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Conventional vs. Organic Farming and Products

Written by

Butter

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The common definition of organic is known to be anything that develops naturally. However in the business world there are rules when naming a product organic. So what is the difference between organic and conventional farming you ask? Well I shall tell you!

Conventional farming can involve chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and antibiotics for animals when producing products. Organic farmers prefer to use natural fertilizers (manure or compost), natural pesticides (certain plants produce chemicals which offer the same as chemical pesticides). For herbicides to manage weeds crops are rotated and animals are given organic feed and are allowed access to the outdoors (rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing minimize disease).

So what are requirements for organic produce?

1. Ensuring that the soil can be used for many succeeding generations without using the fertilizers that were used in non-organic farming.

2. Properly caring for the crops by using soil organisms and not by using pesticides.

3. Recycling livestock manure and organic materials, including crop residue.
4. Control weeds growth and insect infestation with crop rotation. Also, not using anything that science has used in conventional non-organic farming.
5. Not tampering with genes of animals, no genetic engineering. Allow animal life to remain as it should.
6. Lastly, determining the effects of this method on the environment.
(http://www.organicfoodcorner.com/resources/organic-food-vs.-non-organic-which-is-better.php)

If these requirements are not met then the product cannot be called “organic”.

Eating conventional products vs. organic products can have a great influence on your health. Conventional products can contain chemicals which affect the human body; an example is cows that receive antibiotics, they produce milk which is then affected by the antibiotics. When a customer consumes the milk complications can arise, however their beef is fine (http://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/Articles/Beef/Wklynwsltr/12-19.01.htm)

So the final question which is truly better?

“Shoppers may choose organic foods for a variety of reasons. There are certainly environmental reasons to go organic. According to USDA guidelines, organic farming practices are designed to reduce pollution and conserve water and soil. They do not release synthetic pesticides, which can harm wildlife, and they also seek to preserve biodiversity and local ecosystems.

Many people choose organic foods to avoid any risks associated with the pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals used in conventional farming. Parents may be concerned that exposure to these chemicals might harm the development of their children, and therefore they choose organic. Studies appear to support the fact that organic diets lower children’s exposure to pesticides.

As for organic food being healthy, some studies, including one at UC Davis, have demonstrated higher amounts of nutrients in some varieties of organic foods. Another studyfrom Newcastle University in England showed organic milk contained 67 percent more vitamins and antioxidants, as well as more Omega-3s and Omega-6s (“healthy” fat) than conventional milk.”

(http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/09/organic_green.html)

Bibliography:

Thanks Dykie for partially stealing my thunder. <3

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