Are Organic Foods Always Better?

Proponents of organic foods tout the positive impacts that organic methods have on the environment, and the superior quality of the produce, which is free of chemical pesticides and antibiotic additives. But some independent farmers protest that the truth is more complex than organic lobbyists would like consumers to believe.

Much of the attraction to food produced by organic farming methods comes from its purported environmentally-conscious driving principles. Using natural pesticides and fertilizers, organic supporters say, results in less environmental impact and safer food. While they may be true in a broad sense, some organic farming is in fact conducted along industrialized farming lines—the fertilizers and pesticides may be natural, but the true philosophy behind some of these large-scale operations is still profit. And even naturally produced substances can have a negative impact on the eco-system.

Some who watch the industry closely say that consumers who are really concerned about ethical farming practices should focus on researching individual farms and companies. Farms which integrate eco-friendly practices with conventional farming methods may actually have a better environmental report card than those which are certified organic. For example, many small farmers use conventional chemical pesticides, but practice controlled, targeted spraying which results in less toxins on the plants and in groundwater than the excessive use of organic pest control products.