There is considerable evidence that the current methods of conventional agriculture are quite damaging to the environment and unsustainable. Many have argued that the best solution to this problem is convert to the more sustainable practices of organic agriculture. There has been considerable debate about this issue in recent years due to projected food shortages and population growth. In this paper I will establish my definition of sustainability, explain the differences between organic and conventional agriculture, and determine the sustainability of both farming methods.
Sustainability means that the methods or practices used to achieve a particular goal will not deplete resources faster than they can be replenished. A truly sustainable society would utilize renewable resources at a rate slightly below the rate the resources replenished themselves. Part of creating a sustainable plan is to account for unanticipated changes that cause severe fluctuation in a vital resource. For example, in some areas of the world conventional agriculture uses water at the same rate it is replenished in order to produce the maximum crop yield. If a drought occurs in one of these areas then food production for the following year will be considerably decreased. A sustainable solution will reduce the amount of resources consumed and waste generated while also being stable enough to adapt to unexpected change. One last aspect that I would like to mention is that massive continuous growth is unsustainable regardless of the number of solutions we apply. A truly sustainable society would be highly efficient by producing at about the rate of consumption while creating minimal waste in the process.
What determines if a particular farm is using organic ...
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... able to adapt to the new circumstances created by the loss of foreign support from Russia. The country completely converted to organic agriculture in the period of about 5 years while still being able to provide enough food for citizens to survive. Cuban agriculture now relies on small local farms that uses sustainable practices that could be considered organic methods.
The information gathered above combined with the Cuban model makes me believe that organic agriculture is capable of feeding the world. While the transition would not be an easy one the potential advantages are worth the struggle. The continual use of conventional agriculture is unsustainable and will eventually lead to a serious global food crisis. It is clear from the growing evidence that converting to organic agriculture is both possible and a necessity if we wish to create a sustainable world.
6. "Organic Farming." US Environmental Protection Agency. 29 July 2009. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. .
The amount of foodstuffs produced by organic farms does not meet the demand of the population, which is the main objective of farming. Observing the United States of America alone and using myself as the average American we
Many people ask the question of what is organic food? This paper is going to go into many things that people might have questions about when it comes to organic food. What is organic food? Is there a difference between Organic and conventional food? Is growing organic easier on farms soil compared to conventional farming? What does it take to be organic food, who watches and regulates what is considered to be organic? Why does organic food cost so much more than conventional? Is it really worth the higher cost? Organic food, is it more beneficial than that of conventionally grown food. Why? What is the difference between CERTIFIED organic and organic foods that are not certified? We will go into all of these questions and more throughout this paper trying to find the answers
In her article, she gives many reasons why organic foods are not only a better choice for people but also for the environment. “Although the cost of organic foods is high; these form a key component in consumer trend known as a whole health solution – diet that promote health and well-being, prevent disease, help cure illness and protects the environment” (202). Organic food production benefits the environment in ways such it reduces pollution, lowers the level of pesticide use, and improves soil conditions. In a health perspective, some organic foods are said to have significantly higher levels of cancer fighting antioxidant, better flavors, safer than conventional food, and have a higher percent of minerals and vitamins. All these benefits are explained in her article that counter argue the position that organic food is just a fad.
Organic foods have become more and more popular over the years, and consumers may or may not be knowledgeable when shopping for organic and/or conventional foods. This report will help define the difference between organic and conventional foods and farming, including the health benefits and risks. The demand for organic foods will also be discussed briefly. The purpose of this research is to describe and identify the advantages and issues that are involved with organic and inorganic foods.
A. A. The “What's So Great About Organic Food?” Time. 176.9 (2010): 30-40. Online.
For years organic farmers and conventional farmers have feuded over which is superior. Organic farmers argue that their product is more eco-friendly because they do not use the synthetic chemicals and fertilizers conventional farmer’s use. Conventional farmers argue that their product is healthier and yields more. People tend to have stereotypes regarding the two types of farmers. Organic farmers are usually thought of as liberal, hippy, tree-huggers while conventional farmers are usually thought of as right-wing, industrialists. Obviously, some do adhere to this stereotype, but a majority of these farmers are normal, hardworking people. Although these farmers, both believe in their methods, one is no better than the other. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but there is no true superior method of crop farming.
With the world’s population continuing to increase, the demand for food is higher than ever. This increase in food demand also calls for more efficient ways of growing and providing the food. Two methods that are very controversial are the organic and conventional method. While many people support the organic method because of its known benefits, others feel that it is an over inflated industry that cheats consumers out of their money. But recently many studies have disproved those critics. These studies prove that Organic food is a better choice than conventional because it is better for the environment, avoids the use of chemicals, and is generally more beneficial.
Sustainability is when something can be used and not be depleted, destroyed, or damaged past recovery. As we work to live sustainably, we are in effect making use of our resources in a fashion that doesn't eliminate them, and doesn't harm their source. Our resources come from the environment around us and we need to make sure that it is not harmed as we use it. According to the EPA, sustainability stems from a single principle that "Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment” (Sustainability Information). Considering this, it's obvious why we need to make sure we live sustainably and do not damage the source of our resources, our environment.
As the global population continues to rise, the amount of food needed to feed the people will increase as well. Two types of agriculture systems have been the backbone for crop production for decades if not centuries: conventional and organic agriculture— both methods could not be any more different. Conventional agriculture, a method that uses synthetic chemical pesticides, technologies or additives, and practices that are unsustainable is the leading producer for our food. On the other side of spectrum, organic agriculture generally, performed in a much smaller scale, does not use synthetic chemicals and utilize methods that are environmentally sound. Most conventional
In his illustration of this movement, all agriculture was generally organic until the 1920’s, and several farmers like Coleman have shared their perspectives on what we now consider “Organic Food” (Coleman). He also argues that to recognize what people eat and how that can influence on their health ought to be guaranteed. In addition, he divides his whole idea or organic farming. Basically when Coleman started farming, he believed that “organic” was a way of thinking rather than a “profit center” (Coleman). In other words, since organic food has become popular to the public, big companies in the food industry have taken over (Coleman). Moreover, he defined organic food as “locally grown and unprocessed, with exceptional quality” (Coleman). His standard of “Real Food” farming is the place where fresh fruits and vegetables along with a 50-mile radius of their final sale. Additionally, beans grains and potatoes are developed inside a 300-mile radius of the last sale. His standard is not a realistic goal which is to grow and produce food products naturally because it costs more money and requires nurturing by good farmers. It is unrealistic to have such farms everywhere throughout the spots nowadays; subsequently, individuals can purchase those ranches items on the grounds where those ranch’ agriculturists would take up more land. Consequently, more natural cultivating can make appropriately developed natural
Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic equity. A variety of philosophies, policies and practices have contributed to these goals. People in many different capacities, from farmers to consumers, have shared this vision and contributed to it.
Sustainable development means that the present generations should be able to make use of resources to live better lives in such a manner that it doesn’t compromise the ability of future generations to survive and make better lives for themselves as well. For sustainable development to occur, there needs to be sustainable economic, ecological and community development. Society needs to be educated about ways in which they can use resources, especially natural, in such a manner that it doesn’t cause harm to the environment and put future generations lives at risk.
Agriculture is one of the most ancient forms of art and science that ties human development and well-being to natural resources and ecosystems. (Fritz J. Häni, 2007) Sustainable Agriculture is the production of food, fibre, plant and animal products using farming techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities and animal welfare. (Sustainable Agriculture - The Basics, 2015) Sustainable agriculture is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site – specific application that over the long term will:
Sustainability simply defined to me as balancing act between the development of sustainability is necessary for both planet Earth and humans to survive. This is reinforced in the World Commission on Environment and Development report (1987) that sustainable development must meet the needs of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations”. The Earth Charter Organization widened the idea of sustainability to respect for a culture of peace, universal human rights, nature, and economic justice (What is sustainability?, n.d.).