Montreal — By themontrealguide on July 31, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Filed under: eco, Events, festival, organic

Celebrating organic… (but is it healthier?)

The timing was curious. Just days after a study showed that organic food has no nutritional or health benefits over regular foods, an organic food festival arrives in town. Although this festival is an event for the converted, I’m sure that some will be whispering and wondering if the new findings might well be true…

For the record…from August 14th to the 16th the TOHU, the socially-active Montreal-based circus school, is presenting the 6th annual Fete Eco-Bio Paysanne, and event that features some 100 booths, workshops, lectures, entertainment, a farmhouse and organic food tastings.

At least it will allow those that spend vast amounts of money for homegrown fare to think about just why they vote organic. Personally, I think that going organic is more than just a story of the health benefits – but a lifestyle choice. Surely, however, the results of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine study will be on people’s minds. The study showed that spending proportionately high amounts on organic might be a waste of money!

Nevertheless, over 20,000 people are expected to visit the event’s booths and displays which this year feature two main themes: the organic food market and ecology as a way of life.

The Fête Éco-Bio Paysanne is also an opportunity to stock up on expensive locally grown organic food products and talk things over with the farmers and producers. Organizers don’t want you to forget your reusable bags to fill up with vegetables, fruits, breads, meats and much more… all grown and produced ostensibly with loving care and a healthy respect for nature.

The festival will also disseminate information about today’s new alternative “green” technologies and talk about about ecologically responsible companies and products: green energy sources, organic cleaning products and suppliers of alternative building materials.

The fair will include some forty workshops and lectures including an herbalist tent with presentations on the benefits of herbs in everyday life: specific plants and methods that build immunity, how to make a medicinal ointment and suggestions about health-promoting plants every home should have on hand.

Fete Eco-Bio Paysanne
Dates: August 14-16, 2009
City, Province: Montreal, Quebec
Address: 2345 Rue Jarry East (corner d’Iberville)
Tel: [514] 376 8648
Web: http://www.tohu.ca