What are the disadvantages of organic farming?
Ecological Agriculture (AE), organic or biol
What are the advantages of agriculture
AgricultureOranges and fruits28 February 2019Do you know everything about organic farming? From Naranjas y Frutas we are going to discuss what is this modality that we know as ecological, biological or organic agriculture.
This modality of cultivation refers to a farming activity that is composed of the use of natural resources and without the use of chemicals or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
It is a farming practice that is environmentally friendly and with a higher bioavailability of food. This is possible thanks to the use of natural insecticides or fungicides for pest and disease management.
As can be expected, all these factors have led to the emergence of new market segments to target as farmers or distributors of agricultural products. This is the market for organic products.
✔Low Cost: by this we mean the savings that can be generated with less expenditure of water or fertilizers. And because these products are increasingly in demand, if we manage to make a good conversion and apply a surcharge can increase profitability.
Disadvantages of organic agriculture
Organic farming is an agricultural activity that involves the use of green manures and compost for optimal crop rotation. This type of agriculture thrives on the use of organic materials to improve cultivation techniques and maintain soil productivity. However, organic farming is not without its drawbacks either.
Low cost: The economics of organic farming are characterized by increased profits through lower water expenditure, lower fertilizer expenditure and increased topsoil retention. The growing demand for organic products makes organic farming a profitable option for farmers.
Improved Soil Nutrition: Organic farming effectively addresses soil management. Even degraded soils, subject to erosion and salinity, are able to be fed with micronutrients through crop rotation, intercropping techniques and extensive use of green manure. The absence of chemicals in organic farming does not kill the microbes that enhance soil nutrition.
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The application of these methods, analyzed by entomologist Jan van der Blom, head of agroecology at the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers’ Organizations of Andalusia, in an article published in 2017, tells us a story of sustainable agriculture. One that speaks of environmental, but also social and, above all, economic sustainability.
As long as the world’s population continues to grow (by mid-century it will exceed 9 billion), agricultural production must continue to grow. “The current trajectory of production growth is unsustainable,” FAO maintains. For the UN organization, there are five challenges for the future sustainability of agriculture:
The three legs of sustainable agriculture – economic, social and environmental – have become a priority. In March 2021, government officials from Argentina and Brazil ratified their partnership to coordinate actions in pursuit of this sustainable development. In the first of these countries, the National Securities Commission has drawn up a guide for social, green and sustainable bonds (SVS), highlighting that the financing of sustainable agriculture may be the future of these bonds, which is evidence of the importance of this agricultural sector.