Benefits of Organic Farming
The Benefits of Organic Farming
Breanna Doan
Communications
Abstract
In the recent years there has been a growing concern over the health of the people in the world. Some have been starting to wonder if there is a reason for the growing number of people with cancer and other diseases. Others have been more concerned with the environment and if there is a way to make it a cleaner and better place to live. This study explores how many people have found that the way farmers are growing food could be the answer to many of the Earth’s growing problems. The debate over which is better overall: conventional or organic farming will be discussed. It will become evident that organic farming is the best solution for the overall health of the human race as well as the environment.
Organic farming is the oldest form of agriculture. In the last half century, farming techniques have shifted to more synthetic, easier to use and mass-produced chemicals which are prevalent in today’s conventional farming practices. Interest in organically produced food has increased throughout the world in response to concerns about conventional agricultural practices, food safety and health concerns (Huber, 2011). The debate of whether organic or conventional food is better has been brewing more over recent years. Although there are many aspects to consider when weighing the differences, organic farming is the overall best way to produce food for people and a sustainable way to take care of the environment. There are many benefits that result from organic farming including food safety, health and environmental benefits.
Conventional farmers stand by their use of synthetic chemicals, or pesticides, to grow food. Pesticides are used to remove parasites and insects from food. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, an average of 30% of the world’s crop production is lost each year due to the effects of pests and diseases (Huber, 2011). Conventional farmers believe this percentage
Breanna Doan
Communications
Abstract
In the recent years there has been a growing concern over the health of the people in the world. Some have been starting to wonder if there is a reason for the growing number of people with cancer and other diseases. Others have been more concerned with the environment and if there is a way to make it a cleaner and better place to live. This study explores how many people have found that the way farmers are growing food could be the answer to many of the Earth’s growing problems. The debate over which is better overall: conventional or organic farming will be discussed. It will become evident that organic farming is the best solution for the overall health of the human race as well as the environment.
Organic farming is the oldest form of agriculture. In the last half century, farming techniques have shifted to more synthetic, easier to use and mass-produced chemicals which are prevalent in today’s conventional farming practices. Interest in organically produced food has increased throughout the world in response to concerns about conventional agricultural practices, food safety and health concerns (Huber, 2011). The debate of whether organic or conventional food is better has been brewing more over recent years. Although there are many aspects to consider when weighing the differences, organic farming is the overall best way to produce food for people and a sustainable way to take care of the environment. There are many benefits that result from organic farming including food safety, health and environmental benefits.
Conventional farmers stand by their use of synthetic chemicals, or pesticides, to grow food. Pesticides are used to remove parasites and insects from food. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization, an average of 30% of the world’s crop production is lost each year due to the effects of pests and diseases (Huber, 2011). Conventional farmers believe this percentage
References: Crinnion, W. J. (2010). Organic foods contain higher levels of certain nutrients, lower levels of pesticides, and may provide health benefits for the consumer. Alternative Medicine Review, 15(1), 4-12. Hole, D., Perkins, A., Wilson, J., Alexander, I., & Grice, P. (2005). Does organic farming benefit biodiversity? Biological Conservation, 122(1), 113-130. doi: http://dx.doi.org.libproxy.umcrookston.edu/10.1016/j.bbr.2011.03.031 Huber, M. (2011). Organic Food and Impact on Human Health: Assessing the Status Quo and Prospects of Research. Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, 58(3-4), 103-109. Lima, G., & Vianello, F. (2011). Review on the main differences between organic and conventional plant-based foods. International Journal Of Food Science & Technology, 46(1), 1-13. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2621.2010.02436.x Pino, G., Peluso, M., & Guido, G. (2012). Determinants of Regular and Occasional Consumers ' Intentions to Buy Organic Food. Journal Of Consumer Affairs, 16, 157-169. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6606.2012.01223.x