Organic Meadow Essay

Within today’s world, there is the ever present issue of feeding a booming global population. However, the decrease in farming has begun to make this a more important problem. Especially now, farmers have taken to using pesticides and other methods in order to ensure a crop is more plentiful, therefore helping to alleviate some of the problems associated with supply and demand. But this is not a solution, it is instead almost adding to the problems our society faces today. This is where organic farming comes in. Although it may be hard to change society’s long standing opinion that mass-production by any means necessary is the right way to go, organic farmers are now making a larger appearance on the world stage. Organic farming can be the solution, and it is possible to feed a booming population through this type of farming if three simple things are to happen.
First, there needs to be a large movement in which all farmers stop their use of pesticides in order to grow crops. While this may seem idealistic, it is a long-term solution that will produce more benefits than costs. By only having organic farming, the cost of buying pesticides and other conventional farming necessities is eliminated, thereby allowing the farmer to focus more on increasing his yield, rather than spraying his crops. Additionally, the environment benefits greatly from organic farming. While pesticides may be thought to be confined to one area when sprayed, other factors such as the wind reduce this likelihood. Groundwater, animals and insects can also be factors and can transport pesticides to other areas otherwise untouched by chemicals. Not only are pesticides harmful to the environment as evidenced by its ability to kill or ward off crop-feeding species, it is harmful to people as well. Ingesting food that has been produced through the use of pesticides contains harmful carcinogens and can cause sickness if those foods are not washed or cooked properly. All of this could be eliminated if people switch to organic farming methods.
Secondly, if organic farming is to feed our growing population, there needs to be a rise in the number of people who are wishing to become organic farmers. In order to create that demand, there must be a rise in benefits associated with the career. This means that we need to have lower real estate rates for people wishing to become farmers. There also needs to be a better loan system for new farmers in order to help them set up their new farm along with all of the farming necessities and equipment associated with it. In addition there should be better benefits in connection with farming. If there are more opportunities for young people to become farmers and there are good qualities linked to becoming a farmer, people will be more willing to pursue farming as an occupation instead of flocking to the cities in search of a job. If all of this is to come into effect, there would be a much higher possibility that organic farming could sustain a booming population.
Finally, to help organic farmers support a growing global population, we need to eliminate some of the myths surrounding organic farming. For many people, the belief that conventional farming is a better and more profitable way to farm is common. However, recent studies have found that despite the fact that there is a yield gap between organic and conventional farming, it is not as big as most people believe. In addition, not all crops and species are the same. For example, the yield for both organic and conventional farming is very close for legumes and perennials. Not to mention that organic farming is also much better when it comes to crop diversity and use of crop residues. However yields are only part of what should be considered when comparing different types of farming. The environmental, economic, health and social factors also need to be considered when weighing the cost-to-benefit analysis. Organic farming is outstanding in all of these areas and is a much better solution for farmers everywhere.
To conclude, I believe that organic farming can feed our world’s ever-increasing population and we can do it in an organized, sustainable and environmentally friendly way. Personally I find that organic farming is a better long-term solution and that by stopping the use of pesticides used by conventional farmers, increasing the interest in becoming a future organic farmer and by eliminating myths, organic farming is the solution to feeding our population.