Wallet Stretched Thin? Ag Group Suggests "Going Organic"
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October 6, 2008
La Crosse, WI - Current economic troubles are putting a strain on many Wisconsin budgets, and sustainable agriculture advocates are pointing to organics as one way to get more value from a grocery-shopping list.
Harriet Behar with the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service says many consumers buy organics not only for better taste and quality, but for the health benefits as well.
"People are aware of the high price of health care, and they eat organic food as a way to keep themselves healthy and prevent visits to the doctor."
Behar says organic production benefits farmers financially, by means of such measures as avoiding the use of petroleum-based fertilizers.
"Conventional farming utilizes a lot of petroleum-based inputs, and those costs are skyrocketing. So, organic still looks very good economically to many farmers."
Behar believes when the cost of environmental effects from industrial farming are factored in, sustainable organic production saves money and is better for the overall economy in the long run. She explains that organic production uses crop rotation and natural fertilizers, like manure, to add nutrients to the soil and reduces soil degradation.
Some conventional growers argue there is no scientific research to support the claim that organic production is better for the environment or health.