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Benefits of organic agriculture
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Organic agriculture protects the health of people and the planet by reducing the overall exposure to toxic chemicals from synthetic pesticides that can end up in the ground, air, water and food supply, and that are associated with health consequences, from asthma to cancer.
Organic growers use biological and cultural practices as their first line of defense against pests. Methods include crop rotation, the selection of resistant varieties, nutrient and water management, the provision of habitat for the natural enemies of pests, and release of beneficial organisms to protect crops from damage. The only pesticides for use allowed in organic agriculture must be approved by the National Organic Standrds Board and listed in Section 601 of the National Organic Program rule.
Organic farming helps prevent topsoil erosion, improves soil fertility, protects groundwater, and conserves energy.
There is evidence of drawbacks linked to current popular practices. A global survey of groundwater pollution [Payal Sampat, Worldwatch, "Deep Trouble: The Hidden Threat of Groundwater Pollution."] shows that a toxic brew of pesticides, nitrogen fertilizers, industrial chemicals, and heavy metals is fouling groundwater everywhere. In a study published in Science(April 13, 2001), scientists headed by University of Minnesota ecologist David Tilman concluded that continued expansion of the industrial farming model for the next few decades "has the potential to have massive, irreversible environmental impacts." Extrapolating past trends in land, irrigation and agrochemical use and assuming a human population that is wealthier and 50 percent larger than currently, scientists predicted that in 50 years, there would be a 2.4 to 2.7-fold increase in nitrogen- and phosphorus-driven eutrophication of terrestrial, fresh water and near-shore marine ecosystems, seriously degrading biodiversity and fishery yields. The study also concluded that humans and other organisms would be exposed to markedly elevated levels of pesticides.
Organic methods are as efficient, economical and financially competitive as conventional methods, and better for the soil and the environment, according to The Rodale Institute's long-term Farming Systems Trial(tm) comparing crops under conventional and organic management. A report looking at the first 15 years of the trial shows that after a transitional period of about four years, crops grown under organic systems yield as well as, and sometimes better than, those grown conventionally. In years of drought, organic systems can actually out-produce conventional systems. In addition, organic systems showed significant ability to absorb and retain carbon, raising the possibility that agricultural practices might play a role in reducing the impact of global warming.
Growing crops in healthy soils results in food products that offer healthy nutrients.
There is mounting evidence that organically grown fruits, vegetables and grains may offer more of some nutrients, including vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, and less exposure to nitrates and pesticide residues than their counterparts grown using synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
See the following State of the Science Reports prepared by The Organic Center for Education & Promotion:
Also, see "How Do We Live With the Use of Chemicals to Feed the World?"
Slideshow by Dr. Charles M. Benbrook, presented at the AAAS Annual Meeting
Washington DC, Feb. 19, 2005, as part of the AAS-sponsored symposium
"Can We Feed the World Without Poisoning the Earth?"
http://www.biotech-info.net/AAAS_2005_6.pdf
