Organic farming comes with many connotations of 'natural', 'wholesome',
'healthy', 'superior', 'environmentally friendly', and 'sustainable'.
But just what is the scientific evidence behind the claims of healthier
food and better farming systems made by the organic movement? Using peer
reviewed literature, the latest studies, and a rigorous investigation of
claims made by opponents of conventional farming, the author provides an
even handed and scientifically objective review of the contributions of
organic farming to human health, crop yields, the environment, and
agriculture from a global perspective. The aim is to separate out the
marketing spin, the claims of one camp or another, and political
ideologies to provide a straightforward appraisal of both the benefits
and exaggerated claims of organic farming. The approach taken is to
present the evidence in the form of data, study results, and
presentation of source material for the claims made by conventional and
organic, and leave the reader to make their own judgements on the
validity of the case for organic over conventional farming. The book
also addresses a fundamental question in modern farming-organic
agriculture's ability to feed the world in the face of a growing
population and growing demand for meat. It provides a timely scientific
comparison of the practices, relative yields, and benefits of organic
versus conventional agriculture. The ways conventional farming has
progressed from hunter gatherer days and possible future developments
are discussed. Conventional and Organic Farming will be an ideal book
for agricultural policy makers, researchers and academics, as well as
agricultural students, conventional, and organic farmers. [Subject:
Farm Studies, Agriculture Studies, Agricultural Policy]
