Organic farming is the oldest method of framing on the Earth.
Iowa State University's website on the subject of organic farming states that it is the oldest type of farming on the Earth. However, it has also become one of the "fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture," states the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Organic food is popular for a number of reasons: people are concerned with health and nutrition, the possible harmful effects of genetically engineered food, effects of pesticides and insecticides. Many desire to contribute to a better environment.
What constitutes "organic" is defined by law, and while organic agriculture is gaining popularity, it has both pros and cons.
Pro: Better for Soil
Organic farming does utilize modern equipment, but produces food that contributes to greater environmental harmony.
Organic agriculture has become popular among many who wish to contribute to farming practices that help to restore, maintain or enhance ecological harmony. The focus is on not only producing natural foods, but on optimizing both the health and productivity of the interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. The health benefits of organic foods extend to both the consumer and to the environment.
Organic farming utilizes techniques such as crop rotation and letting ground lie fallow for a season, in order to maximize the usefulness of the soil. This results in less soil loss and contamination.
Con: Smaller Crop Yield
The introduction of high-yield, non-organic methods of farming in the 1960s is said to have helped India to stave off mass starvation, and feed its people, states Daniel Pepper in U.S. News and World Report in the article, "The Toxic Consequences of the Green Revolution." However, use of chemicals in traditional farming have created health risks and environmental damage and about 5 percent of India's farmers have gone organic.
Some, however, feel that widespread use of organic farming is impractical and that it can result in further food shortage due to smaller crop yields. This can be especially accentuated in countries such as India, with high populations and where it can be difficult to feed everyone.
Additionally, some question whether there are tangible benefits to the environment through organic farming.
Con: Higher Cost
While organically produced food is considered to be more healthy, it is also more costly.
Food produced organically typically has a higher price than nonorganic food. Many are willing to pay the extra cost for organic food. For some on a stricter budget, it can be cost-prohibitive. It is unlikely that in today's market that will change in the near future.
So for now, those who wish to be part of a upward movement that most likely has the potential for contributing both to a healthier lifestyle, and a healthier environment, it's necessary to fork out a little extra in the way of green, to pay the price for what some consider to be a luxury item.
Pro: Health
Organic agriculture uses all-natural methods of farming, without pesticides, herbicides or insecticides. Food produced organically is considered safer for humans from the undesirable effects of man-made chemicals. For example, research on organic milk has shown that it has more anti-oxidants, omega 3 and vitamins than non organic milk.
Tags: organic farming, Food produced, Food produced organically, methods farming, Organic agriculture, Organic farming