When an item says “organic” compared to “conventional,” thoughts of old-fashioned farming practices come to mind. In certain aspects that is what organic farming is. The labeling, pesticide use, fertilizer use, and certifications are different between the two farming industries. Because of this, organic and conventional farming are very different industries, and when it comes to feeding an overpopulated planet, conventional farming appears to be the only choice. However, modern day farming practices cannot be allowed to completely replace organic farming because it would be irresponsible to future generations.
Before a person can decide why organic farming needs support and protection, there needs to be an understanding about organic farming methods. Organic certification takes time to achieve when transitioning from a conventional farming method. This transition takes approximately three years to reach compliance (Riddle). Conventional farming does not need the array of special certifications as those of organic farmers in order to operate, due to guidelines that farmers must meet. The array of certification entails: there …show more content…
This is not to say everyone should embrace an Amish lifestyle, but locally-grown produce derived from hard work and living close to the land practically defines farming tradition. Some would say, “traditions are meant to be broken,” and better, faster and cheaper methods are the future. That leads to the question: Is conventional farming better? Better when compared to yields, yes. Conventional farming yields have exponentially increased in the last century. Corn went from 27 bushels per acre or (bu) to 121; wheat went from 14bu to 37.6; tomatoes per ton went from a lackluster 4.5 to an astounding 32.3; rice went from 1,500bu to 5,760 (Paarlberg and Paarlberg 63). Is this better when compared to environmental impact, biodiversity of produce, soil health, nutrients, taste or most importantly health,
Before a person can decide why organic farming needs support and protection, there needs to be an understanding about organic farming methods. Organic certification takes time to achieve when transitioning from a conventional farming method. This transition takes approximately three years to reach compliance (Riddle). Conventional farming does not need the array of special certifications as those of organic farmers in order to operate, due to guidelines that farmers must meet. The array of certification entails: there …show more content…
This is not to say everyone should embrace an Amish lifestyle, but locally-grown produce derived from hard work and living close to the land practically defines farming tradition. Some would say, “traditions are meant to be broken,” and better, faster and cheaper methods are the future. That leads to the question: Is conventional farming better? Better when compared to yields, yes. Conventional farming yields have exponentially increased in the last century. Corn went from 27 bushels per acre or (bu) to 121; wheat went from 14bu to 37.6; tomatoes per ton went from a lackluster 4.5 to an astounding 32.3; rice went from 1,500bu to 5,760 (Paarlberg and Paarlberg 63). Is this better when compared to environmental impact, biodiversity of produce, soil health, nutrients, taste or most importantly health,