Organic Farming Position Paper

653 Words3 Pages
Can Organic Farming Replace Traditional Farming? Can Organic Farming Replace Traditional Farming? The USDA defines organic farming as a process in which food is produced by “farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.” These organic farmers do not use artificial fertilizers or chemical pesticides when growing their crops. They also raise their livestock without the use of drugs and animal hormones. More and more people are beginning to look for organic food alternatives because of its “obvious” health benefits. In fact, organic food is the largest area of growth in the food industry. I believe, however, that organic farming cannot replace traditional methods, regardless of how healthy the food may be. The main reason that some people are pushing for the widespread adoption of organic farming is the fact that, not only will it be better for our health, but it will be better for the environment as well. The effects of currently used chemicals in farming may prove to be very hazardous to both. By effectively using alternatives like manure and natural pest control techniques, these hazardous health and environmental impacts can be minimized. While I agree that the widespread adoption of organic farming is environmentally ideal, it has not yet actually been proven that organic food is healthier than food that is produced using traditional methods. Robert Paarlberg, Professor of Political Science at Wellesley College and Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, argued in his 2008 commentary, “The Ethics of Modern Agriculture” that the higher nutrition level of organic food over traditionally-produced food is based largely on perception rather than actual evidence. In fact, foods produced with pesticides are less

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