Benefits of Organic Farming and Food

1. Benefits of Organic Farming and Food By: Zach, Chelsea, Bobby, and Becky

2. What is Organic and Non organic? *Organic  Natural materials -Does not use chemicals -All natural *Non organic  not grew in organic matter. -Uses pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones. *Genetic engineering  the process of altering an organisms DNA with qualities that people find helpful www.yelmworms.com/ organic-farming/

3. -Organic farming is also beneficial because it is saving healthy soil. - “Conventional farming practices are rapidly depleting topsoil fertility.” (Top12 Reasons to Buy Organic) Environmentally Safe • Organic farming is very environmentally safe because organic farming doesn’t use pesticides and fungicides. • What do pesticides and fungicides do? -Pesticides and fungicides kill bugs and fungus. However, sometimes they can kill the good bugs. What do Organic Farmers do Instead? -Organic farming use natural Methods to kill the bad bugs, but keep the helpful bugs alive. Killing Both Bugs! Good Bug Bad Bug http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/arthropoda/uniramia/uniramia.html http://www.canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca/english/species/insects/

4. Organic Farming is Saving the Bald Eagle -DDT was a chemical used for insect control in nonorganic farming. This chemical was harmful to birds especially the Bald Eagle which was nearly extinct. -In 1972 this chemical was prohibited in the United States. However, this chemical is still used in 25 other countries. - If these farmers were organic this problem would have never aroused . Making this another benefit for organic farming. What did DDT do to cause the bald Eagles to nearly go extinct? Organic: A Choice For OurChildren

5. Freshness, Taste, and Nutrition • Organic food is fresher because it is usually harvested within 24 hours of being purchased by a customer. • Organic is more nutritional because of how fresh it is. • Better taste because of how fresh it is. • No pesticides so safer for humans. Allan Greene

6. How do people feel about organic food? What does this say about the price of organic? Allan Greene Could Organic food be priced too high?

7. Organic Food Can Actually Be Cheaper For Us Even though organic foods are more expensive for us to buy, it can be cheaper for us in the long run. Organic Foods contain fewer chemicals that are harmful to us and the environment. If we stay healthier by not eating chemically enhanced foods, then our medical costs will be less. We will be able to make more money and live a longer life with out eating chemically enhanced foods. http://www.numarkpharmacists.com http://www.wallpaperexchange.com/nature

8. Organic Farming Is Beneficial Because of the Lack of Energy it takes To Produce the foods. • Organic farming can save energy in two ways. • First, organic farming uses less petroleum based products. Fertilizers and pesticides in non-organic farming use large amounts of petroleum. • Organic farming does not rely on petroleum for fertilizers and pesticides. • The second way that energy is saved in organic farming is during distribution. Organic crops are sold locally and tend not to have preservatives. • They do not require large amounts of energy to deliver them over long distances to market. http://www.noble.org/Ag/Economics/Fertilizerornot http://www.numarkpharmacists.com

9. Differences and Similarities Between Organic and Conventional Farmers • Organic Farmer • Natural methods • No pesticides, fungicides, or hormones • More labor so costs more • Healthier for humans and for environment • Similarities • Both Methods of growing products • Requires a lot or a little manual work • Conventional Farmers • Costs less money • Uses chemicals and products to alter, unnaturally, the growing process • Can be dangerous to the environment and people

10. In Conclusion…… Organic food is fresh, nutritious, and organic farming is not harmful to the environment. Overall, organic farming has many benefits and in some cases it can have some difficulties.