Importance of Organic Farming in lives...

Today, the increasing use of pesticides in the U.S., and around the world, is a matter of serious concern. According to a report released in 2011 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), pesticide sales in the United States were approximately $12.5 billion.

The average child is exposed to 10 to 13 pesticides daily through food and beverages. Scientific evidence shows that eating organic foods can decrease the levels of pesticide metabolites detected in children. A strong and undeniable link between cancer and environmental and dietary exposure to pesticides is confirmed in a study.

In addition to cancer, there is compelling evidence that exposure to chemicals can lead to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative issues, and even cause epigenetic (DNA-level) changes that are passed on to future generations. 

Besides reducing exposure to toxins, a number of respected studies have shown that organic foods can also contain higher amounts of key nutrients. Scientists have suggested that the challenges organic plants face, such as fighting off pests without the help of pesticides and scavenging the soil to access nutrients rather than having synthetic nutrients instantly available, lead organic plants to build up antioxidant and nutrient stores to protect and strengthen themselves. 

The answer may also reside in the typically higher soil quality found on organic farms. The linkage between improved soil quality/stronger plants and more nutrient-dense food supports a basic principle of organic farming—feed the soil to better feed the plant. 

The organic farming industry has been the one bright light during the current recession. While many industries have shed employees, organic farming has been hiring workers, adding farmers and increasing revenue. Soil scientists and cultural historians have made a convincing case that civilizations rise or fall based on how they manage their soil resources

Soil microorganisms, found in abundance in organically managed soils, secrete glue-like substances that help hold soil particles together. Organic methods—such as crop rotation, cover crops, green manures and use of composted and raw animal manures—help enhance microbial activity and improve soil quality. Conversely, inputs used in non organic farming—including synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and fumigants—destroy many of these microorganisms, resulting in lower concentrations of soil aggregates also organic farming methods result in higher quality soil. Improved soil quality can increase crop resistance to diseases too.

Water may well become the largest problem facing global agricultural production in the very near future. Not surprisingly, food production practices can have a strong impact on water quality. Ground and surface water can be contaminated by the pesticides, fertilizers and animal wastes that are not absorbed by plants or soil.

Because organic farming practices help improve soil structure, water-holding capacity and nutrient cycling, these farms are more resilient in the face of climatic extremes. 

One way to reduce greenhouse gases is to decrease overall energy use. Studies are revealing that organic agriculture has lower net energy use and increased energy efficiency compared with non organic.