Good for Planet:
Emit 18% less global warming causing gases and use~50% less new reactive nitrogen (an extremely potent greenhouse gas) (Laura Cattell Noll et al 2020 Environ. Res. Lett. 15 045004).
Produce healthier soils that contain 13% higher total organic matter and capture 44% more stable sequestered carbon (Science Direct, 2017. “Advances in Agronomy”. Volume 146, Pages 1–35).
Release 40% fewer carbon emissions. (Rodale Institute, “Farming Systems Trial 1981–Present”).
Increase overall biodiversity by 30% and pollinator diversity by up to 50%. (Journal of Applied Ecology, “Land-use intensity and the effects of organic farming on biodiversity: a hierarchical meta-analysis,” 2013).
Reduce nitrates released into groundwater by 50% (British Ecological Society, “Land-use intensity and the effects of organic farming on biodiversity: a hierarchical meta-analysis,” 2013).
Use 45% less energy than conventional production “Farming Systems Trial 1981–Present”).
Are more resilient; organic farms produce yields up to 40% higher than conventional systems in drought. (Nature Plants “Organic agriculture in the twenty-first century,” 2016).
Superweeds as a result of GMO crops - https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/05/superweeds-a-long-predicted-problem-for-gm-crops-has-arrived/257187/
USDA Organic Regulations 7 CFR Part 205
Increase overall biodiversity by 30% and pollinator diversity by up to 50%. (Journal of Applied Ecology, “Land-use intensity and the effects of organic farming on biodiversity: a hierarchical meta-analysis,” 2013).
Reduce nitrates released into groundwater by 50% (British Ecological Society, “Land-use intensity and the effects of organic farming on biodiversity: a hierarchical meta-analysis,” 2013).
Emit 18% less global warming causing gases and use ~50% less new reactive nitrogen (an extremely potent greenhouse gas) (Laura Cattell Noll et al 2020 Environ. Res. Lett. 15 045004).
Produce healthier soils that contain 13% higher total organic matter and capture 44% more stable sequestered carbon (Science Direct, 2017. “Advances in Agronomy”. Volume 146, Pages 1-35).
Release 40% fewer carbon emissions. (Rodale Institute, “Farming Systems Trial 1981 – Present").
https://www.organic-center.org/organic-farms-can-take-climate-change-fighting-power-new-level
*Organic data sourced from: 7 CFR Part 205 National Organic Program, https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program
https://www.organic-center.org/research/organic-farming-increases-bird-activity
Good for People:
Pesticide residues in organic produce are 55× lower in vegetables and 115× lower in fruits versus conventional produce. (Agronomy, “Organic Farming Lessens Reliance on Pesticides and Promotes Public Health by Lowering Dietary Risks,” 2021.) (TOC Summary)
Organic protects frontline farmworkers, who experience the most danger of acute exposure and health consequences (The Organic Center, “Critical Issue Report: Occupational Pesticide Exposure,” 2018.)
Chart: Nutrition
PRODUCE: Higher antioxidants (British Journal of Nutrition, “Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses,” 2014).
BEEF: Less cholesterol, fat, and monosaturated fatty acids (Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, “Nutritional properties of organic and conventional beef meat at retail,” 2019).
MILK: Higher Omega 3 fatty acids (British Journal of Nutrition, “Higher PUFA and n-3 PUFA, conjugated linoleic acid, α-tocopherol and iron, but lower iodine and selenium concentrations in organic milk: a systematic literature review and meta- and redundancy analyses,” 2016).
Clusters of organic businesses are correlated with reduced poverty, increased median household income, and higher participation in the labor force. (OTA White Paper, “U.S. Organic Hotspots and Their Benefit to Local Economies,” 2016).
Access to farmer cooperatives, training and support services, and the integration of traditional knowledge are among the most important benefits of organic agriculture, as reported by small-holder farmers globally. (Science Advances, “Many shades of gray—The context-dependent performance of organic agriculture,” 2017.)
This year, USDA invested $300M to help more farmers transition to organic production. (USDA, 2021).
Produce: Higher anti-oxidants (British Journal of Nutrition, “Higher antioxidant and lower cadmium concentrations and lower incidence of pesticide residues in organically grown crops: a systematic literature review and meta-analyses,” 2014).
Pesticide residues in organic produce are 55× lower in vegetables and 115× lower in fruits versus conventional produce. (Agronomy, “Organic Farming Lessens Reliance on Pesticides and Promotes Public Health by Lowering Dietary Risks,” 2021.) (TOC Summary)
Organic protects frontline farmworkers, who experience the most danger of acute exposure and health consequences (The Organic Center, “Critical Issue Report: Occupational Pesticide Exposure,” 2018.)