Drawing Parallels Between Conventional and Organic Farming

All of us at some point go to the grocery store, and buy food; some look at ingredients while others just trust the name and consume it, but do you really know what is in your food? The way farmers and companies grow their food can vary but is one actually healthier than the other? Just because the ingredients are on the label, does not mean there are not poisonous fertilizers and growth hormones that are left behind from the way it was produced or grown. In this paper, the differences in conventionally grown foods and organically grown foods and their nutritious values and safety will be discussed. The FDA has made is acceptable for foods to be labeled organic but not be 100% organic. A product will be labeled 100% organic if it is truly organic, meaning nothing about it is genetically modified. (Natural News)

Conventional Farming/ Foods

Conventional farming, also referred to as industrial farming, is the method of farming that allows the use of fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators or hormones, and livestock feed additives (Appropedia). Farmers may prefer this way of farming because there is the potential for more yield in a short period of time, bugs and other insects will not affect the crops, the variability in the weather and unexpected weather patterns will not affect the crops as much (What Is Conventional Farming?). Scientists can assist farmers and work side by side with them making the growing time faster, and reducing space needed to grow, and increasing the yield percent immensely (Appropedia). A farmer could use acres and acres to grow the same amount of corn in a year. While these effects would be better for farmers, it could potentially be more dangerous for those who consume them. The use of pesticides, fertilizers and growth hormones absorb into the vegetables and fruit, and when humans eat them, they can cause unwelcome changes and sometimes diseases (Appropedia). Consumers may accept these consequences because conventionally grown fruits and vegetables can be located in stores easier than finding organic stores and they also can be cheaper and bought in bulk, unlike organically grown foods.

Organic Farming/ Foods

Organic farming is the method of farming that relies more heavily on crop rotation, green manure, and biological pest control. There are organic methods that use fertilizers and pesticides that are considered natural however; it excludes the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) definition as of April 1995 is: Organic farming is a system of farming that promotes biodiversity and the environment. It is rooted in minimal use of off-farm inputs and practices that restore and maintain the environment (Organic Farming). Farmers may prefer to grow with the organic method because they respect and care for the earth. They may have moral standards they feel like they should follow because they realize it is better for the environment and the nearby habitats. Consumers would most likely prefer to buy and consume organically grow food because they are considered safer, generally grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides; they are kinder to the environment (Eating Well). Some consider them healthier and a few studies show organic foods may be higher in nutrients (Organic Farming Research Foundation). Although there may be many pros to growing and consuming organic foods, there are a few cons as well. The food may not last as long as conventionally grown foods or genetically modified foods, there are specific times when certain crops grow, and it is more expensive to tend to, grow and take care of organically grown foods.

Nutritional Value

Most organically grown foods are advertised to be better for you and some studies have found that to be true. As for nutrients, in 2007 a study out of Newcastle University in the United Kingdom reported that organic produce contained up to 40 percent higher levels of some nutrients (Eating Well). In other studies, it has been shown that organic foods contain 58% more polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can protect again cardiovascular disease. It is good for the world as a whole that genetically modified foods can be modified with more nutritious vitamins and minerals and sent over seas to areas that need it (Eating Well).

Safety

Organically grown foods are grown safer than conventionally grown foods because they do not use harmful pesticides and fertilizers that can harm people and the nearby environment. Organic produce was found to be safer for human consumption because it had 30% less leftover residue than conventional foods (Harvard Health Publications). Organically grown foods are easier on the environment, and for humans it is believed that consuming organically grown foods is better because it allows the human body to grow and complete processes at its own pace instead of ingesting growth hormones that speed up many natural processes. From personal experience, I had a friend whose family only ate organic foods, and all through out elementary and middle school, she was skinny and did not develop until years later. I do not agree with the fact their put growth hormones in conventionally grown food but I can see their reasoning. It stays behind in the food and it changes the human body quicker than it normally would without any growth hormones.

Personal View

I believe that each have their pros and cons so it is a personal choice as to what you want to consume. After reviewing all my research, I have come to the conclusion that neither conventionally grown food nor organically grown food is significantly better for you than the other. Conventionally grown foods are cheaper, and easier to come by, which I feel is better and the priority for most people today. With the way the economy is today, everyone is concerned about saving money wherever they can. Conventionally grown food is not bad for you, however, it may carry some health concerns but they are not major health concerns. Some people may feel strongly about not eating conventionally while others do not care either way. While I was growing up, my parents always fed me conventionally grow stuff. I know some friends now who think organic food tastes better and prefer certain organically grown food to conventionally grown food. Bottom line is its all a matter of opinion, and you should do whatever you think is best.