Organic Farmingabraham Cejauniversity Of Arizona Global Campuseng 121 ✓ Solved

Organic Farming Abraham Ceja University of Arizona Global Campus ENG 121: English Composition I (PTD2109E) John Thorburn 3/15/2021 Wendell Berry’s Wisdom by Michael Pollan shines a light on organic farming and gardening. It gives the American public a clear view on creating and taking pride in growing healthy food with a significant rise in health issues and obesity caused by unhealthy food with farming and gardening could help control what we feed our body. Farming practices have been used to service the purpose of feeding the world. Not only people but cattle, fish, and poultry but the practice from our grandfathers have been forgotten to provide a healthy crop and reading what the land needs to stay healthy.

Growing up in the California San Joaquina Valley farming is our lively hood. Surround my fields and orchards one can admire the vast cite of this giant production that helps feed the world. Agriculture has been my life my father’s life and my grandfathers as the industry has had its up and downs many of those lows have been cause of unsafe and unregulated practices. Here in the valley large amount of illness and pollutions is created due to chemical pesticides and herbicides to help grow healthy crops. Other than dust and pollen which triggers allergies far more server illness have arisen and people’s body amun to medicine.

As a farmer we have slowly began using cover crops and crop freely inspects like Lady Bugs to help promote organic farming. This has allowed us to move away from chemicals and use what the land naturally provides. Keeping farming simple and healthy will always pay off on the long run. From a health crop to a health consumer. Organic farming created an agriculture system that has rapidly changed farming for the better.

Bringing the fundamentals from our grandfathers about farming and delivering the best crop to market has been forgotten and replaced with harmful practices. The ease of using toxic pesticides and herbicides to help produce more yield. This opinion has been favored in this industry without considering the side effect caused by them on humans, plants, and wildlife, for farmers that began the transition from non-organic to organic fields and operations. It can be a costly and time-consuming process. This process can remove the excessive chemicals from soil naturally with the use of cover crops and natural grasses.

As organic farming continues to develop new ways to improve, farmers provide a healthier crop to market. The creation of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 created a framework of regulations and material to help farmers undergo this new farming method. Using green manures, animal manures, and crop rotations as fertilizer. This activity promotes long-term soil health, weed controls, insects, and diseases. The only disclaimer to this is the price difference between non-organic and organic at the market sale.

They are raising why I should purchase this organic tomato that is .25 versus the non-organic ? Bring a healthier crop to market has brought a higher price than average, around 10-20% price difference between them, which is caused by the labor involved in keeping an organic farm healthy. From weed control, tillage, and hand labor. One should consider and make a personal consideration on which one to purchase. As society began to fill with illness and health issues from unhealthily food due to chemical enhancement.

When farming became a factory system many health-related illnesses started rising due to pesticides or fertilizers that the product absorbs. The use of these products may have created bigger yield for farmers but created major side effects. Impacting people, wildlife, and the environment. Such issues like the Chesapeake Bay pollution or the 12 dirty food list. Improving practices for improving farming is slowing down and taking the time to improve your soil.

Starting simple and reading what the land needs. The practices of cover crops and no till farms helps the us avoid another dust bowl. Using natural plants and micro life to help remove pest and fertilizes the crop has been proven to work best. Slowly the United States has planted 17 million acres with this method, which only makes up 10% of the farm acreage farmed in the United States. .

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The Future of Food: Embracing Organic Farming

Introduction

Throughout history, agriculture has been an essential component of human civilization. The methods and practices associated with farming have evolved over centuries; however, the last few decades have introduced complex challenges stemming from industrial agricultural practices. The increasing prevalence of health issues related to diet and environment has brought organic farming to the forefront (Pollan, 2006). This essay will explore the advantages of organic farming, the challenges it faces, and how it can contribute to improved public health and environmental sustainability.

The Philosophy of Organic Farming

Organic farming is rooted in the belief that healthy food comes from well-maintained ecosystems. As Michael Pollan (2006) contends in "Wendell Berry’s Wisdom," the principles of organic agriculture emphasize natural fertilizers, crop rotations, and biological pest control rather than chemical solutions. This traditional wisdom has navigated through time to inform modern organic practices. Farmers have instilled a respect for nature and the understanding that the health of the soil directly correlates with the quality of food produced.

A Personal Connection to Farming

As a resident of the California San Joaquin Valley, the landscape of agriculture has always shaped my identity. My family's legacy as farmers represents a potent connection to the land and a commitment to sustainable practices. Over the years, I have witnessed the profound shift from traditional farming methods to industrialized practices that prioritize yield at the expense of environmental health. The use of toxic pesticides and herbicides has not only threatened local wildlife but has also started to affect public health significantly (Goh & Chang, 2018).
These health concerns have manifested through various illnesses linked to chemical exposure. Statistics suggest that pesticide-related diseases have increased dramatically since the 1980s (United States General Accounting Office, 2010). Communities within agricultural regions face heightened risks of cancer, respiratory illnesses, and neurological issues, primarily due to agricultural runoff and air pollution generated by conventional farming (Schmidt & Sweeney, 2019).

Organic Farming Practices and Benefits

Adopting organic farming practices aligns with a holistic approach to agriculture that seeks to remedy many of the dangers associated with conventional methods. Transitioning to organic farming creates an agricultural ecosystem that nurtures the soil and promotes biodiversity. For instance, utilizing cover crops not only reduces soil erosion but also improves soil health through nutrient cycling (Teasdale et al., 2004). This is a stark contrast to the practices of employing synthetic fertilizers that can degrade soil health over time.
Another practice gaining traction among organic farmers is biological pest control. The use of natural predators, like beneficial insects such as ladybugs, helps mitigate pests without harming the environment or human health (Cameron et al., 2018). These methods foster a sustainable agricultural environment that thrives through the interplay of various ecological factors, much like the practices of our grandfathers.

Challenges of Transitioning to Organic Farming

Despite the many benefits associated with organic farming, transitioning from conventional practices can pose significant challenges. Farmers often express concerns regarding the financial implications of organic certification, which can be time-consuming and costly (Bray et al., 2010). With the creation of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, many regulations have been set in place to ensure quality and safety within the organic sector.
One of the greatest obstacles remains the perception of organic produce as a luxury item, with higher prices reflected on the market shelves due to increased labor and farming practices involved (Directo & Schmit, 2018). Organic tomatoes may sell for .25 versus .00 for their non-organic counterparts, prompting consumers to question their spending choices. Addressing this disconnect requires education and awareness-raising campaigns to inform consumers about the long-term benefits of organic foods for both health and the environment.

The Environmental Impact of Industrial Farming

The repercussions of industrialized farming extend beyond human health concerns. One well-documented example is the pollution of the Chesapeake Bay, primarily attributed to runoff from chemical fertilizers and pesticides (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2007). Fertilizers contribute to algal blooms that diminish dissolved oxygen levels and harm aquatic ecosystems, threatening fish populations and recreational areas.
The current state of monoculture farming, in which a single crop is cultivated over large areas, exacerbates this issue by reducing biodiversity and increasing vulnerability to pests and diseases. Studies suggest that diversified farming systems, typical of organic farming, can mitigate these risks while promoting resilience (Kremen & Miles, 2012). By fostering biodiversity, organic farming can act as a buffer against pests, thus reducing reliance on chemical inputs.

The Future of Organic Farming

As the USDA estimates, only about 10% of farmland in the United States is currently dedicated to organic farming (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2022). As more farmers embrace organic practices, the challenges of scaling organic farming must be addressed through education, financial support, and infrastructure adjustments. Providing accessible resources and training for transitioning farmers can create a shared commitment to organic farming, resulting in healthier food systems for all.
Lastly, as concurrent societal shifts towards sustainability and health consciousness evolve, the demand for organic farming will likely continue to increase. This presents an immense opportunity for farmers to engage in practices that produce high-quality crops while supporting public health and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

Organic farming is more than just a method of producing food; it embodies a philosophy of stewardship and respect for the earth. While significant challenges exist in transitioning from conventional to organic farming, the benefits—both for individual health and the environment—are substantial. Embracing the wisdom of traditional farming practices and making informed choices can help pave the way for a healthier, sustainable future. By prioritizing organic methods, society can reclaim its connection to the land, looking toward a healthier future for generations to come.

References

Bray, H. J., et al. (2010). Assessing the Economic Sustainability of Organic Farming: A Case Study from the Midwestern United States. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review, 39(3), 538-558.
Cameron, E. K., et al. (2018). Biocontrol of agricultural pests: A review of biological strategies. Biological Control, 121, 56-66.
Directo, G. R., & Schmit, T. M. (2018). Local food systems in the Midwest: Analysis of organic food retailing. Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 43(2), 207-224.
Goh, K. M., & Chang, W. C. (2018). Health effects of pesticide exposure on farmers: a review. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 28(2), 128-143.
Kremen, C., & Miles, A. (2012). Ecosystem services in biologically diversified versus conventional farming systems: Benefits, externalities, and trade-offs. Ecological Applications, 22(4), 692-707.
Pollan, M. (2006). The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. Penguin Press.
Schmidt, W., & Sweeney, K. (2019). Chemical Usage in Agriculture: Understanding the Risks. Environmental Science & Policy, 96, 174-181.
Teasdale, J. R., et al. (2004). Preventing weeds with cover crops: A review of the literature. Agronomy Journal, 96(4), 1031-1045.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2022). Organic Farming Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/organic
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2007). Chesapeake Bay Water Quality and Habitat Restoration. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/p2/chesapeake-bay-program
United States General Accounting Office. (2010). Pesticides: Use, Benefits, and Risks. Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-10-817