Here’s Brian Dunning of InFact with another of his attempts to ‘debunk’ the benefits of organic foods.

Dunning claims, “Modern agriculture depends on efficient fertilisers that deliver the needed nutrient load with a minimum of waste and run-off, and develop new seed strains that need less fertiliser and are naturally resistant to pests. Organic practices prohibit these innovations, restricting farmers to less efficient fertilisers, made from post consumer and animal waste, and banning the use of the newest crop strains.”

In fact, all agriculture looks to deliver the correct nutrient load with a minimum of waste and run-off. The difference lies in how the farmer or gardener achieves their goal. Conventional farms use large amounts of synthetic fertilisers which provide a limited range of nutrients, can cause nitrogen burn and do not improve the soil or its structure. Inorganic fertilisers cost money and use valuable resources in their production.

“Inorganic fertilizers are now produced in ways which theoretically cannot be continued indefinitely … as the resources used in their production are non-renewable.” — Wikipedia

Another significant disadvantage of inorganic fertilisers is that they can cause imbalances in the nutrient offering of the crop.

“Many inorganic fertilizers may not replace trace mineral elements in the soil which become gradually depleted by crops. This depletion has been linked to studies which have shown a marked fall (up to 75%) in the quantities of such minerals present in fruit and vegetables.” — Wikipedia

The dangers presented by nitrogen rich synthetic fertilisers are very real.

“The nitrogen-rich compounds found in fertilizer runoff is the primary cause of a serious depletion of oxygen in many parts of the ocean, especially in coastal zones; the resulting lack of dissolved oxygen is greatly reducing the ability of these areas to sustain oceanic fauna. Visually, water may become cloudy and discolored (green, yellow, brown, or red).” — Wikipedia

This results in what is known as ‘dead zones’ in lakes or seas, where very little life exists. Fish cannot survive, nor any other ‘sea food’.

Indeed, organic agriculture uses waste products. These are composted down to produce an inherently nutritious food (compost) with a much broader range of naturally derived nutrients. There is minimum cost to the farmer, and the soil and environment benefit from this. Nutrients are released more slowly, avoiding the potential of nitrogen burn. There are no damaging effects of fertiliser run-off so the environment is protected, and in fact enhanced through improved soil structure and more trace minerals.

Brian’s claim about new seed strains is somewhat sinister. I suspect he’s talking about Genetically Modified seeds. Natural plants will always need nutrients from the soil. GM crops may not.

Organic agriculture has strict regulations to ensure that all farmers adhere to certain agreed practices. These regulations are in place to protect the crops, the environment and also the consumer. They ensure certain standards are met. Personally I feel greatly reassured to know that when I buy something certified organic, the product has been grown to specific standards that protect the crop and the environment.

Organic living, including organic agriculture is all about living in harmony with nature. It looks to improve the environment and benefit the planet and the people living on it. It is not about maximising profits or cutting corners to save money. I know which approach I prefer.

Filed under: Organic Farming

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