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup (originally made by Monsanto). While regulators continue to debate its safety, many health advocates remain deeply concerned about long-term exposure, especially for vulnerable groups.

By choosing organic, I’m opting out of a system that relies heavily on glyphosate-based herbicides. That means (as much as possible) eating produce that wasn’t sprayed with it — and reducing the tiny but real risk of chemical residues getting into my body.

The Monsanto / Bayer Legal History: Why It’s Relevant

This isn’t just about invisible chemical exposure. There’s a long, controversial legal legacy around Monsanto, glyphosate, and Roundup, some of which speaks directly to how serious the risks are, or at least how many people believe them to be. Here are some key points:

• Since Bayer bought Monsanto in 2018, tens of thousands of lawsuits have been filed in the United States by people who claim Roundup caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other serious health problems. Tort Advisor+2Bayer+2

• In June 2020, Bayer announced a mass settlement to resolve much of the U.S. Roundup litigation — approximately US$ 8.8–9.6 billion, plus a fund to manage future claims. Bayer Australia

• As of early 2024, Bayer reported that out of around 167,000 claims, about 113,000 were settled or otherwise resolved. Bayer

• Major recent verdicts include a US jury ordering Bayer to pay US$2.1 billion in a Roundup / glyphosate cancer case. Bayer

• There are also ongoing lawsuits and class-actions outside the U.S. Bayer’s own reports mention cases in Canada, for instance: as of Jan 2024, there were 32 lawsuits in Canada, including 11 seeking class-action status. Bayer

Why That Legal History Deepens My Conviction for Organic

• It’s not just theoretical risk: These lawsuits show that for many, exposure to glyphosate isn’t just a distant concern, it’s alleged to have had real, serious consequences.

• Trust and accountability: When a company has faced this magnitude of litigation, it raises questions about transparency, safety, and how much warning was given to users.

• Precaution over profit: For me, the fact that so many people have litigated (and that Bayer has paid large settlements) makes the precautionary principle feel more urgent. If there’s a chance of harm, choosing organic feels like a tangible way to reduce that risk, rather than just hoping the science always comes out “in their favor.”

Beyond the Courtroom: Why Organic Still Wins

Of course, it’s not just about litigation. Here’s how choosing organic continues to align with my bigger-picture values:

1. Regenerative Soil
   Organic farms build and maintain living soil through compost, crop-rotation, and other natural practices,  which means more nutrients in the food, and a healthier ecosystem.

2. Environmental Impact
   No synthetic herbicides means less risk of chemical runoff, better biodiversity, and more pollinator-friendly farming.

3. Fairness for Farmers
   Many conventional farmers are under immense pressure to spray and produce cheaply. Supporting organic helps back a system that doesn’t rely on heavy chemical use, and reduces the burden on people living next to sprayed fields.

4. Taste & Nutrition
   For me, organic produce often just tastes better. Slower growth, real soil, and no forced “fast growth” with synthetic inputs makes a difference.

My Personal Take-Home

• Choosing organic is one of the most meaningful, actionable things I can do to protect my health (and that of my family).

• Given the scale and seriousness of the Monsanto / Bayer litigation, I see organic as not just a lifestyle choice,  but a kind of consumer accountability.

• And on top of that, supporting organic farming aligns with my values around environmental stewardship, soil care, and ethical food production.
  
  

Author: Foodlum community team, promoting honest food, shared.
Joe Brongo, founder of Foodlum,  bringing certified organic produce to community buying groups.