Organic Vs. Conventional Agriculture

Organic and conventional agriculture are two radically different approaches to farming and food production. Both exist throughout the world and have significant impacts on the earth's ecology, as well as on human health and community.

What Is Conventional?

• Conventional agriculture is a food-production system that uses chemical fertilizers, pesticides and, often, antibiotics and hormones, in order to produce a large amount of food at minimal cost.

Conventional Is Relatively New

• This system has developed and grown since World War II. It is ever maturing, in order to maximize effectiveness and production.

What Is Organic?

• Organic agriculture is a way of farming without the use of pesticides, chemicals, antibiotics or hormones.

Farming Standards

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture has managed a system for organic production, handling and labeling since the Organic Foods Production Act passed in 1990. The process certifies organic foods by the same standards nationwide.

Significance

• The market value of organic produce has grown steadily over the past 20 years, to more than $46-billion a year. This represents an increasing opportunity for small farmers to prosper alongside larger conventional operations.