...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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...Q: Is a large-scale shift to organic farming the best way to increase world food supply? A: I agree that the real question should be how we can distribute food surpluses rather than if we can feed the world. Many countries produce more food that they need, for example most Americans are overweight or obese, whereas 1 billion of 6 billion world’s population is suffering hungry. In addition, demographers predict that the world’s population will increase up to 9 billion in 2050. I think that organic farming is a big business in developed countries because people are will to pay more for the organic labels. They believe that organic food is healthier and more nutritious than non-organic food, even there is no scientific evidence of this. Conversely, it is true that organic food is yummier. However, farmers in third-world countries don’t get the premium prices for these products. On the hand, organic farms can produce more than conventional farms, but it requires a long time to recover the soil from chemicals. In my opinion, a total conversion to organic farming is a utopia. I think that an integrated solution between organic and some conventional farming techniques should be better. It can help poor farmers to produce more without assuming the risks of being completely organic. Also, organic farming doesn’t depends on expensive outputs, although it is not very easy because it requires long-term planning such as altering crop rotation. And, we shouldn’t forget that for example...
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...Organic Farming The organic industry has become popular in recent years, but some do not know there is a difference between organic and natural. The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products (mayoclinic.com). Organic farming methods encourage soil, water conservation, and reduce pollution; farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease (mayoclinic.com). With consumers looking for healthier options, organic seems like it would be a perfect option. However, with so many guidelines farmers need to follow the price for buying organic exceeds that of non-organic. Demand for organic milk and dairy has grown universally since the society has become more aware of what hormones and genetically modified organisms (GMO) have gone into the items we eat and drink. For example, in the case of GMO’s food is altered to a form that does not occur naturally in nature (livestrong.com). Plants repel insects, resist viruses while others are treated in a way that allows herbicides to be sprayed without harming the crop itself (livestrong.com). Although demand for organic is on the rise buyers have to do research on the items they are buying is truly organic and not just labeled as natural. In order for a farm to be natural all they have to do is put a label on their products. In the United States neither the FDA nor the USDA has rules or regulations for products...
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...There are many reasons why new laws should be introduced to make organic farming techniques compulsory for all Australian growers. The use of toxic chemicals can easily be eliminated from agriculture. The costs of the change are insignificant compared to the benefits gained, and the added profitability to farmers who use organic methods are among the many benefits of organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices. Advances in agricultural science and technology have made it possible for all Australian farmers to produce fruit and vegetables organically. Most of the new chemicals being used in farming are harmful to humans, animals, soils, water, air and plants in the environment, but they’re not necessary. Toxic pesticides designed to kill insects can easily be replaced by substances that occur naturally, including garlic and mineral-enriched water. Fertilisers would be unnecessary if farmers used proper crop rotation practices, natural compost and green manure to nourish the soil. If farmers were prepared to look into these simple practices used successfully by ancient cultures, they would realise that there are many viable alternatives to poisoning the environment and their customers with toxic and mostly synthetic chemical agents. One of the main problems raised by farmers against organic practices is the cost of implementing alternative procedures. However, these expenses are quickly recoverable because of the higher prices that organically farmed produce can...
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...Organic farming is the process by which agriculturists create & cultivate vegetables, dairy products, grains, meat & fruits. The process of organic farming has been brought in to use to preserve water & soil & also to reduce the pollution that can be caused because of faming. Organic farming does not involve any of the conventional farming methods to keep away from the diseases that can occur in the livestock & to control pests in the vegetable or fruit farming & for that matter even fertilizer. Organic farming puts in to use the natural methods to keep away from any harm to the farming. The organic farming differs from the conventional farming in a lot of ways. In conventional farming, synthetic chemicals are made use of to increase the growth of cultivation. However, in organic farming it is preferable to make use of organic wastes & compost in the kind of fertilizers, which may finish up in increasing the nutrients supplied to the plants. To get rid of weeds, conventional farming methods make use of herbicides. On the other hand, organic farming would prefer going in for rotation of the crops that would prevent the particular weed from destroying a plant. Also, organic farmers would prefer going in for hand picking of the weeds or tilling to control the weed growth. To get rid of pests & weeds, a standard farming process would make use of pesticide or pesticides. However, with organic farming, the farmers would prefer making use of birds & some insects that would destroy...
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...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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...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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...Comparison and Contrast of Organic and Conventional Farming: An Overview of Differences and Similarities. Chuck Finnley Drakefield University Comparison and Contrast of Organic and Conventional Farming: An Overview of Differences and Similarities. Even though people believe organic food is safer, healthier, and environmentally friendly compared to conventional crops, there are few differences, and research demonstrates both methods provide the same nutritional value and both are exposed to similar pesticides. The practices used in both types of farming have led to products fewer differences than the public often believes. Much of what most consider to be common knowledge about the quality and safety of the two farming methods is false. The methods used in both types of farming often yield the same results. It is often believed that there are stark differences in the methods used to produce organic and conventional crops. Exploring the practices of both types of farming we discover that many safety concerns are equally valid for both methods of farming. The pesticides used in organic and conventional farming are derived from different sources, but both pose health risks. Organic farms are allowed to use pesticides. This is contrary to what many people believe about the practices of organic farming. When people hear organic they often think of pesticide-free farming. To be certified as organic in the United States farmers must follow a basic set of practices outlined...
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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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...professional farmers who have contrasting opinions about the 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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...the 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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...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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...Papers Search Home Page » Science Organic vs Conventional Farming In: Science Organic vs Conventional Farming Organic farming is the process by which agriculturists create & cultivate vegetables, dairy products, grains, meat & fruits. The process of organic farming has been brought in to use to preserve water & soil & also to reduce the pollution that can be caused because of faming. Organic farming does not involve any of the conventional farming methods to keep away from the diseases that can occur in the livestock & to control pests in the vegetable or fruit farming & for that matter even fertilizer. Organic farming puts in to use the natural methods to keep away from any harm to the farming. The organic farming differs from the conventional farming in a lot of ways. In conventional farming, synthetic chemicals are made use of to increase the growth of cultivation. However, in organic farming it is preferable to make use of organic wastes & compost in the kind of fertilizers, which may finish up in increasing the nutrients supplied to the plants. To get rid of weeds, conventional farming methods make use of herbicides. On the other hand, organic farming would prefer going in for rotation of the crops that would prevent the particular weed from destroying a plant. Also, organic farmers would prefer going in for hand picking of the weeds or tilling to control the weed growth. To get rid of pests & weeds, a standard farming process would make use of pesticide or...
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...you 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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...Horticulture includes cultivation of flower, fruits, and vegetables for sale in the market, etc. The word horticulture is derived from the latin hortus, “garden”, and colere, “to cultivate.” A person who performs the activities of fruits and vegetables growing are known as horticulturist. Vegetables growing is an important part of horticulture. Presently our county is next to China in area and production of fruits and vegetable crops and has been contributing 10% of fruits and 14% of vegetable of the total world production. Horticulture has become a key driver for economic development of the Sikkim. The government has decided to adopt the policy of growth with sustainability, making horticulture a priority sector for higher income generation to farming community. 1.2 Background of the study The main purpose of this research process was to see the present status and prospectus of horticulture crops (vegetables) in East Sikkim. This topic is very important because horticulture is one of the major economic activities of the people of Sikkim. The department of horticulture is deeply involved in motivating and providing technical guidance to local farmers. The important of horticulture in improving land use, generating employment and providing national security to people has increased many folds and realization of the same by cross section of the people has further increased its importance. Therefore, the horticulture has become an important sector in Sikkim. For this reason the practical...
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