A major study of organic farms reported that some of the benefits ofthe cut of pesticides are be undone because so few crops are produced. Yields can be 40 percent less meaning in the traditional farms, land more necessary that it adds to the scarcity of water and greenhouse gas. The study progress of science States newspaper that organic food is not the 'Holy Grail' to solve the challenges of security environment and food, while you may have only marginal benefits. It also criticizes the cost, as buyers who buy organic can see your shopping bills rising by up to 50 percent.
Lead author Dr. Verena Seufert, University of British Columbia, said:'organic is often proposed a Holy Grail current environmental solution and problems of food shortages, but we found that the costs and benefits will vary much according to the context.' said: ' while an organic farm can be better for things such as biodiversity, farmers will need more land to grow the same amount of food. "And conversion of land for agriculture is the main contributor in Exchange for habitat lossand climate." the average organic crop is 19-25 per cent smaller thanthat could produce a conventional farmer, as crops are lost to pests and weeds.
To be certified as organic, producers are unable to use strong chemicals and pesticides herbicides that would especially protect corn, wheat and corn. Researchers say that this method can see farmers lose 40 percent of their crops, although some, such as legumes, are more resistant. Means that many people who opt for the organic can buy products that are less friendly, what farmers think.Organic attract moreplants and bees and produce less nitrogen that is best for the qualityof the water.
On the other hand, the report indicates, create less diversity of birds in grasslands and agricultural areas while that reduced nitrogen emissions are most made by the need for more land producing organic crops. Conversion of the land to create additional fields for crop produces about seven percent of greenhouse gases. Dr. Seufert and co-author Navin Ramankutty analyzed organic agriculture in Europe and the United States through 17 criteria such as performance, impact on climate change, health life and consumer of farmer. They cite researchshowing that people changing to an organic diet could spend 50 percent more food. The study States: ' high organic prices are due to supply limited in relation to demand, the need to maintain separate distribution channels and a lower yield and sometimes higher costs of production. ' Although direct organic marketing initiatives such as farmers and agriculture markets support community (CSA) aims to be more accessible to low-income consumers, usually mostly reach class consumers media.' researchers argue that in countries where pesticideregulations are strict and diets are rich in micronutrients, the benefitsof choosing organic can be marginal. However, to conclude is a way in which consumers can take control envelope and the knowledge ofhow their food is produced, since it is the only regulated agriculturalsystem in the Act. Dr. Seufert said: ' we have to stop thinking in conventional and organic agriculture as two ends of the spectrum. On the other hand, consumers should demand best practices for both by what we can achieve the food needs of the world in a sustainable way. Georgia Farnworth, political officer of the soil Association, said: ' theauthors point out the wide range of environmental benefits of organic agriculture, the higher soil health and higher levels of wildlife on organic farms reduce GHG emissions greenhouse and the absence of fossil fuel based fertilizers.
'The study also notes the nutritional differences in organic foods andreduced exposure to the pesticide.' added: "it is clear from this analysis and the conclusions of the authors that organic agriculture has an important role to play in the achievement of a just and sustainable food system".
WHAT IS ORGANIC FARMING?
Organic agriculture does not use chemical fertilizers on crops or additives for livestock.
It is based on natural forms of agriculture such as biological pest control and crop rotation.
Organic agriculture is less efficient, so it costs more to produce.
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