Allison Jensen's English 2010 PowerPoint

Summary

This script explores the debate between organic and conventional farming, highlighting the challenges of feeding a growing population. It discusses the cost, yield, and sustainability of both methods, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to agriculture.

Takeaways

• 💰 The cost of organic food is significantly higher than conventionally grown food. For example, a conventional green pepper costs $86, while an organic one costs $148.
• 🌱 Organic farming is defined as a system that excludes the use of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and focuses on ecological production and management approaches that support and improve biodiversity.
• 🌍 The European Union leads in organic farming, with 64% of its certified crops, including wheat, barley, rye, corn, sugar beet, fruit, cheese, sunflowers, and tobacco.
• 🌾 Conventional farming, which uses synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and machinery, produces high-yield crops and is more prevalent, accounting for 39% of farming in the United States.
• 🌳 Organic farming practices include crop rotation, composting, mulch, hand weeding, tilling, and the use of natural chemicals like vinegar.
• 🌱 Organic farming has been practiced for over 4,000 years, primarily in small communities for survival.
• 🌿 Conventional farming began after World War II with the invention of synthetic chemicals and is characterized by high-yield crops, synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and heavy machinery.
• 🌽 The Midwest and the Great Plains in California are major areas for conventional farming, focusing on corn and soybean production, with 75% dedicated to these crops.
• 🌳 Organic farming yields are 18.4% lower than conventional farming due to challenges in weed control and higher labor costs.
• 🌱 Both organic and conventional farming have safety concerns, with organic farming having strict standards but also facing incidents like the E. coli outbreak in spinach.

Q & A

What is the estimated increase in food costs by the end of 2024 according to the USDA?

The USDA estimates that the cost of food will increase by 2.2% by the end of 2024.

Why is the price of organic produce often higher than conventionally grown produce?

Organic produce is often more expensive due to the higher costs associated with organic farming practices, which include the use of natural and environmentally friendly techniques, and the absence of synthetic chemicals and GMOs.

What percentage of the world's land is dedicated to farming for food production?

29% of the world's land is dedicated to farming to produce food for mankind and animals.

What percentage of global farmland is used for organic agriculture?

Organic agriculture accounts for 1.6% of the farmland used globally.

Which region is leading in organic farming, and what percentage of it is certified organic?

The European Union is leading in organic farming with 64% of its land certified as organic.

What are some of the crops that are commonly grown organically in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland?

Commonly grown organic crops in these countries include wheat, barley, rye, corn, sugar beet, fruit, cheese, sunflowers, and tobacco.

How does organic farming differ from conventional farming in terms of weed control?

Organic farming uses natural ways to reduce weeds, such as crop rotation, composting, mulch, hand weeding, and tilling, unlike conventional farming which relies on synthetic herbicides.

What are the main challenges faced by organic farming in terms of crop yield compared to conventional farming?

Organic farming faces challenges such as lower yields due to weed control issues, higher labor costs, and stringent standards, resulting in yields that are 18.4% lower than conventional farming.

How does the use of synthetic chemicals in conventional farming impact the cost of production?

The use of synthetic chemicals in conventional farming can lead to higher crop yields at a lower cost, as it allows for efficient weed control and reduced labor costs.

What is the significance of the certification process for organic farming?

The certification process ensures that organic farming standards are met, prohibiting the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and GMOs, and is carried out by approved third parties.

What are some of the safety concerns associated with both organic and conventional farming?

Both farming methods have safety concerns; organic farming has had incidents like the E. coli outbreak in spinach, while conventional farming has concerns about residues of synthetic chemicals linked to health issues.

What is the suggested approach to address the need for food production in the face of a growing population?

The script suggests finding a balance between organic and conventional farming to meet the needs of the growing population, rather than strictly adhering to one method.