Organic Facts

Environmental Benefits

Organic farms can create environmental benefits such as improved water infiltration, no-till or minimum tillage, habitat maintenance for beneficial insects and vertebrates, and biological pest control that is better for people and the planet. These practices benefit water quality, soil health and biodiversity. (OV 2021 Impact Report)
According to data in the Organic Farming Research Foundation’s 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), Organic producers are leading the nation in the adoption of soil health management practices. 76% of organic field farmers plant cover crops regularly, compared to only 10% of conventional farmers.
Organic farming creates jobs with greater stability–organic farms hire more people per acre, providing work for more days of the year. (Finley et al. 2018).
Organic crop systems perform better than conventionally managed crop systems during climate extremes such as drought and excessive rainfall due to the increased soil stability and water-holding capacity of organically managed soils. (Lotter et al. 2003, 8).
High Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) levels in organically managed soils promote higher microbial abundance and diversity consequently increasing the resistance of microbial communities to abiotic stressors (drought, climatic variations, etc.) which ultimately may buffer essential ecosystem functions against environmental fluctuations (Kundel et al. 2020, 2).

Economic Benefits

Organic produce and dairy often demands higher prices reflecting consumer demand for healthier, nutrient rich environmentally friendly options. (USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Census of Agriculture 2012 and 2017)
The number of US organic farms grew by 39% in recent years, while the overall total number of farms in the U.S. shrank by 3% during the same time period. (USDA et al, 2012 and 2017)
Organic farm income nearly doubled while the income of all U.S. farms remained stagnant. (USDA et al, 2012 and 2017)
The average value of products sold from organic farms is double the average value sold from all U.S. farms. (USDA et al, 2012 and 2017)
Buying organic can support local farmers who practice sustainable and ethical farming methods, while keeping your money within your local economy. (USDA et al, 2012 and 2017)
Local food system economies connect farmers directly with consumers, reducing transportation costs. (Understanding Organic Pricing and Costs of Production, 2019)
Organic Farming does not rely on expensive synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, leading to lower overall input costs than conventional farming. (Understanding, et al. 2019)
Organic Farming can create growth in local regions because they are capable of creating valuable economies that can consistently bring outside money into local economies. (U.S. Organic Hotspots and their Benefit to Local Economies, 2016)
Growing consumer demand for organic has created a wide range of market opportunities for growers, producers, and retailers. (U.S. Organic, et al. 2016)
Organic Farms have continually shown they can bring economic benefits to local regions as part of tourist destinations or routes. (Leisure Group Travel, Morrill)

Food Safety

Organic farming practices, such as the prohibition of irradiation and sewage sludge has certain advantages that are potentially safer and less likely to involve food scandals or quality issues.
Organic chicken and pork are less likely to contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria than conventionally raised counterparts. (John’s Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2021)

Animal Welfare

Organic farming standards often prioritize the welfare of livestock, including access to outdoor grazing and humane treatment. (Livestock Science, April 2006, Pages 71-83)

Health Benefits

Organic food is grown without synthetic pesticides, leading to fewer pesticide residues on the produce and potentially lower exposure to chemical toxins. Studies consistently show organic food is healthier due to reduced pesticide and chemical exposure. (National Institutes of Health, 2019)
Organic Farming practices are safer for farm worker’s health because of the significant reduction in pesticide and chemical exposure (Toxicol Lett., 2014)
Organic farming prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which many consumers prefer to avoid. (USDA et al, 2012 and 2017)
Organic livestock are raised without antibiotics and artificial additives, which can be a concern for consumers. (USDA et al, 2012 and 2017)
Organic farming practices lead to lower levels of nitrates and toxic metals, like cadmium, which can accumulate in the body. (Cambridge, 2014)
Based on recent studies, organic food contains between 18%-69% more antioxidants than conventional foods. Further, these antioxidants and other natural compounds found in organically grown food are a natural defense mechanism against pests and disease. (Newcastle University, British Journal of Nutrition. (Re: Organic Crops). 2015.)
Some studies suggest that organic produce may contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to conventionally grown food. It’s important to note that while organic food offers potential benefits, some scientific studies have shown that nutritional differences between organic and conventional food are often minimal. However, for many consumers, the combination of health, environmental, and ethical considerations makes organic food an appealing choice. (International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2011)
Many consumers believe that organic food tastes better due to the lack of artificial additives and the emphasis on quality over quantity.