Organic Vs. Traditional Agriculture

In organic agriculture, crops are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. In traditional agriculture, synthetic chemicals are widely used. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for the country's agricultural industry, including certification of organic farms.

Organic Agriculture Defined

• According to the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), organic agriculture is defined as "an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity." Organic agriculture's main goal is to grow healthy crops without adding any synthetic chemicals. By following that premise, the industry is flourishing. Organic agriculture emerged in the 1980s as a small-scale niche market that has grown in the past 30 years into a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise.

Organic Certification

• There are far stricter regulations governing organic agriculture versus traditional agriculture. In order to sell more than $5,000 annually in organic produce in the United States, farms must pass certification. Farmers seeking certification must apply with the USDA. The USDA requires farms to take certain steps before passing certification, including stopping the use of banned chemicals for three years. Once certified, the farms are closely regulated.

Pesticide Use

• Contrary to what many people think, organic does not mean pesticide free. Although organic farms are prohibited from using synthetic pesticides, the use of non-synthetic pesticides is permitted. A non-synthetic pesticide is a pesticide that has been derived from natural sources, and not synthetically manufactured. Copper is an example of a non-synthetic pesticide widely used in organic agriculture. Due to the fact that there are less non-synthetic pesticides available compared to synthetic, organic farmers are more likely to use cultural control methods. Cultural control methods include using baited insect traps, biological control agents such as predators and selecting crops that are resistant to pests.

  In traditional agriculture, synthetic pesticides are widely used. When it comes to pesticide use in traditional agriculture, "the label is the law." What this means is that farmers can use synthetic pesticides, but they must follow the guidelines on the label for application rate and target pest. State agriculture departments require farmers to record the time and amount of pesticide applications. Worldwide, synthetic pesticide use is the most common means to control pest populations in agricultural crops.

Fertilizers

• Fertilizers are broadly divided into two broad categories: organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are derived from enriched organic matter that can come from plant or animal sources. Inorganic fertilizers are composed of synthetic chemicals and/or minerals. The first step in synthesizing inorganic fertilizer is through the production of ammonium through the Haber-Bosch process. This ammonia is used as a component of nitrogen fertilizers. Organic farmers are banned from using synthetic fertilizers. Instead, they commonly use manure in place of the synthetic fertilizers used in traditional agriculture.

Controversy

• There has been controversy as to whether organic farming is better for the environment, and better for human health. There is research to support both sides. Some research indicates that organic agriculture is more energy efficient than conventional agriculture, but not in all cases. Advocates for traditional agriculture argue that there is no concrete proof that organically grown crops are more nutritious. Advocates of organic farming tend to emphasize traditional agriculture's influence on climate change through the processing of fossil fuels to make fertilizers and pesticides. Proponents of organic farming also point to its positive environmental benefits, since it doesn't put harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater.