...There are several factors that may influence a conventional farmer’s decision to get into organic farming. A farmer may decide to get into organic farming for personal health related reasons. For example, if the farmer is on a strict organic diet, he or she may prefer to enter the organic market in order to share the benefits with their consumers. An economic reason why a farmer may choose to enter the organic farming market is for the supplier surplus. Organic farmers tend to follow a differentiation market strategy rather than a cost leadership strategy. Therefore, their products usually warrant a higher price point. Consumers tend to pay more for a good that they perceive is higher in quality. Although the higher price point is an incentive to enter the organic market, higher profits are not guaranteed. The cost of transitioning from conventional farming to organic farming could be rough for a smaller firm. When a farmer leaves the conventional market to enter the organic market he gives up the opportunity to sell a higher volume of products at a lower price point. The trade-off is whether to sell a higher volume at a lower price or to sell to a specific market for a higher price. Organic farmers also spend more time on hand weeding crops than non-organic farmers; this time could be spent elsewhere in the firm’s value chain. Production cost—including the cost of the organic certification fee—is slightly higher compared to non-organic farms. Therefore, profit margins may...
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...December 2015 Should Factory Farming Be Acceptable in Our Society? Since the past fifty years, farming operations in the United States have developed from individualized production to mass production, which is known today as factory farming. Factory farming is a method of food and fiber production which exploits animals in a confined environment (Marcus). As the demand for meat continues to increase, the modern agricultural practice of factory farming also continues to increase to meet the food consumption of humans. Factory farms consist of a large number of animals confined in small spaces to minimize operation costs; this mass production has decreased the price of meat as the factories produce an excess amount of meat to satisfy the demand. However, although Americans are fulfilled with the abundant amount of cheap meat, the practice of factory farming causes serious consequences for animals, humans, and the environment. This unhealthy practice has led to problems such as pollution, inhuman animal treatment, and human illness. Therefore, for all these reasons, many people have stated that factory farming is morally and ethically wrong. Since factory farms wield tremendous power in our society, they have become a controversial topic, with many people questioning whether they are detrimental or beneficial to our society. While opponents believe that the costs of factory farming outweigh the benefits, supporters rather believe that factory farming is needed in our current society...
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...following areas 1. Organic Farming ---- scope, challenges and opportunities 2. Indian Retail Industry 3. Rise of online veggie sales 1. Industry Background Organic Farming has been prevalent since the time agriculture has been in existence. However due to commercialisation, the natural method of growing crops became unpopular as it was not economical. To earn more profits, farmers resorted to better and more utilization of land. Where only one crop was grown in a year, farmers started growing two or more crops a year. This required adding fertilisers to the soil. Organic food farming got restricted to small family kitchen gardens. To counter this widespread...
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...soils in sand in few years. Bio Fertilizer .Com is one organic center with information about natural products and eco friendly energies. Information Center about how to use Solar, Wind , BioDigestors and other sources of cheap energy for houses and business. Bio Pesticides are natural products that helps in the maintenance of gardens and organic food production. Read the Biology of Microorganisms to learn more about the scientific basis. Introducing the basics of the science of Biology of Microorganisms and its applications, as fertilizers or composting for example. Organic Farming State The World of Organic Agriculture: More Than 31 Million Hectares Worldwide The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), the Swiss Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), and the Foundation Ecology & Farming (SOEL), Germany, presented the latest global data on organic farming at the BioFach fair 2006 in Nuremberg, the world leading fair for organic food. According to the survey, currently more than 31 million hectares of farmland are under organic management worldwide, a gain of around five million hectares in a single year. A major increase of organic land has taken place in China, where nearly three million hectares of pastoral land were recently certified. HUNGER: DO YOU KNOW THE FACTS? It is estimated that one billion people in the world suffer from hunger and...
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...Sample Persuasive Speech Outline Topic: Factory Farming Organizational Pattern: Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Specific Purpose: To persuade the audience that factory farms are dangerous and abusive and therefore need to be banned. Primary Audience Outcome: I the want the audience to join or support national organizations that protest against factory farms. Thesis Statement: The U.S. government should ban factory farms and require the meat industry to raise animals in their natural environments. Attention: Close your eyes and step into the world of an individual. You are born into a world where nights and days are never constant (attention getter). You are fed three to five times a day, but no one is there to nurture you. Not even the numerous others crammed into your living space. You grow frantic, scared, and sickly. Now open your eyes, to reality. What I have just described is one of America’s worst ghettos. You know this individual who is trapped in this environment. He is your breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is the meat you eat . Today’s farms not only abuse their animals they also produce harmful diseases and environmental hazards that affect each and every one of us, regardless of whether you consume animal products or not. The U.S. government should ban factory farms and require the meat industry to raise animals in their natural environments (preview of points and statement of purpose). I. What used to be Old McDonald’s farms have now become...
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...Factory Farming Each year millions of pigs, chickens, cows, and other mass produced animals are being abused, brutally murdered, and have even become a health hazard to human beings. Many people have turned a blind eye to this world wide epidemic so they can continue to benefit from the prices and convenience of factory farmed animals. It is true that man is the ruler over animals, but they are still living creatures that do feel pain from abuse and do still suffer when neglected. It’s bewildering to realize that we as a human race have revolutionized women’s rights, civil rights, and even going as far as protecting the environment but we continue to accept the horrific abuse of animals. It’s time for a change! Today’s farming has come a long way from what it was like forty or fifty years ago but trust me not in a positive way. Since what most people focus on now a day is money that is all they seem to care about. First lets define the word brutality according to the free dictionary on on-line brutality is the state or quality of being ruthless, cruel, harsh, or unrelenting (Brutality, 2000). Many large corporation run most of the farms today due to the economy and regular farmers not being able to afford to run let alone own a farm, factory farming has become the way to do business, despite the fact that animals are meant to graze on green pastures and drink from clean watering holes many animals are instead being confined to small cages, being brutally abused, getting...
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...1. GROWTH FACTORS. The Ceres Gardening Company is exceptional in many respects. At the outset, it is important to acknowledge its founders vision: It is the most profitable business in the organic farming sector and has grown successfully for the last 25 years it has been in operation. It has grown from a simple visionary company of transforming lawns and home gardens into independent nurseries, gardens and massive farms in Northern California area and is expanding across United States rapidly. The growth has been attributed to Ceres hands-on work ethic and approach in handling clients and suppliers. The company has been very aggressive in involving the client in the development of company products and in nurturing their produce in the farms. A coordinated management team and dedicated work force has also contributed greatly in building the company and enabling it reach the far it has done. This is due to the fact that most staff members share in the vision of the company, the company’s policy of rewarding results and the training program for staff members that give them the opportunity to understand the benefits of organic farming over genetically modified foods. 2. COMPARISON OF STOCK TO COMPANY PERFORMANCE. 3. COMPARISON SALES GROWTH TO INVENTORY AND ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. In the last financial year, though not conclusive, preliminary reports indicate that the company managed to generate $42.6 Million compared to the previous year where it generated $35.1 Million reporting...
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...australia xiangyun Dai, SID:220113354 2013 2013 Unit coordinator: Fredy-Roberto Organic Wines Organic wines are made from wine grapes produced under organic agricultural practices, as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture movements as the ‘production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions’ with its core principle in achieving high yields without artificial fertilizers and pesticides (IFOAM, 2008). With over 11 million certified hectares of land, the Organic agricultural industry in Australia has received rapid growth in the recent years due to the trend to a more ‘healthy, and environmentally responsible’ consumer culture and a willingness to pay more for their values (Remaud, 2008). In the following years the industry is expect to continue to receive respectable double digit growth. The recent growth in organic produces has translated well into the growing market for organic wine (107% growth during 2010-2012) and it is expected to continue into the future (Mascitelli, 2012). While the average consumer are not so willing to pay the premium for the ‘organic’ label on their wine, research have found that a significant cluster (~14%) of Australians are willing to pay up to a 9% premium for organic wine (Chvyl, 2008). A swot analysis on the market of organic wines is summarised below. Strength | Opportunity | * Strong Growth in...
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...In today’s global economy sustainability is very important; from the biological aspect to the industries they all play a role on the marine environment. As world population increases the demand of fish rises causing overfishing. Certain laws have been placed to limit the amount of wild fishing to reduce the risk of endangerment. To meet the demand of the population, fish farms are introduced. Pollution and health related issues are part of the challenges of fish farming. Sustainability also affects social areas such as beaches. The triple bottom line of fishing is influenced by sustainability in many ways. One way is the demand for fish increases with population. As well there are new laws limiting fishing, ultimately forcing once profitable fishermen to find other means of making a living, such as tourism. Other laws that limit the amount and speed of fishing are eliminating power boats and only using man power to pull nets in. Farm fishing is another result of the limit on wild fishing. Farm fishing allowed limited fishermen to still achieve their triple bottom line. An important part of fish farming is the “production” which is fabricating the fish according to the market demand. Fish farming will enable restaurants and other buyers to have more stability with all fish breeds all year. Distribution of farm raised fish is simply providing the fish to buyers. Fish are sent to fish markets throughout the world to be processed and sold. Consumption of fish is being increased...
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...use resources. Organic farming can be profitable and organic food appeals to consumers as both a healthy and ethical choice. Beyond money and ethics though, organic farming practices result in numerous environmental benefits. Organic Farming Builds Healthy Soil. To grow healthy food, you must start with healthy soil. If you treat soil with harmful pesticides and chemicals, you may end up with soil that cannot thrive on its own. Natural cultivation practices are far better than chemical soil management. Organic farming helps combat erosion Not only does organic farming build healthy soil, but it helps combat serious soil and land issues, such as erosion. A major study comparing adjoining organic and chemically treated wheat fields showed that the organic field featured eight more inches of topsoil than the chemically treated field and also had only one-third the erosion loss. If you aren't concerned about erosion; you should be. Erosion issues are extremely serious, affecting the land, food supply and humans. However, organic farming practices do help discourage erosion from occurring. Organic Farming Fights the Effects of Global Warming. According to the Rodale Institute, Farming Systems Trial is America’s longest running, side-by-side comparison of conventional and organic agriculture. The trial, running since 1981, has shown that a healthy organic agriculture system can actually reduce carbon dioxide and help slow climate change. Also, organic farming supports water conservation...
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...Function/operational areas of ASF ASF in Pakistan specifically focuses on the following areas: * Horticulture i.e. fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, dates, spices. * Floriculture * Livestock (excluding poultry and fishery) & Dairy The function in the above areas because according to them these area are largely ignored even though they contribute significantly to Pakistan GDP. Horticulture Horticulture is considered to be the science, business and art of growing and marketing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. It is unique among plant sciences because it not only involves science and technology, but it also incorporates art and design principles. The horticulture sector in Pakistan represents tremendous unrealized potential and what is needed is systematic and focused attention, for Pakistan to carve a niche for itself in this global market of $ 80 billion. Of Pakistan's 88.2 million hectares of land, approximately 20 million hectares are used for agricultural and horticultural purposes. Of that amount only 20 percent is considered to have the potential for intensive crop production. Presently Pakistan annually produces 13 million tons of fruit and vegetables valued at around $ 2 billion, and out of this only about half a million tons valued at $ 140 million, is exported. The factors inhibiting export growth include our inability to comply with quality and sanitary/phytosanitary standards and insufficient shelf life of our fresh fruits...
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...organic industry. David Biello is more skilled in the field of journalism and science therefore, when comparing the three authors Biello would have less of an impact on his readers than Hurst or Coleman. The debate over organic and conventional farming revolve over the question of, what is safe and healthy for our world and lifestyle. Cultivation has been changing from generation to generation. Farming has had its adjustments that deemed as necessary for our environment to continue circulating and providing for our society. Organic farming is also known as, “Real Food”. Real food is basically all the fruits and vegetables that are processed without the use of any chemical boost. Hurst has been working in the farming industry for more than thirty years and with that he gains the trust of the audience and explains why only cultivating organically would be nearly impossible. “But he expects me to farm like my grandfather, and not incidentally, I suppose, to live like him as well” (Hurst...
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...PHI 2010: Final Draft. Miami Dade College Philosophy Reduce Animal Cruelty by increasing vegan products I will demonstrate my argument on this research paper mainly about animal’s cruelty in factory farms, which is raising concerns about our environment and health. Many people are becoming vegetarian; some of them because of maintaining a healthy diet but others are against bad treatment and suffering of animals before they are killed. Today’s human society has become less sensitive to animals’ rights and their welfare by producing millions of factory farms to increase meat production as well as poultry and dairy based products. Factory farmers only care about their wealth and high numbers of sales, no matter the quality of our food or health issues while consuming meat full of antibiotics and hormones. [http://realtruth.org/articles/070601-004-ff.html] Some researches have shown; 47 billion animals are killed in food production, plus many more died during transport in overcrowded trucks. Moreover, these animal’s rights are slaughter when they are not longer productive, being thrown into plastic bags to slowly suffocate or to feed other animal while they are still alive. It is said, that during food production piglet, cows or chicken suffer needless mutations. Producing discomfort, stress and pain to these animals [http://www.bornfreeusa.org/facts.php?p=454&mora=1] Then, scientists have linked these issues to problems with our food quality and safety. An increased...
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...Kentucky Dairy Farms in Jeopardy Emily J. Daniel Professor Neil Conway ENG 215 July 5, 2012 Imagine having to give up your job and life investment that you have worked so hard for and have dedicated all your time, money and energy into. This is a devastating thought, especially for small dairy farmers of Kentucky. In the bluegrass state, dairy farms are in jeopardy due to the market price of milk (dairy.com). Some dairy farmers are barely breaking even, looking for extra ways to make money, or those that have no choice but to close down their operation. It is important that dairy farmers are paid a fair price for their milk to keep the industry alive by stabilizing the market price of milk and giving the farmers what they deserve for their production. It has been recorded that in 2011, Kentucky currently has 892 operating dairy’s while being down 58 less from 2010 and that our state produces just enough milk to feed the people of Kentucky (Community Farm Alliance, 2011). Prices paid to the dairy farmers are ridiculous but what is also ridiculous is the price the consumer pays for milk in the grocery. If the farmers are not getting a cut of that money who is? Processing plants are limiting the market by buying bottling plants and other processing plants to make less competition throughout the state. These processing plants then drive down the price of milk they pay to the farmers leaving them in a state of disarray. Expenses to run a farm also play a role...
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...Then only problem with this is there are no truly hard-hitting facts that can prove one production method of food is significantly superior to the other in promoting overall wellness. In this essay, I am going to explain some of the issues and ideals with organic production, so that you may have a better understanding of the struggle between deciding to eat organic or to continue eating conventionally grown food. Many people do not even know the difference between organic and inorganic food, they only go by what they see on the label of the food they are purchasing. The major difference in farming organic food as opposed to conventional is the limited use of pesticides. Conventional farming relies heavily on pesticides, growth hormone usage, and applying other chemicals that may be potentially harmful to the consumer of the plant or animal meat. The biggest issue with the conventional farming is the use of the pesticide DDT, which has been proven to be the cause of the widespread thinning of bird eggs, and a sudden drop in the bald eagle and peregrine falcon population (Organic Food Exposed). Rather than using pesticides, organic farmers allow plants to produce their own ways of protecting themselves by allowing them to adapt to the environment. This is not always a good thing. While many people have an issue and concerns about pesticides causing illness and cancer in consumers, the alterations these plant may also have very negative effects on their consumers. For instance, in...
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