Overview

Conventional Farming

Organic farming

Video: My Father’s GardenThe difference between conventional farming and organic farming

Why are organic foods more expensive?

Conventional Farming

1940’s began farming with agri-chemicals Fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides

1972 Congress ordered the EPA to test all pesticides for potential health hazards.

All agri-chemicals can remain until EPA proves dangerous

1990’s pesticide companies focus on genetic engineering

Using agri-chemicals is the predominate way food is grown in U.S. so it is now called “conventional” farming

Organic Farming

Based on : Using natural, renewable fertilizer and pesticidesCompost, manure, Bt

Farming in a way that maintains and replenishes the life and nutrients in the soil. The farmer feeds the living organisms in the soil.Handful of organic soil – 5 billion microorganisms

Primary methods used:Crop diversityCrop rotationBiological pest control

Organic Foods

Plants grown without conventional pesticides or fertilizers Produced without genetically engineered seedsAnimals are fed organic feed and raised without use of antibioticsFood processed without irradiation or food additives

“Eating is an environmental act.” Wendell Berry