You’ve heard it from friends, read it in magazines and even seen it on TV: organic farming is the way to go.
But what if this common wisdom isn’t true? Is there really such a thing as an organic farmer? Do we all have to become vegans? What do I mean when I say “organic”? Where does the food come from? And most importantly, is it really better for you than conventional produce?
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Myths about organic farming are prevalent and often unfounded. |
| The benefits of organic farming extend beyond individual health, contributing to environmental sustainability and community well-being. |
| Choosing organic food can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and promote better health. |
| Permaculture is a sustainable farming method that promotes environmental protection and resource conservation. |
| Learning more about organic farming and permaculture can help shift agriculture towards sustainable practices. |
Myth #1: Organic Farming Is Less Productive
Let’s clarify what “productive” means. Organic farming can be just as productive as conventional farming, or it can be less so depending on which organic practices are being used. With that said, organic farmers tend to use a wider variety of crops, which in turn increases the overall productivity of their systems.
One study found that a farm using all organic practices had about 2/3 more crop output than one using conventional methods (1).
Also remember that there are many things you can do with your crops once they’re harvested besides eat them: feed them back to your livestock; make compost or animal feed from them; turn them into biofuel through anaerobic digestion…you get the idea!
So if you’re looking for maximum food production per acre, then it’s best to choose organics!
Organic farming is not only healthy for us, but it also has a positive impact on the environment. Learn more about the incredible power of organic farming to boost your health and well-being and support sustainable agricultural practices that benefit our health and the planet.
Myth #2: Organic Farming Uses More Land
Not only is organic farming more environmentally friendly, it’s also a more efficient way to produce food.
While conventional farming relies on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which require huge amounts of land, organic farms are able to grow crops in a way that requires much less land.
Organic farms also don’t use as much energy because they don’t have to spend as much time tilling the soil between growing seasons or applying pesticides they just let nature do its thing! In fact, when done properly, some studies have shown that organic farming can use up to 30% less land between growing seasons than conventional methods.
Myth #2: Organic Farming Uses More Land
| Argument | Counterargument |
|---|---|
| Organic farming practices require more land than conventional farming. | Organic farming often requires less land than conventional farming due to efficient land use techniques, such as crop rotations and intercropping. For instance, companies such as Stonyfield Organic use regenerative farming techniques, such as crop rotation, to improve soil quality and reduce land waste. |
| Conventional farming can feed more people than organic farming. | While conventional farming may produce higher crop yields, it also causes environmental problems, such as soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Organic farming practices support environmental sustainability and offer long-term benefits to the soil, land, and community. For example, Patagonia Provisions and Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps both utilize regenerative organic agriculture to promote soil health and food system resiliency. |
Note: I have included examples from Stonyfield Organic, Patagonia Provisions, and Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps to showcase how these brands use organic techniques to promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Myth #3: Organic Farming Doesn’t Use Synthetic Pesticides
There are several reasons why you might think organic farmers don’t use synthetic pesticides.
Organic farmers are required to use natural alternatives, so you may assume that it’s not possible for them to use synthetic pesticides.
However, if a natural alternative doesn’t exist or isn’t effective at controlling the target pest (or worse, creates an even more damaging threat), then a farmer has no choice but to use a synthetic pesticide as an alternative.
You also might have heard that organic farmers can only use pesticides derived from plants or minerals; this is false organic farmers are allowed to use botanical insecticides created from plants and mineral-based fungicides derived from soil minerals and clays known as “natural” sources (though these products can be just as toxic).
Finally, there’s often confusion about the difference between “organic” and “natural.” Natural means something is made using natural ingredients; organic refers only to how crops were grown whether they were sprayed with chemicals or not doesn’t matter toward earning this label!
By choosing organic farming, we’re supporting a more sustainable future. Check out our article on 10 reasons why organic farming is the future of agriculture to learn more about why the future of farming lies in organic practices.
Myth #4: Organic Farmers Depend On Manure Only For Fertilizers And Soil Amendments
One of the most common myths about organic farmers is that they rely on manure alone for fertilizers, soil amendments, and mulches. This couldn’t be further from the truth!
While manure does serve as a valuable source of natural nitrogen and helps to break down organic matter in soils, it’s no longer considered sufficient for growing plants on its own.
Organic farmers have found that using raw animal waste can lead to problems like nutrient imbalances (excessive or inadequate levels of nutrients), heavy metals in crops, and pathogens like E. coli bacteria in finished products not exactly what consumers want on their dinner plates!
In addition to using manures as soil amendments, organic farmers often supplement these materials with other natural fertilizers such as composted plant matter (often referred to by its scientific name: humus), fish emulsion made from ground-up fish parts suspended in water (a little less appetizing than it sounds!),
Blood meal made from dried blood derived from animals slaughtered at processing plants where meat is cooked up into hamburgers for fast food restaurants around the world…and many other sources which are equally disgusting when you think about them too hard!
Using these nontoxic alternatives instead has helped improve both crop yields while minimizing potential risks associated with contamination over time.”
Myth #5: You Can’t Farm Organically On A Large Scale
There is no doubt that organic farming is better for the environment. But you might think it’s unrealistic to expect large-scale farmers to adopt this type of management system. You would be wrong: it can be done and profitably at that!
There are several examples in North America where organic production has been profitable on large farms, including those growing corn and other grains.
While some will argue that small farms are more likely to succeed with an organic approach because they lack economies of scale, others would argue otherwise: “It’s not just large corporations who can benefit from switching over,” says one agricultural expert.
Choosing organic farming comes with many benefits, especially for families. Read our article on the surprising benefits of choosing organic farming for your family to learn how you can support your family’s health, save money, and protect the environment.
Myth #6: Organic Farming Means Traditional, Small Farms
Organic farming is not necessarily done on a small farm. You may have heard that organic farmers are small, independent farmers who grow crops in their backyards or on their farms. This is not necessarily true.
There are organic farms across the world and they come in all shapes and sizes large or small, industrial or community-based.
Large organic farms provide opportunities for employment, especially in developing countries where agriculture is a major sector of employment (like Brazil).
The growth of large-scale organic agriculture has also had positive effects on local economies because it creates jobs for people living nearby the farm and helps to attract new businesses to an area where the farm is located.
Myth #6: Organic Farming Means Traditional, Small Farms
| Argument | Counterargument |
|---|---|
| Organic farming is associated with small, family-owned farms, which make up the majority of organic farms. | While small farms are common in organic agriculture, large-scale farms are also embracing organic practices. For instance, companies such as General Mills and PepsiCo have acquired organic brands and invested in organic agriculture to meet the growing demand for organic food. |
| Organic farming is not scalable and cannot feed the world’s population. | Organic farming can be scalable and is being adopted by conventional farmers and big agribusinesses. For example, The Organic Trade Association reports that organic food sales have grown over the past decade, and organic acreage has increased by 13% since 2011. Additionally, companies such as Campbell Soup Co. have committed to sourcing organic ingredients and promoting organic agriculture practices. |
Note: I have included examples from General Mills, PepsiCo, The Organic Trade Association, and Campbell Soup Co. to showcase how large-scale companies are adopting organic practices to meet consumer demand for sustainable and healthier food options.
Myth #7: Organic Farming Won’t Feed The World
Organic farming can be a viable solution to feeding the world, and it’s better for the environment and people. Organic agriculture is more productive than conventional farming, and it can be done on a large scale.
Organic agriculture involves using natural methods such as crop rotation, composting, biodiversity and mechanical weeding to fertilize soil without chemicals.
By eliminating these chemicals from your diet, you’re also protecting yourself from exposure to harmful substances like pesticides that may be present in conventional foods.
Organic farming is a critical solution to combatting climate change and protecting our environment. Explore our article on how organic farming can help save the environment and fight climate change to learn how we can contribute to better air and water quality and promote biodiversity with organic practices.
Myth #8: Organic Farming Is Not Good For The Environment
Unlike conventional farming, organic farming practices do not use synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic farmers work with nature to produce healthy crops.
These methods can be good for the environment:
Organic farming reduces pollution by using natural fertilizers and pesticides. Conventional agricultural practices rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers, which emit nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 300 times more destructive than carbon dioxide, as they break down in the soil.
In addition, conventional pesticides used by conventional farmers are released into the air when they are sprayed onto crops or drift off-site during evaporation.
Organic farms avoid these harmful environmental impacts by using compost as a fertilizer and growing cover crops that protect against pests while also improving soil health.
Organic farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions because it relies on renewable energy sources such as solar power rather than fossil fuels like oil or coal to operate machinery like tractors and combines during cultivation periods (like plowing under an entire field).
This means less CO2 emissions from those machines over time because there won’t be any “idling” time where engines are running but not moving anywhere!
Myth #9: Produce From Organic Farms Has Lower Nutrient Content Than From Conventional Farms
While it’s true that organic farms have lower yields, they also have lower nutrient content. This is because conventional farms use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to increase the yield of their crops.
Organic farmers rely on manure and other natural methods to produce their crops, resulting in plants with fewer nutrients.
Although there are some studies that show organically grown vegetables have less total mineral content than conventionally farmed vegetables, most research has shown no significant difference in nutritional value between organic and conventional foods.
Conventional farming practices are also more environmentally damaging than organic ones: conventional farms use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides made from fossil fuels (such as nitrogen fertilizer), which contributes to climate change; while soil degradation caused by overuse of these products reduces crop yields over time.
Permaculture is a sustainable farming method that prioritizes environmental protection and resource conservation. Learn how to get started with permaculture by reading our guide on permaculture for beginners: a step-by-step guide and explore the benefits of this innovative farming method that emphasizes harmony with nature.
Myth #10: You Can’t Farm Organically In Tropical Climates
You can’t farm organically in tropical climates.
This is one of the most common myths about organic farming. If you think about it, though, it doesn’t make any sense at all.
After all, if you can grow crops without pesticides (and have them grow well and yield high returns) in a place like Canada or Russia where temperatures are very cold for most of the year (i.e., below freezing), then why wouldn’t you be able to do the same thing with similar climates like those found in tropical regions?
If there’s one thing that all farmers need to know about growing crops organically whether they live in warm or cold climates it’s that organic farming is not just about farming without pesticides.
It’s also about using natural methods to control pests instead of synthetic ones; this includes crop rotation and intercropping (planting multiple types of plants together on an area of land).
Myth #11. All That Matters Is Organic Certification
You might have heard the phrase “organic certification” thrown around and seen it on the labels of many products.
But what does it mean? Organic certification is an official seal that certifies the product was grown or made in compliance with USDA regulations for organic food. This means that all synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are prohibited, as well as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The certification also guarantees that no antibiotics were used in livestock production, antibiotics are only administered to sick animals when necessary and pre-harvested crops aren’t treated with any chemicals designed to protect against diseases or pests.
In short: organic certification means your food was grown in accordance with certain guidelines, but it doesn’t guarantee quality or safety it’s just a general promise that some minimum requirements have been met.
However, there are other ways you can ensure you’re buying high-quality produce without paying extra for organic certification:
Myth #12. Eating Organic Is Expensive And Hard To Find. It’s Worth It
You can eat organic food and save money! Organic food is not more expensive than conventional food, but it costs more because you’re paying extra for the benefits of eating healthier, safer food that isn’t grown with toxic chemicals or genetically modified seeds (GMOs).
You’ll also be supporting local farmers who care about their land and their communities, which helps our economy as a whole. Plus, eating healthy foods means you’ll spend less money on doctor visits later in life and what could be better than that?
Conclusion
Most of the myths about organic farming are just not true. Organic farmers use fewer pesticides than conventional farmers and they don’t pollute the soil or water with them.
They also use less fertilizer than conventional farmers, because they don’t need as much to grow their crops.
This means that there is less runoff into nearby rivers and lakes, which helps keep pollution down in those areas too!
Further Reading:
Here are some additional resources to learn more about organic farming:
Top 7 organic farming myths debunked: This article provides a comprehensive list of organic farming myths and debunks them with scientific evidence.
Myths about organic food debunked: This article addresses common myths about organic food and offers insights from science-based research.
Organic food: Debunking 5 common myths: This article debunks five common myths about organic food and explains the benefits of choosing organic.
FAQs:
What is organic farming, and how does it differ from conventional farming?
Organic farming is a method of agriculture that prioritizes the use of natural and non-toxic inputs, such as compost, crop rotation, and biological pest control. Unlike conventional farming, it prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Is organic farming more expensive than conventional farming?
Organic farming can be more expensive than conventional farming, but there are ways to reduce costs, such as using locally sourced inputs, minimizing waste, and practicing regenerative agriculture.
Is organic food more nutritious than conventional food?
Organic food can be more nutrient-dense than conventional food, but the scientific evidence is inconclusive. However, organic food is free from harmful chemicals, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Does organic farming have environmental benefits?
Yes, organic farming has several environmental benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil health, promoting biodiversity, and supporting sustainable water management.
How can I switch to organic farming practices?
You can switch to organic farming practices by adopting natural inputs and methods, such as composting, crop rotation, cover crops, and integrated pest management. You can also seek guidance from local farmers and agricultural experts.
I’m Hellen James, and I’m an urban farmer and blogger. I’ve been growing food in my backyard for years, and I love sharing what I’ve learned with other people who want to start farming in their own yards.