organic farming

• organic food is grown naturally without using artificial fertilisers and pesticides, which makes it more expensive to produce
• farmers add organic matter like manure and compost instead of artificial fertilisers
• techniques such as crop rotation and leaving land fallow (growing nothing) are used to make sure the soil is fertile every year
• some farmers may use alternative methods to control pests like introducing a pests natural predator, biological pesticides or spraying crops with hot water
• the pest control alternatives are generally better for the environment, but can be more expensive and less effective than using chemical pesticides
• organic farming advantages:

  • reduces amount of chemical pesticides, so its less harmful for environment
  • fewer non renewable resources are used than in intensive farming, so its more sustainable
  • appeals to consumers who are concerned about the use of artificial chemicals and their damage to environment
• organic farming disadvantages:

  • organic farming tends to produce a lower yield
  • there are higher production costs, which mean higher prices in supermarkets