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“Organic manure-based food is natural and more nutritious; it also lessens greenhouse gas CO2 emissions than conventional farming.”
“Conventional farming helps in large scale food production and requires less land yield than organic…”
The long-standing rivalry between organic crop production and conventional farming continues to pique the curiosity of farmers, scientists, and home cooks alike. Some of the arguments have focused on the health, environmental, and economic elements of each system; however, one question remains — which agricultural approach is really 'greener'? and what is organic agriculture's true carbon impact in comparison to conventional agriculture?
In this blog, we investigate organic and conventional farming. We’ll be exploring the carbon footprint of each farming approach, and the key factors that influence the environmental impact, to help you be well informed about your food choices.
What you'll learn:
→ What do Organic and Conventional Farming mean?
We'll learn the difference between both farming methods
Illustrate in a tabular form, the key factors of both farming methods
→ What is the Carbon Footprint of Organic Farming?
→ What is the Carbon Footprint of Conventional Farming?
→ How do the Carbon Footprint of Organic and Conventional Farming compare?
→ Can We Afford to Go 100% Organic? The honest truth
→ Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Farming: one day at a time
→ What do you do now? It’s your turn to help save the planet
As concerns about climate change and greenhouse gas emissions grow, it's important for us to understand the impact of these changes on our lives and environment, particularly by examining the source of our food: farming.
Organic & Conventional Farming: what do they mean?
Organic farming is in essence the return to traditional agricultural farming methods. It’s all about working with nature, and using natural processes and resources to grow food.
This means:
→ No synthetic chemicals,
→ pesticides, or
→ fertilizers.
Instead, organic farmers rely on natural methods to control pests and diseases and to enrich the soil. The goal is simple: to produce healthy, nutritious food that's good for people and the planet.
Conventional farming on the other hand is heavily reliant on synthetically manufactured products to enhance yield.
This then means a heavier reliance on:
→ Man-made fertilizers to help plants grow,
→ Pesticides to kill bugs and diseases,
→ Big machines to plant and harvest crops, and
→ Irrigation systems to water crops.
Conventional Farming vs Organic Farming: What's the Difference?
In 2012, a team of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, conducted a groundbreaking study on the impact of organic farming on ecosystems. Led by Dr. Claire Kremen, the team spent four years monitoring the biodiversity of organic and conventional farms in California.
Their findings, published in the Nature journal, were astounding. They found that organic farms supported 34% more species and 50% more biodiversity than conventional farms (Kremen et al., 2012). This difference was attributed to the absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers on organic farms.
You can read the full study below:
This study highlights the profound impact of farming practices on our ecosystem.
As we explore the benefits of organic farming, let's dive deeper into the ways in which it can transform our relationship with the natural world.
To do so, we explore the carbon footprint of each farming method:
Factors | ORGANIC farming | CONVENTIONAL farming |
Crop Yields and Land Size | ❌ Relies on natural methods, lower yields, require more lands | ✔️ Uses synthetic fertilizers for high yields, less land required |
Promote Healthier Soil | ✔️ Uses natural amendments for healthier soil | ❌ May degrade soil with synthetic fertilizers, leading to soil erosion and nutrient depletion |
Support Biodiversity/Wildlife and Nature. | ✔️ Support greater biodiversity with natural methods avoiding pesticides and maintaining ecological balance | ❌ Pesticides may harm biodiversity, contaminating water sources and disrupting ecosystems |
Has a Lower level of Environmental Impact | ✔️ Uses sustainable practices, reducing pollution and promoting eco-friendly farming | ❌ Contributes to pollution through chemical runoff, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions |
These differences highlight the trade-offs between conventional and organic farming methods. While conventional farming prioritizes efficiency and high yields, organic farming focuses on sustainability, soil health, and environmental stewardship.
The Carbon Footprint of Organic Farming
So, how does organic farming impact the environment in terms of carbon footprint? Let's take a closer look:
- Soil Tillage: Organic farming methods like reduced tillage or no-till farming help reduce soil disturbance, preserve soil organic matter and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Composting: Composting organic materials like crop residues and manure helps sequester carbon in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
- Crop Rotation: Rotating crops helps maintain soil health, reduces pests and diseases, and promotes biodiversity.
The Carbon Footprint of Conventional Farming
Conventional farming, on the other hand, relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and intensive tillage.
These practices contribute to:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides require massive amounts of energy to produce, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Soil Degradation: Intensive tillage and synthetic fertilizers can degrade soil health, leading to soil erosion and nutrient depletion.
- Water Pollution: Chemical runoff from conventional farms can contaminate water sources, harming aquatic ecosystems.
Let's look at a real-life case-study of such events taking place -
Pennsylvania based non-profit organization, Rodale Institute, has been researching and spearheading organic agriculture since 1947. The central theme of research at Rodale Institute has been the effects of Organic Farming on Carbon Footprint.
Their Farming Systems Trial (FST) Study began in 1981 and explored the influence of organic and non-organic farming practices and their effects on agriculture.
The study demonstrated that an organic agriculture system does indeed have a lesser degradation impact on the soil and encourages greater biodiversity.
The trial yielded some astonishing results:
- a 90% reduction in soil erosion,
- soil organic matter increased by 28%,
- a 50% increase in biodiversity, and
- a reduction in total energy consumption by 45%.
But, something is missing!
While organic farming indeed increases biodiversity and soil quality, it raises the question of whether we have the capacity to farm on wider farmland.
An Economic Perspective: Can We Truly Achieve 100% Organic?
It is important to state from the outset that while organic farming has its advantages, it also has some negative impacts, and this is where the economic reality should be understood.
Due to increased costs associated with organic farming, thereby requiring greater acreage, labor, and resources, there is a potential that such form of farming may not be ideal.
In addition to this, organic crops have a smaller yield than what is produced through conventional farming, which leads to increased import of foreign produce, which can lead to problems in food availability, and also indirectly contribute to an increased carbon footprint.
The full article can be found here: Forbes.
What's the solution then?
Should we stop thinking about going organic because that might be too radical? Or should we apply a more sustainable approach to organic faming? Is it even possible to go Organic and not harm the planet even more?
Researchers consider animal farming a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and suggest cutting back on it to heal the planet and slow down climate change.
A study in Climatic Change reveals that reducing meat and farm animal production can slash greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%.
For most people, the thought of giving up meat entirely can be daunting.
But what if you don't have to, entirely?
What if, instead of making drastic changes, we started with just one day a week.. and then we choose to eat differently, not just for the planet, but for our healthy living?
In 2009, a non-profit campaign called “Meatless Monday, or Meat free Monday, ” was launched in the UK by Sir. Paul Mary and Stella McCartney to showcase such a practice.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the detrimental environmental impact of eating meat and to encourage people to help slow climate change.
Conscious food choices can dramatically boost the quality of life. By opting to be vegan just one working day per week, you can:
Lower the chances of suffering from cardiovascular diseases by even 30%, as stated by the American Heart Association
Reduce the risk of colorectal, prostate or breast cancer by approximately 20% as per the information provided by The World Health Organization
Boost your gut health and reduce the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other energy-related diseases.
Additionally, lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can significantly decrease the likelihood of strokes and kidney disease.
It's NOT just about statistics
Behind the statistics are real people with stories of struggles and triumph— the families who have lost loved ones to heart disease, the people who have battled cancer, and the communities who have been affected by foodborne illnesses.
Eating plant-based food one day a week can have a lasting impact on your health and well-being.
We can reduce our risk of chronic diseases, improve our quality of life, and increase our lifespan.
According to a study by the University of Oxford, if everyone in the UK ate meat-free just one day a week, it would be equivalent to taking 1.4 million cars off the road.
Snippet from Huffpost, learn more:
That's a staggering statistic, and one that should give us pause.
More interesting timeline of Meatless Monday.
So, what can you do?
- Choose Organic: Opt for organic produce whenever possible to support sustainable farming practices.
- Support Local Farmers: Buy from local farmers who use organic farming methods.
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Make conscious choices to reduce your carbon footprint, from reducing meat consumption to using public transport.
If each of us curtails the amount of carbon footprints we create as individuals, we shall be able to protect not only the environment but all the living organisms within it.
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To conclude, greenhouse gas emissions from farming has many facets including organic farming and conventional farming systems. Organic farming creates lower yield, and harms the planet, so drastic cuts in animal farming is needed, while increasing plant-based foods. Ultimately, the best approach may not be choosing one or the other, but finding ways to integrate the strengths of both systems while minimising their weaknesses.
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