Is Organic Food Shopping & Farming Better for the Environment?

There are two camps in the debate between traditional and organic farming. Some say that organic farming is by far the most environmentally friendly for various reasons. But, these views often come from environmentalists with a bigger axe to grind. Then there are those trying to debunk the myths of organic farming, who tend to be farmers or on some food council.

What we need is a more balanced and objective approach. Is organic food sustainable and eco-friendly, problematic, or somewhere in between? Here are some of the benefits of organic farming and some of the ways it might not live up to all its promises.

While there are also many ethical debates when it comes to farming, we will focus primarily on the environmental concerns.

The Benefits Of Agricultural Organic Farming

Let’s start with farming crops for harvest. Farmers that switch to organic measures from chemical ones automatically make an advantageous change. The chemicals used in fertilizers and pesticides have to end up somewhere once sprayed onto the crops. If they leach into the food, they will end up eaten by us or by wildlife that comes along. Otherwise, they will leach into the soil and any nearby waterways.

A big problem here is nitrogen. This element can limit oxygen levels in the water, which is disastrous when it gets out into the oceans. The more we allow this to happen, the greater the risk to local fish populations and marine biodiversity.

On top of this, natural fertilizers often come from local sources and materials. They don’t require the same manufacturing processes, which means less fuel burned and fewer emissions.

Environmental Benefits Of Organic Farming For Meat And Dairy

Then there’s farming for meat, dairy, and eggs. Battery farming is problematic because of the constant energy needed to heat and light the vast houses for these birds, not to mention the ethical concerns of keeping animals packed in small cages. A small-scale free-range farm doesn’t need all this and has healthier and happier hens as a result.

Another consideration of organic farming is the use of GM (genetically modified) animal feed. The standard feed is a blend of GM crops imported from other countries. This means a lot of chemicals entering the food chain and a lot of air miles. An organic alternative of a 60% grass-based diet for cows reduces that impact and offers a naturally nutritious diet.

Of course, any form of meat or dairy farming is going to have negative environmental impacts and ethical issues to consider. Grass-fed cows will still produce a lot of methane, even if their feed requires fewer fossil fuels to make. They also require a lot of land that could have been a wild habitat for other species.

Could Organic Farming Be Bad For The Environment?

We can’t ask if organic farming is sustainable and beneficial without discussing the downsides. Some of the biggest concerns relate to agriculture in general.

Whether you grow crops organically or with chemical treatments, you still need a lot of land. That is land managed by humans for our own benefit rather than for the benefit of nature. Even if the farms employ the ideal schemes and practices, it still feels like a form of compensation rather than a good deed.

Another factor that concerns environmentalists is the use of pesticides. There is an assumption among many organic consumers that organic farming doesn’t use pesticides at all. This isn’t the case. Many farms will still use pest control measures to protect their crops from damage and disease. The difference is that they will use an organic form rather than dangerous chemicals. 

While this is better for us, it still means killing a lot of insects in a world losing pollinators at an alarming rate. Furthermore, even a study dating back to 2010 by the University of Guelph looked at the impact of organic pesticides and concluded that they may have a greater environmental impact on the soil due to the fact they are used in greater volumes.

The Problem Of Organic Regulations

Another concern that people have over the benefits of organic food is that there aren’t always clear rules within the regulation process. All organic food has to be certified to be sold as such. 

This label always gives consumers the assurance of a quality item that was grown or raised without the use of chemicals. There is also the assumption that the farm uses plenty of eco-friendly policies. However, there are claims that the standards have weakened to allow bigger corporations to get in on the act, which could be seen as a form of greenwashing. 

This could mean unethical practices slip by under a blind eye. It could also mean a reduced emphasis on reducing carbon emissions from farms.

All Farms Can Play Their Part To Reduce Their Environmental Impact

There are environmental schemes that farmers can employ on their land to make a difference. Agroforestry is a great idea because it allows for the growth of more trees and hedgerows on farmland. 

The trees help provide nesting sites, food resources, and important carbon stores. The hedgerows are also great corridors to prevent wildlife from becoming isolated in a small area. 

If agroforestry is too extreme or unavailable, there are always the options of leaving wildlife margins for wildflowers or putting down seed for local bird species in decline. Farmers don’t have to be organic to take part in this.

Organic Farming Can Be More Eco-Friendly, But It Isn’t Perfect

So, is organic food better for the planet? Yes and no. 

Key Takeaways

• Organic farming has a lot of benefits compared to traditional methods
• There are still issues with the use of pesticides and regulations
• All farms can improve their eco-friendliness within their practices

This isn’t a cut-and-dry issue. It all comes down to finding suppliers and farmers you can trust to offer great food while protecting the environment.