Pros and Cons of Organic and Conventional Farming

Pros of Conventional Farming

A benefit of conventional farming is that it is cheaper for the farmers and the consumers than organic farming, and it produces lots of food. Conventional farming also provides many jobs for people. This is kind of farming has low production costs so farmers can make more produce.

Cons of Conventional Farming

Non-benefits of Conventional farming are that it uses potentially harmful pollutants, dangerous to humans and animals on the farms. Pesticides are also problematic for consumers, notably with produce not properly cleaned. This way of farming also harms the environment by taking away the earth's resources and producing lots of waste. Conventional farms do not build as much soil organic matter as organic farms, and therefore have a larger carbon footprint. Conventional farmers also leave small farmers with less materials and space.

Pros of Organic Farming

One of the benefits of organic farming is that it doesn't use pesticides and chemicals. The Organic Trade Associations says if every farmer in US switched to organic it would eliminate 500 million pounds of pesticides. Organic farming strengthens soil, helping to make it healthier. Having healthier soil equals healthier food. Organic farming fights global warming. The Rodale Institute Trial show that organic agriculture can minimize the release of carbon dioxide to help slow climate change. Research shows if 10,000 medium sized farms switched to organic farming systems it would be the same as taking 1,174,400 cars off of the road.

Cons of Organic Farming

Some Cons of organic farming are that it needs more manual labor and physical weed control. It is also harder for organic farmers to market their food, while competing with conventional farmers. Organic farming from the start is more expensive. It is expensive to make organic produce and more expensive for consumers to purchase.

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