Organic farming in the United States: Principles and perspectives

Abstract

A growing number of agricultural scientists, environmentalists, government officials, farmers, and both urban and rural laymen, have become increasingly alarmed over the potential vulnerability of the energy-intensive systems of food and fiber production which now characterize U.S. agriculture. During the past 40 years, conventional agriculture has become increasingly dependent upon petroleum-based, chemically-synthesized fertilizers and pesticides to supply plant nutrients and for crop protection. Certainly these energy-intensive technologies have contributed greatly to the U.S.'s agricultural productivity. However, sharply escalating production costs associated with the increasing cost and uncertain availability of energy, i.e. fuel and fertilizers, have generated considerable interest in less expensive and more environmentally compatible production alternatives such as organic farming. The apparent decline in soil productivity throughout the U.S. from excessive soil erosion, nutrient runoff, and loss of soil organic matter; the impairment of environmental quality from sedimentation and pollution of natural waters by agricultural chemicals; and, the potential hazards to human and animal health and food safety from heavy use of pesticides, have also stimulated interest in organic farming systems of food production. This article describes and analyzes the agronomic and socioeconomic character of organic farming in the U.S. and assesses its future potential contribution to the overall system of food and fiber production in this country and abroad. Clearly, a number of factors, such as future research and education programs, public policies, and the cost and availability of conventional farm production inputs, will greatly influence the rate at which organic farming technologies and management practices are adopted. However, current trends and circumstances indicate that organic farming systems will play an increasingly important role in both U.S. and world agriculture.