Organic agriculture

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
How to be sustainable locally and for the future

Ashley Coleman
Plant 105 T\TH 12:30pm
Mr. Vasconcellos
Word: 1,014

Organic agriculture
In Maine they have a fair every year, but the fairgrounds are limited in size due to
all the traffic coming in and out. There is a waiting list for farmers to join the two
farmers markets. The fair is expected to have 60,000 people come through. The Maine
Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association organize the fairs farmers market. The fair
has grown to 730 exhibits and 718 events to display health, and ways of life in rural
Maine, said fair director Jim Adhearne. According to the study done in 2013 by Organic
Trade Association, found that 81 percent of U.S. families report that they buy organic "at
least sometimes.
Choosing to have organic agriculture to fuel the future is being connected to every
aspect that goes along side sustainability, so farmers and people are accessible to the
resources. Talking about resources farmers is the main resource. The number of certified
organic farms in Maine has surged -- from 41 in 1988 to 339 in 2008, according to the
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Another aspect that goes with having
sustainable agriculture is having the proper pasture and cropland to grow and raise these
products. When having cropland, making sure the land can a certain yield is essential.
One can work on sustainable methods for improving crop and soil for increased yield
production, by increasing input of water, fertilizer, and organic approved chemicals.
The fair having interviewed people, about what brings them to the organic
farmers market section of the fair. One person said she was drawn to organic food after
doing research on pesticides and genetically modified foods, I have a child, and I want to
get him started on the right, healthy path. People want their families to be healthier for
the future, opposed to having pesticides and GMOs that may be harmful. Knowing that
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the product is grown in safe soil environment and no producer modifications brings some
security to people when they are looking for foods to eat. People are more concerned with
how their food is handled from start to finish. Consumers use perspective characteristics
like smell, touch, and taste to determine their food choice of consumption. But when it
comes to organics people are using more non-sensory attributes of food. These attributes
being preservatives, food additives, nutritional value, and how the food was handled from
start to finish.
To clarify: organic farming produces plant and food produced without the use of
artificial or chemically formulated substances. There are benefits of eating organic:
health, environment, and human benefits. These are the main benefits that effect humans
directly. Environmental benefits in choosing organic less pollution in the air, water, and
soil. In addition to growing organic we have lack of surface water runoff in our water.
Also using less water therefore preserving the water supply, this goes hand and hand with
sustainability. Another environmental benefit of growing organic is less soil erosion this
occurs naturally but when humans get involved it happens much faster than natural
conditions, this occurs by washing away of soil by water flow according to Cornell
University study. Human benefits the farm workers are less exposed to the dangerous
toxins from the pesticides and insecticides. One health benefit of eating organic is you are
not consuming an increased amount of pesticides and insecticides, this could affect
childrens immune system being very vulnerable to pesticides children may not reach full
potential due to exposure to. Second health benefit of eating organic it is more nutritious
for you, The Soil Association notes, and an organic diet increases consumption of
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vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and essential fatty acids. But some may say that
nutrition is up in the air when it comes to organics.
Consumers may also wonder if there are standards for organic products, like wise
conventional products. Farmer or producers have to have a certified organic label on
their product. Putting this label or mark means the farmer and producer have meet certain
criteria from the USDA accredited public or private organization has verified that the
business meets or exceeds the standards set forth in the USDA Organic Rule. Going back
to consumers, having these standards will help make more informed choices for yourself
and your family.
Some may wonder if organic is so good for your health and the environment there might
be a high price tag to have organic food products. Many people complain of how
expensive it is. But the 81 percent of people that buy organic sometimes and the people
who want to get into organic products are in luck. Prices are decreasing, but only if we
continue to support the farmer so they have a higher demand of product and then price
decrease for the consumer. But we have to consider what goes into this high price, to
keep staying organic.
Another great benefit of eating organic is the availability of products. Its not just fruits
and vegetables. There are pastas, sauces, frozen juices, frozen meals, cereals, soups,
chocolate, cookies, meat, poultry, dairy and even wine. With all these variety of products
we can surely improve our intake of healthy foods. So dont think about what might have
pesticides insecticides, think about organic.

Organic agriculture
While doing this research paper some questions arose like: What is the difference
between organic and transitional products? What is the difference between organic and
natural? What are the organic standards for raising poultry, dairy, and meat? What is
100% organic really mean.
Given these points one can surely try to put organic products in their daily diet. To eat
organics you are eating the tasteful products and also doing your health a favor. Lastly
growing organics we will have a better chance of having a sustainable environment. We
will always have people speculating of what might be good for humans, animals, and the
environment. Previously mentioned we have to do our own research, and actually make
the decision to pay the price for quality products.

References
Baral, K. R. (2012). Weeds management in organic farming through conservation
agriculture practices. Journal Of Agriculture And Environment, 1360-66.

Organic agriculture
K. R. Patil, et al. "Organic Farming A Way To Sustainable Agriculture Development: A
Case Study Of Karnataka, India." Environment And Ecology 31.2C (2013): 1043-1046.
CAB Abstracts. Web. 3 Oct. 2013.
Martin, Ralph C. "Our Organic Food Options Keep Growing." Toronto Star Newspapers
[Toronto] 26 June 2013, First ed., and Opinion sec.: A15. Print.
Sandeep, K., Vineet, K., & Rajesh, K. (2012). Organic farming as a basis for sustainable
agriculture - a review. Agricultural Reviews, 33(1), 27-36.
Schletcher, Deon. "Promoting Organic and Sustainable Crop Production." New
Era(Windheok) 28 Aug. 2013: n. pag. Print.
Bibliography
"FAQ." Organic Agriculture: What are the environmental benefits of organic
agriculture?. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. <http://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oafaq6/en/>.