The Pros And Cons Of Conventional Farming

As you walk through the grocery store, your eyes get crowded with images of “organic” and “non-GMO” labeling. Many people are quick to think that organic means it is healthier and more Eco. friendly than conventional foods. Moms wonder “Should I spend the extra three dollars to ensure my child’s health and well-being?”. Unfortunately, some try to educate themselves by watching documentaries like Food Inc.. These movies demonize conventional farming with images of conveyor belt chickens, ammonia strained beef, or farmers wearing gas masks as they walk through fields. Although it is never said out right, Food Inc. gives the impression that conventional farming is the root of all our problems such as environmental, and health problems. The problem

In short, conventional farming is a better choice because it has lower enviromental impacts. Where as organic uses non-chemical pesticides. Furthermore, an organic agriculture advocate would argue that the use of chemical pesticides and genetically modified organisms are un-healthy for human consumption. For instance, they use propaganda to promote organics, by taking pictures of children holding signs saying “I am not a science expiriment.” I concede that cattle are rumenant animals, biologically speaking they are meant to eat grass as opposed to corn. Feeding corn to beef cattle, lowers the PH level of their rumen making it more acidic. In return, this kills of bacteria in the rumen leaving mutated strands of baccteria such a E-Coli that are more resistant. Conventional farmers feed their cattle because it speeds up their growth procces, as a result a faster time from farm to plate, and a larger profit for the farmer. The longer it takes for organic farmers for their cattle to grow the less money the farmer makes and the consumer sees higher costs as

The Scientific American “National Center for Food and Agriculture Policy, the top two organic fungicides, copper and sulfur, were used at a rate of 4 and 34 pounds per acre in 1971”. While conventional farmers used on average 1.6 pounds per acre when using synthetic fungicides. Since natural fungicides are less effective farmers apply more chemicals to stay effective. The common consumer does not have the drive to look up the specifics about organic farming. A study conducted by the soil association concluded that 95% of people in the UK would buy organic foods to avoid pesticides (Wilcox. 2013). When the label promises non-synthetic chemicals they are seeing a simple exterior, but failing to see the complex and