Research Proposal on Endangered Species Essay Example

Research Proposal on Endangered Species Essay Recent era of high technologies and developing industries led our society to the new stage of evolution. However, besides obvious advantages for civilization, the twentieth century brought certain problems in life of our planet. Nature began suffering soundly from products of human civilization. There is a great number of factors that influence decrease of population of various species (McGavin 13). One of the endangered species is Cuban Solenodon, very rare animal. There exist only two species of Solenodons – Solenodon cubanus and Solenodon paradoxous. Cuban Solenodon (scientific name – Solenodon cubanus) belongs to the family of Solenodontidae, Soricomorpha order, Mammalia class of Chordata phylum. This rare species was uncovered by Wilhalm Peters in 1861. These small (around 50 cm long) shrew-like animals live mostly in Cuban Oriente Province. Since its discovery, Cuban Solenodon was mainly found in this area, being Cuban endemic. Historical investigation has showed that species of Solenodon, the ancestors of modern Cuban Solenodon, were rather distributed animals around thirty million years ago (MacDonald 49). They lived in the area of moders North America. However, the size of population was not estimated. We will write a custom essay sample on Research Proposal on Endangered Species specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Research Proposal on Endangered Species specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Research Proposal on Endangered Species specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Therefore, the spieces is not young, having long history of development. Unfortunately current population size of this animal is very small. There were found only several decades of animals in the end of nineteenth century. In the period from 1890 to 1970 (Massicot) no animals were cought. After that, few specimen were caught in 1970-es and in 1999. Total number of representatives of Cuban Solenodon found since its discovery equaled 36 animals. However, only several years ago, in 2003, 37-th specimen was caught. Still there are no accurate data on current population of this animal. Solenodons live in a wild nature and are protected by law. Hence, solenodons are not kept in Zoo parks as the animal is difficult to keep in captivity and is considered a threatened species. Although Cuban Solenodon is classified as endangered species, many biologists think that the small population size of this animal is conditionad by its lifestyle. Indeed, Solenodon cubanus is a nocturanl animal, mostly being active at night while sleeping at daytime (Answers.com). Besides, solenodons live in burrows. These facts are considered by some scientists to be reasons for rarity of this animal, as it is rather difficult to find solenodon in wild nature. Moreover, reproduction of Cuban Solenodon is very low. These animals produce maximum one litter per six months, having mostly one offspring (sometimes two) per litter. Therefore, there exist natural factors conditioning small population and rarity of Cuban Solenodon. However, there are many other facts that affected the small population size of this species. There is very little known about natural events that caused small population of Solenodon Cubanus. Still, some factors and processes in twentieth century indeed affected its distribution. One of the reasons is considered the slash of tropical forest for agricultural needs. As long as solenodons live in wet forests, it was very dangerous for their population. Besides, the introduction of some animals (mongoose, dogs, and cats) caused decline of Cuban Solenodon population (Theusch). Being historically very unfamiliar with predators, solenodons can not fight with these animals and defend themselves. Therefore, the decrease of population size of Solenodon Cubanus depends totally on various kinds of human activity. Cuban Solenodon was for the first time classified endangered species in 1970. Current status of this animal is also endangered, being in the Red List of Threatened Species. This species is protected by law and federal regulations of many countries, including the United States of America and Cuba. Unfortunately, the status of this rare animal and its protection does not make its population grow. On my view, very little can be done now for saving this species from going extinct besides decreasing our activity on deforestation. I believe that people will recognize the volume of enormous harm they cause to the wild nature. And I sincerely hope that once we can see this little animal in a wild forest of Eastern Cuba with our own eyes.

Movies Based on Dean Koontz Books

Movies Based on Dean Koontz Books Dean Koontz is one of the most prolific suspense writers alive. It is no surprise, then, that many of Koontzs books have been adapted into movies. Here is a complete list of Dean Koontz movies by year. Dean Koontz Film Adaptations 1977 - The Passengers aka The Intruder (1979 video release) This was adapted from the novel Shattered, which Koontz wrote under the name of K.R. Dwyer. It was filmed in France and Italy and released in French. The original title was Les Passagers, and it was also released on video in the US as The Intruder.1977 - Demon Seed  Based on the novel of the same name, it starred Julie Christie and Fritz Weaver as a couple whose super-computer Proteus IV gets a little too familiar with them.1988 - Watchers Based on the novel, boy (Corey Haim) meets dog. Dog is a super-intelligent runaway from a genetic research lab.1990 - Whispers Based on the novel, Victoria Tennant gets stalked in Canada. The tagline was, Fear shouts. Terror whispers.1990 - Watchers II Still based on the novel, the dog saga continues, now with Marc Singer and Tracy Scoggins.1990 - The Face of Fear   This was a TV movie based on the novel. It starred Pam Dawber and Lee Horsley. A killer stalks a guy who has psychic powe rs and is about to uncover his serial killer ways. Good thing he was a former mountaineer. The tagline was, Their lives are hanging by a thread, forty stories above the street. And a madman is trying to shoot them down.   1991 - The Servants of Twilight Based on the novel, Bruce Greenwood tries to protect a boy who might be the Antichrist.1994 - Watchers III  We cant get enough of that dog. This stars Wings Hauser.1995 - Hideaway   Based on the novel, Jeff Goldblum is brought back to life after a traffic accident, but now he has a psychic connection with a mad killer who is after his daughter, played by Alicia Silverstone.1997 - Intensity Based on the novel, in this TV movie, Molly Parker tangles with serial killer/kidnapper John C. McGinley.1998 - Mr. Murder  Based on the novel, this TV movie stars Stephen Baldwin as a mystery novel writer who gets cloned, and the clone is murder-y.1998 - Phantoms Based on the novel, the town of Snowfield, Colorado is not where you want to be. Starring Peter OToole and Rose McGowan.1998 - Watchers Reborn aka Watchers 4  The dog keeps going, this time with Mark Hamill as a detective.  2000 - Sole Survivor  Based on the novel, this was a four-hour TV mini-s eries. Billy Zane grieves over losing his wife and daughter in a plane crash, but the sole survivor (Gloria Reuben) may know it was actually a nefarious plot. 2001 - Black River Based on the novella, bad things are happening in this town.2013 - Odd Thomas Based on the novel, Anton Yelchin portrayed a fry cook who sees dead people.

Macro and Microeconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Macro and Microeconomics - Essay Example Price mechanism; therefore, solve the problem of allocating scarce resources by ensuring they are allocated through competition in a free market. Moreover, price mechanism helps industries to produce efficient product that of high quality. The competition between firms ensures that the most efficient remain on the market while its edges others that are inefficient out of the market (Moon 2013). Efficient firms produce quality goods at a cheaper price compared to the inefficient ones. The high cost of production makes inefficient industries set a price that will cover the cost of production and thus they price at a higher price than efficient firms. The high priced goods become uncompetitive in a free market and draw the firm out of business (Mukhopadhyay 2). Price also serves the function of discounting to determine the cost as well as the amount or size of a commodity. However, price comprises the joint charge of goods and the profit attached to it. Therefore, price serves to determine the amount to be produced and the effectiveness of it. Price, therefore, serves as a planning tool to making the economic decision as to where the economy is to be taken (The fundamentals of market economy self-regulation). Price also stimulates firms and industries into production process due to high profit guaranteed when a firm is involved in large scale production. Lastly, price help in the distribution of income and resources to the most efficient industries in the market.

History Final Scholarship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

History Final - Scholarship Essay Example Nativism typically means "opposition to immigration" or efforts to lower the political or legal status of specific ethnic or cultural groups because they are considered hostile and alien. It marked politics in the mid-19th century United States because of the large inflows of immigrants from cultures that were markedly different from the pre-existing American culture. These efforts were based on fears that the immigrants will distort or spoil existing cultural values. Nativistic movements can allow cultural survival in situations where immigrants greatly outnumber the original inhabitants of a certain place. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by Abraham Lincoln declaring the freedom of all slaves in any state of the Confederate States of America that did not return to Union control by January 1, 1863 (issued September 22, 1862), in the ten states that was named in the second order that was issued on January 1, 1863. The Proclamation provided the legal framework for the emancipation of nearly all four million slaves as the Union armies advanced, and committed the Union to ending slavery. However, the Proclamation did not make slavery illegal. Nevertheless, several slave states passed legislation prohibiting slavery, yet slavery continued to be legal in a few sates until December 18, 1865, when the Third Amendment was enacted. The Proclamation ended slavery and paved the way for the legislation of a law that prohibits slavery in all states. The Seneca Falls Convention The Seneca Falls Convention was an early and influential women's rights convention held in Seneca Falls, New York from July 19 to July 20, 1948. It was a single step in the continuing efforts by women to gain for themselves a greater proportion of social, civil and moral rights. The push for women's suffrage first gained national prominence at this moment. By 1851, at the second National Women's Rights Convention in Worcester, Massachusetts, the issue of women's right to vote had become a central tenet of the women's rights movement. John Brown John Brown, born on May 9, 1800, was an American abolitionist and folk hero who advocated and practiced armed insurrection as a means to end all slavery. He led the Pottawatomie Massacre in 1856 in Bleeding Kansas and made his name in the unsuccessful raid at Harper's Ferry in 1859. His attempt at Harper's Ferry to start a liberation movement among enslaved African Americans electrified the nation. He was tried for treason against the state of Virginia, the murder of five proslavery Southerners, and inciting a slave insurrection and was subsequently hanged. Southerners alleged that his rebellion was the tip of the abolitionist iceberg and represented the wishes of the Republican Party. Historians agree that the Harper's Ferry raid escalated tensions and that a year later led to secession and the American Civil War. What were the major consequences of the Mexican War' How did it affect the politics in the United States in the long term' Mexico was forced to give up a vast territory, now the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, to the United States. The original settlers of the ceased land were left without a home; families were split in half; livelihoods

Manage Operational Plan Essay Example for Free

Manage Operational Plan Essay 1. The Types of Matters in a Human Resource Plan Human resources is directly related to the performance of the organisation identifying and planning for training can be linked to many corporate processes performance as the underlying basis of many organisational and human resources programs. 1.1 Some matters of the human resource and their solutions 1.1.1 Human resource issues in counsel and the possible solution Counselling is definitely one service that can help to manage themselves manager should be trained in same basic counselling skills a counsellor can in sever age core capacities of employees. It can help employees increase their self-awareness regarding their thinking patterns and behavioural tendencies. 1.1.2 Human resource issues in employment management and the possible solution The sources of training need provide a diversity and complexity of training requirements to be at practice level you should be managing coordinating the training necessary to satisfy all the needs all the personnel in training should be skilled. 1.1.3 Human resource issues in Administration and the possible solution Recruitment is another traditional area high quality candidate’s should be attracted to the positions the person and position requirements should clearly established. A variety of selection methods appropriate to the situation should be used like entrance tests an interview. 1.1.4 Human resource issues in training and the possible solution Administration is function of human resource management is to be provide the employees with the capability to manage healthcare, record,à ‚  keeping, promotion, benefits etc. the function in terms of employes benefit is to create management system to achieve long term goals plans it requires the exercise of analytic ability and application of substantial knowledge of principals. 2. Job Description of Human Resource Plan Duties and Responsibilities; * Recruiting and staffing logistics * Performance management and improvement tracking system * Record keeping * Assisting with employees relationship * Employee safety and so many- prepare sales action plans and schedules assist, develop and maintain sales and promotional materials make sales calls to new and existing clients assist, develop and make presentations of company products and services to current and potential clients negotiate with clients maintain sales activity records and reports ensure customer service satisfaction and good client relationships follow up on sales activity assist, conduct market research and surveys Skills and Abilities; Excellent computer skills including word and excel Effective oral and written communications skills knowledge of employment laws good interpersonal skills skills in database management Be ready and able to work within a team. Have a polite, helpful manner Education bachelor degree Experience 1 or 2 years of general business 3. Preparing a Job Advertisement A job advertisement should be contained various information these can include; Job title Wage Working area, place Working hours Skills, knowledge and attitude we needed Qualifications and experience we needed Contact name and number of someone who is from our Human Resource Department. 3.1 Job Advertisement for tycoon Company Tycoon Trading Company Sales Department; Salary: $ 55.000 annual Working hours: 9:00 am-5:00 pm (Monday to Friday) Our company is located in western suburb close to city and all public transport. As a small business company we are looking for an intellectual, a creative, qualified and at least two years sales experienced person who must use all office programs professionally especially MS Excel, provide good communication with customers and also must assist to someone else about one of our new product in our company. A person who can enjoy challenges and working towards targets has ability to exceed customers expectation Contact no. 02345678(aren) 4. Detail the Cost of Hiring an Employee Cost of detail of our office person contains; Employee background screening Advertising Relocation pay Time for interviewing Travel expenses Training costs Taxation and wages Human resources paperwork about employee Survey and monitoring processes’ cost for employee Job offer calls by phone or job offer letter by mail Employee back ground investigation and make phone calls to its former company 5. Selection Criteria and interview Questions 5.1 Selection criteria from the sales position Understanding of the role Qualities and Quantities research skills Communication and negotiation skills Organisation and Planning Confidence and presentation skills Decision making 5.2 Interview Questions 1. Tell me who are the main stakeholders in our business and describe the task of job that you understand? 2. How can use the qualities and quantities research skills in this position? Can you give me an example about these skills which you have used before in former job? 3. How will you build good relationships with your team members? 4. How will you satisfy dissatisfied customers? 5. Tell me what is your daily schedule position in job? 6. Now I want you to try to sell me something. Try to convince me to buy this coffee to drink. 7. Which advertising methods do you use to present a new product to create an attract attention for our customers. 8. Can you give me a specific example of an occasion when you took on extra responsibility or showed initiative in improving an aspect of work? 9. Describe the most challenging problem that you have had to solve, and what you took into account. 6. Reference Checking It is a process of authenticating the information supplied to potential employer by a job applicant in his resume, application and interviews it ensure the employer that the candidate has background and experience as he claims it includes and takes usually 20 or 30 minutes to complete. It is a control process provides past information of employee and asks questions two or three people who directly managed the candidate about employees’ skill and knowledge for requested position, relationship with other team members it includes verification of academic credentials ,verification of prior employment, testing to confirm skill, criminal background check To make a reference checking about regarding person will be good in term of employer. For this reason the human resource department of tycoon International Trading Company prepares some questions to make a reference checking on former jobs and positions of regarding person on the its ex-companies. Our reference checking questions are generally consisting of; When did related person work for your company? Could you confirm starting and ending employment dates? When did s/he leave the company? Why did related person leave the company? What was her/his starting and ending salary? What was her/his position? Can you describe the job responsibilities? Did person supervise other employees? How effectively? If I spoke to those employees, how do you think they would describe person’s management style? How did person handle conflict? How about pressure? Stress ? Did you evaluate person’s performance? Can you speak to his/her strong and weak points? What was person’s biggest accomplishment while working for your company? If I describe the position we are hiring for what, could you describe how good a fit you think person would be for the position? Can you describe this persons experience working as a member of a team? Is there anything I havent asked that you would like to share with me? 7. Preparing a Job Offer Date 03/08/2011 Tina Odett and 1/48 Ambrie Crt.Noble Park 3174 Melbourne/Australia Dear Mrs raj It is my pleasure to extend the following offer of employment to you on behalf of tycoon trading company the offer is contingent upon your passing of requirements. The position we are offering is that of Sales Assistant at a salary of $55,000 per year This position reports to Mrs Lela who is a supervisor. Your working hours will be from 08:30 am to 05:30 pm on normal workdays. This is a permanent position. Benefits Information if relevant to the position: Working hours 9:00 to 5:00pm Position – permanent Salary- paid fortnight Bonus- on satisfaction completion of first 90 days of employment Vacation _2_ weeks per annum Probation Period from 15/08/2011 to 15/11/2011 Employee Benefits Include: Group Insurance Short/Long Term Disability Dental Care Health care Your employment with tycoon trading company is at will and either party can terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause and notice if you are in agreement with the above outline please sign. We are confident you will be able to make a significant contribution to the success of our Sales Department and look forward to working with you. Signature Date.. For company manager name. Date. Human resources Date.. I accept the offer as outlined above this 8 day of August,2011. Tina Odett 8. Mentoring and Coaching Program for the New Staff Member A mentor helps employee’s development and also provides some advices on  career path. On the other hand a coach observes employee’s work and actions, and provides related teaching skills. A coach can come from same division in a work place for example from company’s personnel or manager. As a manager, I can also be a coach for my new and current employees. And as a coach, I can give my time and attention to my employees and I can help them master their work and grow their own knowledge and skills. Also, I can ensure them extend their learning capabilities and improve their self-development. On the other hand, for the role of the mentor I can provide my new employees to reach their highest potential in the business. I can arrange for them individual or organizational group mentoring programs. 9. Three months’ probation review It is a 3 month period from the date of commencement of employment whether the employer assesses suitability of employee for the role and employee has an opportunity to determine if the role meets their needs. Probation period has been formed as 3 months in our Human Resources Plan to provide a review and recording about newly hired personnel. Review will be made to the Human Resources Department end of the each month during the three months. First two months will contain initial reviews, and last month will be taken final reviews for employees. Employee assessment Company name Employee name Identification Date/period Position 9.1 Records of Review Importing point in a review report is that it gives healthy and true decisions about newly chosen personnel and provides much strangest workforce for the organisation in the future. Following things should be recorded Attendance Punctuality Appearance dress code Attitude-positive, cooperative Work quality Workplace-care of company equipment Team work skills 10. Monitoring and Review of a Human Resource Plan Human resources plan provide a framework for a company for that as a Human resource manager of the related company I can follow companys missions and daily operations by regarding plan and also I can understand what priorities I need to know as I guide the employees to help the company succeed as well I can be sure whether all staffing needs are met or not. According to the topic, firstly I have to thing about new product in the organization and sales staff that has also employed newly. For example as a human resource manager I arranged a staff training program for related person and also I chose another person who will be responsible for monitoring system. By this responsible person I will follow all performance and capabilities of new staff and also I will be reported about the all situations among the training such as staff training has been completed by a certain date or not. After this training process I can manage a survey which indicates the results of customer satisfaction an d therefore I can make a review about my resources plan which has achieved to present new product by my new training staff or not. PART B According to case study, Sports Gear that is a medium size company will need to increase its production for the Australian Team in the World Cup within 6 weeks which needs to be more than the current level in order to meet the expected demand. 1. Expenses for the new operational plan To increase productivity we need following things, More stafff for night shift More machinery. Time schedule should be extended to 24hrs and 5 days a week for next 6 weeks. Organize extra arrangements for catering and refreshments for the working staff. 2 extra supervisors for night shifts. Ordering extra raw material. Extra room for storage and vehicles for distribution. All of the above will lead to increase the company’s current expenses. For that Sports Gear need to extend their company’s budget. For example, company need to provide more wages for more staff and extra supervisors, more usage for more electrical expenses, more budget for extra order for raw material, more requirement of fuel oil for distribution during the 6 weeks, etc. 2. Monitor performance of the staff to increase productivity Garry can monitor his staff performance by:- Establishing cctv cameras and recording and viewing all the staff members while working. Setting daily targets for each supervisor and each staff. Staff attendance records. Amount of waste production for each staff which shows they are doing their responsibility in right way or not. 3. Budget of the company and its use Budget is a list of all planned expenses and revenues. It is a plan for saving, borrowing and spending. A reasonable budget allow you to do what you want it helps to be business in right direction The company uses the budget because it provides:- Planning, Set expectations, Consideration, and Guidance Control finances Help to achieve target Helps to prevent loss. 4. Documentation used for developing a business budget Budgeting is the basis for developing supportable financial plans. The documents developed by the company as a result of these instructions are a normal part of the annual budget effort. provide a consistent basis for business planning and budget reviews, facilitate any necessary budget adjustments, provide transparency and a clear audit trail, support rate case filings, assist external reporting with their communication to the investment community, and Keeping the record of budget and getting it checked by the senior personnel.

Animal Rights is a Cause for Vegetarianism Essay -- essays research pa

Animal Rights - Cause for Vegetarianism The choice of eating meat or not has been a debated issue for a continued number of years. There have long since been two sides: the proponents and opponents of meat consumption. More and more debates of its value and effect on the world have risen. Many claim it is wrong, while others think of it as a needed pleasure. Today, a greater percentage of the population eats meat. Only a few individuals seek the alternative route. Yet, there has been a steady rise in the number of vegetarians. Many may already know that religions all over the world have advocated a meat-free diet. While a few are lenient, the majority is steady. The reason a vegetarian diet has been preferred over meat dates back thousands of years. Take for example, the Christian tradition. Although most are now lenient, previously many great saints advocated a meat-free diet, for more reasons than one. In the beginning it was said by God, " Here I have given you all vegetation bearing seed which is on the surface of the whole earth...to you let it serve as food." (gen.1.29) Later it was spoken by Jesus of the commandment, "thou shall not kill". Jesus said, "You heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'Thou shall not kill; and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment."(Matthw.5.21) There is also the Hindu tradition, where a meatless way of life has gone on for thousands of years (until the invasion by foreign rule,...

Organic food †Agriculture Essay

Ever wondered why organic foods are more expensive? Why organic foods are kept separately from the other food in a grocery store? Why some produce has special labels? The food all looks the same on the outside. An apple marked organic looks the same as any other apple in the produce section of the store. The difference is not the outward appearance but how the apple was grown and processed. The word organic gives the impression that the food will be safer and more nutritious to eat than food without the organic label. Many scientific studies have been done to find if there is a significant difference in safety and nutrition. The studies all conclude the same information. Organically grown foods are not any more nutritious or safer for consumption than conventionally grown, non-organic foods. Many people are not clear regarding how organic and non-organic also known as conventionally grown food is grown in the United States. Organically grown food is grown and processed using no synthetic chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009). Pesticides derived from natural sources, such as biological pesticides, can be used in growing and producing organically grown food (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009). Biological pesticides are bacteria or fungi that are applied to the plant to control bugs (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009). If raising livestock, the animals eat organic animal food (American Progress, 2008). Organic farming does not have adverse effects on animals and people. Using biological pesticides and fertilizers does not leave toxins or harmful residues in the environment (American Progress, 2008). These types of pesticides and fertilizers are considered to be environmentally friendly, unlike non-organic farming. Non-organic or conventionally grown food is food grown with chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth. Insecticides are used to reduce pests and disease. Chemical herbicides are applied to soil to prevent and kill weeds. The animals are given antibiotics when sick. Growth hormones and medications are given to livestock to prevent disease and spur growth (Mayo Clinic, 2009). The two methods of farming are very different regarding farming techniques. Farming techniques are the main factor that contributes to a food classification as organic or non-organic. Organic farming techniques are one reason the cost is higher than conventionally grown food. Organic farming uses crop rotation (American Progress, 2008). This is growing one type of food, then harvesting that food and planting a different crop in the same place. Crop rotation helps keep the soil fertile. Organic farmers rely on the spreading of mulch or manure to keep weeds down (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Organic farmers may use methods such a hand weeding as opposed to using herbicides sprayed on the entire crop. Organic farmers may use beneficial insects and birds to keep pests from destroying crops (American Progress, 2008). Organic farming is much like farming before all the technological advancements in farming that is used today in conventional farming. Organic farming is designed to reduce pollution and conserve soil and water (American Progress, 2008). Either way a farmer chooses to grow food, the food still has to pass all standards set up by the United States government. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set standards all food producers must adhere to and pass whether organically or conventionally grown. Food must be safe before it is sold to consumers. The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products. The NOP also accredits the certifying agents, both foreign and domestic, who inspect organic production and handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards (United States Department of Agriculture, 2010). The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and the NOP assure consumers that the organic agricultural products they purchase are produced, processed, and certified to consistent national organic standards. The labeling requirements of the NOP apply to raw, fresh products and processed products that contain organic agricultural ingredients. Agricultural products that are sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be produced and processed in accordance with the NOP standards (Agriculture Marketing Service, 2010). If the food passes all the criteria, the food can legally carry an organic label. Labels are an important part of correctly marketing organic food. All food has to be classified and labeled before it can be sold for consumption whether organic or non-organic. Before a product can carry the organic label, it must pass all the USDA guidelines. Products that are completely organic or made of all organic ingredients are considered 100% organic. Examples of completely organic products are single-ingredient foods, such as fruits, vegetables, eggs. These type foods are labeled 100% organic. These foods can carry a USDA organic seal (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Food that contains organic ingredients but also have other ingredients that may not be organic are considered 95% organic (Agricultural Marketing Service, 2008). An example of this type of food is cereal. Manufacturers and farmers may use the word organic on the product label if the food contains more than 70% organic ingredients (Agricultural Marketing Service, 2008). The label is not the USDA label but the manufacturer’s label. An example of this type of food is a soup that has a manufacturer label boasting it has organic ingredients. Foods containing less than 70% organic ingredients cannot use the word organic on their product label (Agricultural Marketing Service, 2008). The USDA issues heavy penalties for misrepresenting a product as organic. Natural food is not organic even though the two are usually within the same section in a market. Natural food is a term that may confuse people. Natural food does not have strict labeling standards set up by the USDA. Thus, many products can carry a natural food label. It would be easy to misconstrue natural food as organic. By definition, natural food is food that has undergone no or minimal processing and contains no additives such as preservatives or artificial coloring (Encarta, 2009). Natural food is the way the food is processed after it has been grown. Organic and non-organic food is defined according to how it was grown and then processed. The quality of food is still the issue for natural, organic, and non-organic when deciding what to buy. The quality of the food is one of the main issues between organic and conventionally grown food. The concern about conventionally grown food is if the food contains chemicals or chemical residue. Many studies have been done on organic and conventional food. Conventionally grown food does contain trace amounts of residue from the chemicals used in producing the food. Thoroughly washing produce with water and scrubbing before consuming reduces the residue on the fruit or vegetable (Mayo Clinic, 2009). According to the studies, there is no difference as far as taste. Taste is subjective to the growing conditions, season, and if a food is at its freshest point (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Taste is, of course, a matter of opinion. Something that studies can measure is the nutritional value of food. Many studies have been done comparing the nutritional value of organic and conventionally grown food. The studies have shown that there is no conclusive evidence to prove that organic food is more nutritious than is conventionally grown food (Mayo Clinic, 2009). The USDA, even though it certifies the food, does not claim organic foods are safer or more nutritious than conventional food (Mayo Clinic, 2009). An organic facts site states the following about organic and conventionally grown foods, â€Å"There is no evidence to prove that organic food is healthier than non organic food. People prefer organic food because they feel it is safer than conventional food as chemicals are not used in its production (Organic Facts, 2010). † Study after study does not prove organic food safer or more nutritious than conventionally grown food. Nutrition is not the only issue at hand. The controversy lies in the growing methods between organic and conventional farming. The issue should deal more with depleting the soil of its minerals and the chemicals washing off into the water supplies. The labels are added to organic food so that consumers have a choice. A consumer can easily identify organic products by the labels. When at the supermarket, look over the organic section. Do not worry that one fruit or vegetable tastes better than the other. Do not ask if one is more nutritious than the other. What should be asked, do I want to help conserve the environment? References Agricultural Marketing Service. (2010). Agricultural Marketing Service – National Organic Program. Retrieved January 14, 2010, from http://www. ams. usda. gov/AMSv1. 0/NOP American Progress. (2008). Organic vs. Conventional Foods-The Gloves Come Off. Retrieved January 13, 2010, from http://www. americanprogress. org/issues/2008/09/organic_green. html Encarta. (2009). natural food definition – Dictionary – MSN Encarta. Retrieved January 14, 2010, from http://www. encarta. msn. com/dictionary_1861696699/natural_food.html Environmental Protection Agency. (2009). Organic Farming/Agriculture/US EPA. Retrieved January 14, 2010, from http://www. epa. gov/oecaagct/torg. html Mayo Clinic. (2009). Organic Foods: Are they safer? More Nutritious? Retrieved January 13, 2010, from http://www. mayoclinic. com/health/organic-food/NU00255 Organic Facts. (2010). Difference Between Organic and Natural Food | Organic Food Basics | Organic Food. Retrieved January 14, 2010, from http://www. organicfacts. net/organic-food/organic-food-basics/difference-between-organic-and-natural-food. html.