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Farming is the business of raising, growing, storing or processing food. Organic
farming is a method of food production without the use of synthetic fertilizers or
pesticides. Conventional methods of farming include the use of commercial fertilizers and
pesticides to produce vegetables and crops.
The Industry
In Canada, the organic market is about $1 billion a year, including vegetables,
livestock, grains and oilseeds. Canada is a net exporter of bulk organic grains and a net
importer of processed organic grain products. The market for organic foods in Canada is
estimated to be growing at 10% per year. Consumer trends indicate niche-market
opportunities to promote organic products.
Differences
- Both production methods use techniques to reduce the risk of soil erosion, pest problems
and effects on the neighbouring environment. The use of cultivation is one important
decision in both methods. Methods that rely on tillage and cultivation to
control weeds will result in greater risk of soil erosion. However, zero and minimum-till
methods (planting the next crop directly into the stubble from the previous crop) reduces the risk of soil
losses.
- Conventional cropping practices may include a combination fungicide/insecticide
treatment to protect the seed from soil diseases and insects, while organic production
uses biological controls and crop rotation for this purpose.
- Yields are often lower in the transition phase from conventional
to organic systems.
- Organic producers have a permitted materials list of inputs that are allowed
under the organic system.
- Organic production prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and
genetically modified varieties of plants. These products must not be used on organic farms
for at least three years prior to harvest in order for the crops to be certified organic.
Conventional cropping methods include using economic thresholds and field scouting to encourage
the use of pesticides only when required. Integrated pest management (IPM) uses
chemical, cultural, biological and mechanical measures to control weeds and insects.
Target-specific weed-control programs (such as banding herbicides and inter-row
cultivation) also reduce the amount of pesticide that is needed.
- Organic producers market much of their own produce.
- There are several choices for adding fertility to organic crops. Composted
manure from organic holdings is one choice. The use of
legumes, green manure crops, stubble incorporation, biological
fertility agents and rock phosphate are other means of providing
nutrition to the soil of the organic farm.
- Consumers may pay premiums of up to 30% for organically grown foods.
Similarities
- Environmental and health concerns are driving the continued expansion of the organic
food industry. Canada is seen by most of the world as a supplier of clean, wholesome food
products. Food produced by either method results in food of high quality.
- Both organic and commercial nitrogen fertilizers can lead to increased nitrate levels in
groundwater if not applied properly. Careful management
of all resources protects the environment.
- In both methods of production, management is the main tool
responsible for good yields
and high quality.
- Some studies have shown trace amounts of pesticide residues in both food sources, regardless of
production method.
- Nutritional value of plants depends on genetics, availability of
water, amount of sunlight, maturity when harvested, how long it took
to come to market and whether it was properly handled and
refrigerated. The nutritional difference between organic and
conventionally grown produce is the subject of many studies.
- Organic produce is marketed as pure and healthy. Conventionally produced goods are
considered equally safe and nutritious due to strict government regulations and guidelines.
Standards
The Organic Products Regulations recently introduced by the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency will take effect December 14, 2008. This
mandatory, enforceable statute will regulate the use of the term
"organic", such that any product displaying the "Canada Organic" label
will have to be certified.
Consumers can be confident that the organic food they purchase will
have been produced by federal standards that will apply from the farm
field to the store shelf. Likewise, buyers and processors will benefit
from these strict federal regulations.
The sale and use of all pesticides used by conventional farmers, are carefully
controlled by four federal government departments. Each pesticide must undergo careful
testing to ensure its use will not endanger human health or the environment. Once
registered, on-going monitoring of food samples ensures no illegal residue
levels occur.
Philosophy
Both methods of production attempt to be sustainable with the goal of ensuring the
productive future of agriculture and the environmental health of rural communities.
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives provides this material as part of its mandate to
offer families a balanced overview of important agriculture, food and
rural initiatives topics. For further
information, contact your local Rural Leadership Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture,
Food and Rural Initiatives.
Balancing the Issues in Agriculture factsheets were prepared
in consultation with Manitoba dietitians and are endorsed by the Manitoba Association of
Home Economists.
For further information see your local
Manitoba Agriculture,
Food and Rural Initiatives Office.
Prepared by:
Lynda Lowry, MS, PHEc
Revised by:
John Hollinger, Organic Business Development Specialist |
