Organic Farming vs Conventional Farming: Results of a 30 Year Study * Organic yields match conventional yields.
* Organic outperforms conventional in years of drought.
* Organic farming systems build rather than deplete soil organic matter, making it a more sustainable system.
* Organic farming uses 45% less energy and is more efficient.
* Conventional systems produce 40% more greenhouse gases.
* Organic farming systems are more profitable than conventional.
The hallmark of a truly sustainable system is its ability to regenerate itself. When it comes to farming, the key to sustainable agriculture is healthy soil, since this is the foundation for present and future growth.
Organic farming is far superior to conventional systems when it comes to building, maintaining, and replenishing the health of the soil. For soil health alone, organic agriculture is more sustainable than conventional. When one also considers yields, economic viability, energy usage, and human health, it’s clear that organic farming is sustainable, while current conventional practices are not.
As we face uncertain and extreme weather patterns, growing scarcity and expense of oil, lack of water, and a growing population, we will require farming systems that can adapt, withstand or even mitigate these problems while producing healthy, nourishing food. After 30 years of side-by-side research in our Farming Systems Trial (FST), Rodale Institute has demonstrated that organic farming is better equipped to feed us now and well into the ever changing future.
http://www.truthistreason.net/organic-farming-vs-conventional-farming-results-of-a-30-year-studyhttp://www.rodaleinstitute.org/fst30yearsLundberg Family Farms produces both certified organic rice and Eco-Farmed rice, which is a special integrated rice growing system that we developed many years ago as an improvement on many typical conventional rice growing practices. In order to illustrate how organic, Eco-Farmed and conventional rice production differs, we have provided this simplified table comparing the three systems.
Each of these three farming methods must, in some form, address the same issues: soil fertility, planting, irrigation & water management, pest control, harvest, straw incorporation, and storage. Our goal is to better our customers' understanding of Lundberg rice farming methods as compared to conventional methods.
Eco-Farmed
At Lundberg Family Farms®, we don't grow typical conventional rice. All of our certified organic and Eco-Farmed rice is grown with a concern for the environment. We treat the soil, air, and water as important resources, respecting the delicate balances of nature. We have created a blend of organic practices and integrated pest management techniques to create our own growing system that we call Eco-Farmed. We think that you will find it above and beyond conventional rice production practices while still providing an important option for price-conscious consumers.
Organic
Lundberg Family Farms'® products labeled as "organic" or "organically grown" are grown, handled, and processed in accordance with the USDA National Organic Program. California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) inspects our fields, farms, granaries, rice mill, production facilities, organic system plan, and records; these inspections are part of the process that allows CCOF and others to certify our organic products. We believe that our integrity and commitment to organic farming since 1968 provides a trustworthy foundation for our organic rice, but we know that customers appreciate and depend on the assurance and experience that CCOF and other certifiers provide. As one of the first organic farmers in the state with just a few hundred acres of organic rice, we now grow or contract for approximately 10,000 acres of organic rice. Even though we continue to grow some Eco-Farmed acreage using a reduced input dependent approach, our organic acreage is now close to 73% of all acreage grown and continues to grow as demand for organics continues to grow.
Compliments from
http://www.lundberg.com/Commitment/Ecofarmed.aspx
