Get to know the difference between organic vs conventional farming so you can make well-informed decisions when it comes to your next food shop.
When it comes to shopping for our food, we are always on the lookout to make sure that we are purchasing the best products for ourselves and our families to eat. In the last ten years alone, the organic vs conventional farming techniques have been up for debate between consumers arguing whether it is worth it or not to purchase organic foods over non-organic foods.
Not many people understand what the difference is between organic and conventional farming. Let’s break it down by definition!
Organic vs Conventional Farming: What’s the Difference?
A report released by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on climate change in 2019 indicated that agriculture, particularly emissions derived from nitrogen fertilizers, deforestation, and livestock, is one of the leading causes of climate change worldwide. While this finding was released over two years ago, the threat to the future of our planet as a whole remains threatened by global agricultural techniques.
With these findings kept in mind, let’s have a look at the differences between organic and conventional farming methods to see why this finding is so concerning our planet’s future as a whole.
What is Conventional Farming?
For thousands of years, farmers have been utilising conventional farming techniques to grow their crop and sell their goods on massive scales. This means that to produce a large enough crop to sell to the masses, this often means farmers utilise use synthetic chemicals to make sure this happens. Most notably, conventional farming involves using chemicals, fertilizers, chemical weed killers, and chemical pesticides to maintain their crops’ quality.
Additionally, rather than utilising the entirety of their land to produce a variety of fruits, vegetables, and livestock, conventional farmers will stick to one or two the entire year. This, in turn, contributes to an increase in deforestation due to a lack of diversity and sustainability in conventional farmer‘s overall methods.
Here is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of conventional farming:
Pros of Conventional Farming
- More cost-effective
- Is more accessible to the masses
- Machinery used relies less on manual labour costs
Cons of Conventional Farming
- Methods used have a harsher environmental impact
- Overuse of synthetic fertilisers can cause damage to ecosystems and soil health
What is Organic Farming?
On the other hand, and unlike conventional farming techniques, organic farming does not incorporate synthetic chemicals, fertilisers, pesticides, or GMOs to assist with producing the overall crop. The underlying premise of organic agriculture is to promote our ecosystems’ sustainability so that crops can mature and grow without the need for chemicals.
Therefore, organic farmers will use neutral fertilisers and rotate their crop selections to enhance the overall quality of the soil, which, in turn, conserves our planet’s biodiversity. Additionally, to be recognised as organic farmers, they must adhere to strict guidelines that ensure their land’s quality and safety and the wildlife that lives within it.
Here is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of organic farming:
Pros of Organic Farming
- Less environmental impact and reduction of water pollution
- Techniques used help the soil to maintain nutrients
- Sustainable usage of land to promote soil health
Cons of Organic Farming
- Requires more land to utilise for the methods
- Can rely more on manual labour
- Higher production costs
- Organic product demand can be volatile
What Organic and Conventional Farming Methods Mean for Produce?
While the differences between organic and conventional farming methods may not seem as though they make a difference in humans’ health and safety, some impacts have been proven. Studies indicate that you are more likely to ingest pesticide residue on produce that comes from conventional farming. Additionally, studies have also noted that there is more nutritional value in organic produce and a decrease in the levels of toxic metals found in organic produce instead of non-organic. Furthermore, non-organic grass-fed animals are more at risk of containing harmful bacteria and diseases than livestock raised sustainably when it comes to livestock.
Why Aren’t More People Choosing Organic over Conventional Farming?
One of the main reasons consumers are hesitant to purchase organic vs conventional farming is the price increase. And yes, the cost of organic produce is more expensive than conventional produce. That being said, when you purchase organic produce vs traditionally farmed produce, you are not only choosing to provide your family with a healthy selection of food, but you are also choosing to help promote the sustainability of biodiversity and the future of our planet as a whole.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many differences in organic and conventional farming techniques and produce benefits. That being said, we always encourage our customers to choose a healthy lifestyle for themselves and the planet by going organic. While slightly more expensive, the price will pay off in the long run for yourself and future generations.
Marvellous Greens & Beans Relationship With Farmers
We aim to be transparent about where our produce comes from. Our team prides ourselves on creating and maintaining great relationships with farmers to provide quality food in our fruit and veg boxes. Whilst we are open that our stock isn’t always organic, we work hard to ensure our customers are satisfied products available for our fruit boxes and veg boxes, going local wherever possible. Contact us online or see more about us!
