Organic Farming

According to the public, organic food is the healthy option. Sales of organic produce have increased over the past few years with the organics industry sending out messages of safer, healthier food created by farming practices which are better for the environment. But is it really as good as we think? People argue that organic farming leads to the risk of contamination with potentially dangerous bacteria and toxins, and increased levels of 'natural pesticide' found in organic produce could even be as dangerous as synthetic chemicals farmers use.

Percentage of Organic Farming

Organic fertilizers, such as sheep and cow manure, will be used to enrich the soil the types of vegetables are growing in; however, they can contaminate crops with pathogens such as E. Coli, shigella, and salmonella. Once in the soil these fertalizers can transfer to the plants or can contaminate water used to irrigate or wash the produce. Most farmers have developed antibodies to these infections, but they can kill the elderly or very young. Research has shown that the pathogen E. Coli can live in soil or contaminated water for up to SIX months! A recent studies showed how E. Coli could transfer from manure or contaminated water into the inner edible tissues of the sample organic lettuce, where with chemicals the plant was protected. If  manure-handling standards are met the plants will have much less of a risk of becoming contaminated. Safety wise neither organic or conventional farming is better. It depends essentially on controlling the hazards that arise in production and preparation. Good management of manures can significantly reduce the risk of contaminated plants.

Conventional Farming
(Non-organic)

Another area of concern for organic farming is the contamination with toxic substances produce by moulds called mycotoxins. Crops damaged by insects or weather are vulnerable to a range of mould that can produce toxins, either as it grows or in storage. Most of the toxins are aflatoxins, which can induce liver cancer at very low doses ingested over a long period of time. The risk is higher with organic practises rather than conventional (Non - organic) because the fungicides organic farmers use are not nearly effective as the conventional equivalents. With out the use of these defence chemicals plants develop there own defence mechanism chemical called phenols. Organic - sceptics say that these natural pesticides may be a potential health risk. Organic supporters argue stating the chemicals are antioxidants and that organic fruit and vegetables are better at protecting the body from cancers and hear disease. Neither argument has enough evidence to be true.

Why is the price of organic produce so high? Due to the use of crop rotations and restricted use of chemicals leads to lower yields of produce. It doesn't help that the media has brainwashed the public to believe that organic products are better for you causing an increase in consumer demand. Low supply and high demand leads to an increase in price because people are willing to pay.

Conventional farming isn't all fine and dandy either with the harmful chemicals being used; but, the quantities of pesticides used in agriculture are declining as the industry is developing more efficient methods of delivery and pesticides which have the ability to target specific pests more accurately. Pesticides have played an important role in improving crop yields but are often hazardous materials. Care must be taken when using such materials to ensure that they are applied as advised to minimise risks. Before a pesticide can be used it must under go Government regulated safety test to ensure the safety qualifications are met.

Non - organic farming allows you to farm land that would other wise not be farm able without the use of some chemical products. The chemicals increase the yields and lower due to the high supply. There are worries that the farming used by conventional farmers could destroy the fertility of the land, where organic farming will secure the future for sustainable farming.

Don't forget to check in Friday for another "In the Classroom" blog!

~Carling