...Should all farming be organic? 1.0 The two main types of farming this report will look into are: (1) Organic agriculture- Organic farming (2) Modern Agriculture- Intensive farming Organic farming (as defined by the Codex Alimentarius Commission) is a holistic production management system that avoids use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and genetically modified organisms, minimizes pollution of air, soil and water, and optimizes the health and productivity of interdependent communities of plants, animals and people 1. To achieve this, organic farming relies on a number of objectives and principles, as well as common practices designed to minimise the human impact on the environment, while ensuring the agricultural system operates as naturally as possible2. Typical organic farming practices include2: • Wide crop rotation as a prerequisite for an efficient use of on-site resources • Very strict limits on chemical synthetic pesticide and synthetic fertiliser use, livestock antibiotics, food additives and processing aids and other inputs • Prohibition of the use of genetically modified organisms • Taking advantage of on-site resources, such as livestock manure for fertiliser or feed produced on the farm • Choosing plant and animal species that are resistant to disease and adapted to local conditions • Raising livestock in free-range, open-air systems and providing them with organic feed • Using animal husbandry practices appropriate to different livestock species ...
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...Why the government should Subsidize Organic Farming Organic farming is a farming method focused on advancing environmental and ecosystem benefits, as opposed to the external output in farming. It promotes the health of the ecosystem, biodiversity, and the soil biological activity. Government subsidies farmer receive are aimed at promoting healthy and beneficial and responsible farming. To understand why it is crucial for the government to subsidize organic farming, it is good to evaluate the benefits that accrue from organic farming. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the gains achievable if the government was to subsidize organic farming. One of the focuses of most governments is the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG). A UN framework for climate change is now a key focus for most governments. One way of achieving this is the subsidizing farmers to do organic farming. The aim of doing that is that, by the use of organic farming methods, the increase in greenhouse gases reduces. The essence of this is to reduce the number of energy intensive farming that have a negative impact on farming. In addition, using less energy intensive methods means more saving on the inputs and additional benefits to the farmers. This is important since, over the years, the gains and benefits for farming have reduced. That is because, of among other things, bad weather, and scares of public health. Therefore, promoting a method that will directly benefits the farmer and the environment should...
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...Jana Davis English 1127, 029 18 November 2013 Organic Farming as a Solution to Climate Change Climate change threatens the sustainability of food production. At the same time, conventional food production threatens the sustainability of the climate. In Canada, the agricultural sector is responsible for eight percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These emissions translate to 56.6 million metric tonnes of carbon equivalents. An extra three percent can be added to that number for “Agricultural fossil fuel and energy use” (Environmental p 111, figure 16-2). Canada needs to take responsibility and remedy emissions. Wonderfully, organic farming has the potential to mitigate climate change with sustainable food production by creating diverse farms that support farmers and soil health; and by drastically reducing GHG emissions by opting for inexpensive, low-energy, natural pesticides and fertilizers. Organic farming will mitigate climate change by protecting against soil erosion. Soil erosion is the removal of valuable topsoil sometimes caused by naturally occurring processes such as wind, rain, and drought. Often, soil erosion is caused by a combination of factors. For instance, if drought occurs topsoil becomes dry. If after the drought large amounts of wind approach that dry land in a storm, the soil will be blown away. Soil is a complex living organism filled with inorganic matter like sand, silt, and clay; and organic matter abundant with worms, microorganisms, minerals...
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...Lucas Miguez Mr. Sucena Biology 2 November 2015 Organic Agriculture The human population is growing rapidly and is expected to reach its limit somewhere around nine billion (J. Foley "The other inconvenient truth" ). We are already using more than forty percent of the world’s land for agricultural purposes and agriculture is the single biggest contributor to climate change (J. Foley "The other inconvenient truth" ). Some people want to convert the land that we aren't using to grow more food, but that would greatly affect the world’s biodiversity by causing even further deforestation and would only contribute to climate change. Therefore, researchers are working to find a solution to increase the output of food while not further damaging the environment and biodiversity or significantly increasing costs. Many possible solutions have been raised with different advantages and disadvantages. One such idea is organic agriculture, which focuses on minimizing agriculture’s effect on the environment. Like all of the much-hyped solutions, however, there are drawbacks to this approach (J. Foley "The other inconvenient truth" ). The main goal of organic agriculture is the minimization of farming’s effect on the environment, but there remains a need for more crops to feed our growing population (J. Foley "The other inconvenient truth"). Because of this, the organic agriculture advocates are encouraging the practice of precision agriculture. As stated by McGinnis:...
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...Eating Organic Choosing the foods we eat is a part of everyday life. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; food surrounds us indefinitely. Just think of every type of food available to pick from when strolling down the grocery aisle. Possibilities are endless. When driving from one place to the next, the amount of restaurants and grocery stores lined up along the streets are nearly impossible to count. Eating is essential for the survival of human beings, which is why it is so important to make conscious decisions surrounding what goes into the body. When choosing what to eat, Organic foods are the best choice because they do not contain harmful chemicals or pesticides, are better for our environment, and are less harmful to the people who grow and harvest food. When eating...
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...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 take a hit in the short-term. Organic farmers can combine resources...
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...Climate Change: Debate Unit Research Design Journal Marco Palomares [Working Families] Mr. Delcambre Professional Communications 1B April 20th, 2017 Introduction Since the 1760s, fossil fuel has become the primary source of energy. We used fossil fuels for over two hundred years. Today, fossil fuel such as oil, powers most of our modes of transportation. Then coal and natural gas powers our electricity. Over the two hundred years we used fossil fuels, it has developed a problem that only got bigger over time. A problem that we face not only as a nation but as the human race. The problem is climate change. Climate change is caused by natural or non-natural greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Modern human activities have increased the release of non-naturally occurring greenhouse gases because we have boost our demand of burning more fossil fuel. The following design cycle explains my point of view [Working families] on climate change. Criterion A Need for...
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...Organic Vs. Conventional “The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and the perfection of human beings” (Fukuoka 119). Agriculture is one of the most important determinants of the quality of non-urban areas, one that can create a cultural identity of an area. But despite the cultural identity it can give, farming and agriculture also provide food which is needed for all living organisms to survive. Nevertheless, the processes and methods of producing the food are split between two very different ideas: Conventional or Organic agriculture. Conventional farming describes any farming not dedicated to alternative methods. Fundamentally, conventional farming is the kind of farming which dominated the 20th century and which accounts for most farming today. In conventional farming, chemical plant protectants, chemical fertilizers and intensive mass animal farming are common. The term “conventional farming” draws its meaning from the contrast to alternative farming methods such as organic farming. Conventional farming methods date back to the Industrial Revolution, which gave birth to newly invented machinery. This new machinery began producing goods with greater efficiency and output, which had previously been made by hand. It was also the beginning of the transformation of society, but did not overtake agriculture as quickly as it did in other areas of production, such as textiles and printing. No doubt, that was because agriculture...
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............................................................................................ 3 INTRODUCTION: ............................................................................................ 4 ORGANIC AGRI-BUSINESS: HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?............................ 4 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................ 5 LIMITATIONS OF THE METHODOLOGY .................................................... 5 SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES IN ORGANIC AGRIBUSINESS ........................ 5 ENVIRONMENTAL/ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY ........................... 5 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY: ................................................................. 6 SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY: ....................................................................... 7 OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS IN ORGANIC AGRIBUSINESS ........ 7 OPPORTUNITIES ......................................................................................... 7 CONSTRAINTS ............................................................................................. 8 SUSTAINABLE PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC INTEGRATED AGRIBUSINESS – GOALS/KEY FEATURES OF THE ORGANISATION . 10 DESIGNING THE ORGANIC PRODUCTION SYSTEM .............................. 12 MANAGING THE CONVERSION TO ORGANIC FARMING.................. 13 CHALLENGES IN CONVERSION PROCESS ........................................... 14 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF A TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE SYSTEM...
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............................................................................................ 3 INTRODUCTION: ............................................................................................ 4 ORGANIC AGRI-BUSINESS: HOW IS IT DIFFERENT?............................ 4 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................ 5 LIMITATIONS OF THE METHODOLOGY .................................................... 5 SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES IN ORGANIC AGRIBUSINESS ........................ 5 ENVIRONMENTAL/ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY ........................... 5 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY: ................................................................. 6 SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY: ....................................................................... 7 OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS IN ORGANIC AGRIBUSINESS ........ 7 OPPORTUNITIES ......................................................................................... 7 CONSTRAINTS ............................................................................................. 8 SUSTAINABLE PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC INTEGRATED AGRIBUSINESS – GOALS/KEY FEATURES OF THE ORGANISATION . 10 DESIGNING THE ORGANIC PRODUCTION SYSTEM .............................. 12 MANAGING THE CONVERSION TO ORGANIC FARMING.................. 13 CHALLENGES IN CONVERSION PROCESS ........................................... 14 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF A TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE SYSTEM...
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...Bio Fertilizer .Com .: Organic Products Natural Products in Gardens and Agriculture Bio Fertilizer are natural and organic fertilizer that helps to keep in the soil with all the nutrients and live microorganisms required for the benefits of the plants. The soil is alive and contains a lot of microorganism that produce natural N-K-P and other nutrients required for agricultre and plants. Using chemical products eventually will kill all this micro live and transform productive 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,...
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...Organic Produce is a Choice Organic Produce is a Choice Imagining a world where there are no chemicals used on the food we eat, making them less harmful to the body and better for the environment that this generation wants to be protected for future generations is hard; therefore most people do not even try; however, if the public were more aware of the benefits of organic produce vs. conventionally grown produce, maybe they will want to make an impact on the environment sooner than later; for later could be too late. Though the health benefits are minimal (Baker, Benbrook, Groth, & Benbrook, 2002), the environmental effects can be limitless, and there is nothing better than getting the full flavor of one’s produce while knowing where it came from, how it was processed, and they are getting nutrients from their produce, not chemical residue or wax (“whfoods.org”, 2013.). Just one of these benefits is enough to make one eat organic, so considering them all, the price should be worth it; like the saying you get what you pay for. Would it not be nice eating food that will not only have health benefits, but also taste better while knowing that with each bite taken, it is playing a part in preserving the environment for future generations? Maybe people do not try organic produce for fear of change, lack of availability, it is too “pricey”, or they are just unaware. Even though organic produce is so similar some cannot tell them apart by eye, they really are very different...
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...an Organic Food Mogul 1. Discuss the trends in retailing of organic foods and the impact of these trends on Whole Foods Market. There has been a major trend change in the retailing of organic foods. Those trends not only affect Whole Foods Market but the organic food industry as well. In an article written by the Good Food World Staff, they listed 14 trends that the organic industry and Whole Foods Market should lookout for. Listed are just a few that would have a serious impact on Whole Foods Market. • The Economy: with the economy slowing and the job market showing very little promise consumers are still wanting a healthier lifestyle. Low-income families have also joined in on a healthier lifestyle and learn to budget by saving money and using coupons. Although organics are here to stay consumers are wondering were the next dollar will come from. The natural /organic companies that can stay afloat will countinue to do well. • Social Networking: in the world of marketing word of mouth is one method of getting information out quickly. Internet tools such as Facebook and Twitter can help build social networks for the organic markets growth. They give insight on what other companies are selling and at what price. Social networking can also help with brading of certain products. • Organic and Climate Change: all to often society blames global warming for every thing. But there are many other factors that come into play like greenhouse gas emission. However organic agriculture...
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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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...Global warming Global warming is a phenomenon which is affecting our life (lives?) in more ways than one. Over the past few years, its effects have become more noticeable. Climatic changes have caused some major natural disasters in the past few years and humans have played a pivotal role in the accelerating the warming of the planet. Many animal species have become extinct in the past century due to climate change. Some of the major reasons are rapid industrialization throughout the world in the past century, rapid depletion of forests and the extensive use of fossil fuels which have increased the carbon content in the air. In this article, we will look as it is not an article, choose a smoother way to introduce your thesis. at how healthy eating practices can curb global warming. Proper farming, local distribution of food products and cutting down on meat and fish consumption can drastically reduce the carbon footprint of a community. Good thesis. Today, farming has taken on a global scale. Food items produced in one corner of the world is sent for consumption to the other end in a matter of days using various forms of transportation. The demand for global cuisines and products which are not grown locally has increased a lot word choice – keep your diction formal due to globalization and change in lifestyle and eating habits throughout the world. Food processing involves a massive amount of fuel usage, first for manufacture of fertilizers for cultivation and then for food processing...
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