Advantages and Disadvantages
ADVANTAGES
Organic farmers do not use synthetic chemicals, which are
petroleum-based. Petroleum is a
non-renewable resource.
Organic crops contain more secondary metabolites than
conventionally-grown plants. Secondary
metabolites are substances that form part of plants' immune systems, and which
also help to fight cancer in humans.
Organic fields have more nutrients in the soil.
Organic fields have more biological activity and biodiversity.
Results of a six-year study show that organic apple orchards, tended
without synthetic chemical pesticides or fertilizers, yielded sweeter fruit,
bigger profits, and healthier soils than orchards grown with conventional farm
chemicals.
Organic crop production rates change little over time.
Organic soil fertility increases over time.
Organic crops have measurably higher levels of vitamins,
DISADVANTAGES
Organic produce is more expensive than non-organic.
Organic farming is more work-intensive.
Organic farming fertilizes with animal manure, which can harbor deadly
bacteria.
Organic farming yields on average around 20% less produce than does
conventional farming
Organic farmers periodically lose all or a large portion of a crop to
pests.