Chapter 18. Chapter 18: Agriculture

What are the advantages and disadvantages of organic farming?

Why You Should Care

"Organic" is a term that is seen more and more, but what does it mean? In general, a food is supposed to be organic if it is produced in an all-natural way, but what qualifies as all-natural is open to the interpretation of the organizations established to certify that a product is indeed organic. Unfortunately, certification can often only be afforded by the large farming firms, not small-scale independent farmers. This is beginning to blur the line between organic and industrial produce. Some special-interest groups in the United States, furthermore, have promoted the passing of regulations that allow some products to be labeled "organic," even if some of the ingredients are not. Although organic farming should reduce the use of synthetic poisons and fertilizers, some plant- and bacteria-derived pesticides whose impact on human health is unclear are still allowed for use in organic farming. Organic farming also does not always coincide with sustainable methods: For example, many organic crops are still shipped over long distances. However, some practices that are not considered organic are still good environmental practices. For example, using human wastewater sludge as fertilizer and irradiating vegetables and fruit to disinfect them extend their shelf life. There is no doubt that if all agriculture were converted to being organic, the environmental impact of growing our food would be greatly reduced, but it is good to know that it is only part of the answer.