Organic farming (pp37-41) Flashcards
(21 cards)
what’s organic farming?
based on minimal use of off-farm inputs (synthetic pesticides & fertilizers)
what’s the philosophy behind organic farming? (3)
to work w/ natural processes to conserve resources
maintain biodiversity
minimize waste & environmental impact
what are the responsibilities of the USDA National Organic Program?
- annual inspections
- animals must have organic diets
- sick animals must be treated
- surgical alterations must minimize stress & pain
- document all soil inputs
- farmers develop soil fertility & pest control plans
- buffer zone between them & conventional farms
Organic farming has NNOOO…
antibiotics (w/o illness), growth hormones, GMOs, synthetic pesticides, petroleum/ sewage-based fertilizers, animal feed w/ nasty stuff, animal confinement, irradiation
what does maintaining soil fertility entail?
green “manure,” fish slurry, blood & bone meal, cover crops, crop rotation
what are the 3 ways to control pests?
physical controls
biological controls
microbial pesticides
what are physical controls? (6)
crop rotations, hand-picking, drip irrigation, cleanliness, caulking(sealing)/ barriers, sulfur & copper compounds
what are biological controls? (4)
ladybugs, birds, bats, spiders
what are microbial controls? (2)
- contain a m/o (Bt bacteria) as an active ingredient
- Bt produces a protein that is toxic to some insect species
why does organic food cost more$$$? (4)
not a mass-market item
picked ripe = shorter shelf life
environmentally friendly practices = > labor intensive
methods not subsidized by taxpayers
How is organic the safer choice ? (3)
(1) most organic pesticides are not toxic to mammals; they’re selective to insects (2) bio-accumulation is less (3) organic diets reduce exposure to synthetic pesticides
How is organic the better choice in terms of nutrients?
some organic produce has higher levels of micronutrients bc of the maintenance of soil fertility (vita C, Fe, Mg)
Is organic the better choice in terms of crop yields and the environment?
Crop yields: NO; inconclusive & contradicting research
Environment: YEEEAAAA!
< greenhouse emissions, < fossil fuel use, decreased soil erosion, maintains native inserts & birds, reduces contamination of groundwater
what are other ways to decrease pesticide exposure? (5)
trim fat from meat, scrub produce, discard outer leaves, avoid waxed fruit, support farmer’s markets
=DONT STOP EATING PRODUCE
what are the (odd) roles of the USDA? (4)
- oversees certified organic, but promotes conventional agriculture
- consistently tries to weaken organic standards
- farmers grow organic => less purchase of inputs
- people buy organic => less purchase of conventional and less support for subsidies
what’s the bottom line about food production?
organic produce is def less damaging to the environment, BUT neither organic or conventional is truly sustainable
-feeding out current population is depleting our resources
what are the positive aspects to farming?
farm viewed as ecosystem, not machines
centered around natural behaviors of animals
= :) animals, sustainability, healthier food, energy from photosynthesis, not fossil fuels
Cattle:
portable fences
graze intensively for a short time
spread and fertilize seed
stimulates new growth of diverse grassland
chickens:
portable coop follows after cattle
grass sheared so chickens graze easier
spread manure & eliminate parasites
cows give feed to chickens, & chickens keep cows healthy
pigs:
winter: cattle in barn, layers of woodchips / straw / corn added to manure, heat created, corn ferments
spring: pigs root through compost for fermented corn, aerating it & making it sterile
what are the benefits of organic to humans?
bods evolved to need nutrients fm natural food chain
meat = > vita e, omeg 3, < tot fat
eggs = < sat fat & cholesterol; > vita A, B12, folate
