Comments on: Why Environmentalists should NOT support Organic Farming

By: Johnson

Johnson — Sat, 15 May 2010 07:41:59 +0000

A little bit of organic farming never hurt anyone. That being said, environmentalists need to put more effort into things that make a bigger (and more certain) difference.

For example, the government needs to stop subsidizing the meat industry and its factory farms (if you don’t know about its huge impact, google it). Yes, the price of meat will go up, but the price of other foods will go down. We can nourish ourselves with less animal products. Our tax dollars shouldn’t be wasted on animal farms.

By: Canada Guy

Canada Guy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:48:11 +0000

Organic farming methods offer several benefits for the environment and human health as a whole, but unfortunately, there are many misconceptions and falsehoods being spread regarding organic food and farming methods, both by proponents and detractors. Here are the facts about what organic methods can do for us and what they can't. http://www.selfdestructivebastards.com/2009/11/organic-myths-and-realities.html

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:42:19 +0000

And how much catastrophe has the 3% wrought thus far? Leaving aside possible opposing conclusions and the weighing of actual damage thus far (see credible concerns about atrazine) vs the hypothetical 100% conversion to organic farming and the decimation of the Earth that is said to follow, how does this worst-case scenario and ridiculously exaggerated adoption estimate argue against practicing organic and/or local agriculture where it works and is supported? It doesn’t, of course. I run my old Mercedes on recycled and transesterified vegetable oil from casinos and restaurants. Is it sustainable? At the current scale (and price)? Yes. Could the entire world switch to recycled vegetable oil, even in the long run? Absolutely not. Does it mean that we shouldn’t take advantage of local alternatives to fossil fuel dependence to mitigate negative externalities associated with gas and diesel production and consumption, not the least of which is the corrosive effect of concentrated energy wealth on our political system? Of course not. I only comment because the topic is an odd one for the HCE, and so is the tone, in contrast to the customary nuance found here. See, for example, your comment on generic drugs, where you make an argument for bringing more generics to market, but acknowledge that you may be underestimating the barriers to generic manufacture.

Michael

By: OrganicTrade

OrganicTrade — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:23:23 +0000

A common misperception is that organic cannot feed the world. In fact, several studies have shown that organic production is on par with, and sometimes superior to, conventional production levels, and that it offers a compelling and sustainable alternative to conventional approaches toward addressing the world’s hunger problems.

It is also inaccurate to suggest that organic would result in the loss of tropical rainforests. In fact, organic agriculture does much to preserve and protect the natural environment. Organic standards support a system of sustainable agricultural management that promotes soil health and fertility through the use of such methods as crop rotation and cover cropping, which nourish plants, foster species diversity, help combat climate change, prevent damage to valuable water resources, and protect farmers and farmers’ families from exposure to harmful chemicals.

In light of the many personal health and environmental benefits that organic agriculture has to offer, it is becoming clear that organic offers a sustainable solution that addresses the world’s hunger problems and the long-term health of the planet