Conventional Food Essay

Submitted By hpatzwah
Words: 961
Pages: 4
Open Document
Hannah Patzwahl
14 October 2014
ENVS 001/ Connor
Assignment #7 Conventional farming is a type or method of farming in which the use of fertilizers, synthetic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, and antibiotics is accepted. Conventionally grown food is often associated with GMOs, genetically modified organisms. Crops that are brought up conventionally are usually monoculture, meaning they are planted in the same area every year. Animals are also raised in conventional farms. These livestock may never be exposed to pastures or even touched by the sun. Conditions listed above make the goal of convention farming possible; produce large amounts of food at the lowest cost. There are numerous negative environmental impacts that conventional food holds. The use of pesticides is a major impact on the natural environment. Pesticides include herbicides, which are weed killers, fungicides, which kill fungi, and insecticides, which take care of the pesky insects that could damage or hinder crop production (Definition of Conventional, n.d.). Pesticides are sprayed onto crops, and a very small amount actually reaches the pests. The majority of pesticides flow into the surrounding environment. Pesticides also kill off beneficial insects such as ladybugs and bees, which are often trying complete pollination. Pesticide resistance is also becoming a large problem among scientists and farmers trying to manage crops. Pests and insects are evolving resistance to pesticides through natural selection, creating super bugs. Though this action cannot surprise commercial farmers because Rachel Carson described it in her book Silent Spring, in 1962. Another environmental impact is nutrient pollution in soil. Most commonly, nutrients hurt aquatic ecosystems. They do this by increasing algae growth, leading to algae blooms, which deplete oxygen levels in bodies of water, leading to enormous fish kills (EPA Nutrient Pollution, 2014). Nutrient pollution can also be harmful to humans. Too much nitrogen in an area can make groundwater very contaminated. This is very dangerous for people who have weak immune systems, the elderly and young children. Synthetic fertilizers can add necessary nutrients to soil, but too much can prevent the restoration of organic matter within the cropland. Having too much fertilizer can also bring about the leaching of important minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium from the soil. The last negative impact covered is the amount of greenhouse gas is produced from the demand of convention food (ROSENTHAL, 2008). Because this food is not usually grown locally it travels many miles to its final destination, unlike local food production that only serves to places within a 50-100 mile radius. Fertilizers and packaging also add to air pollution, making conventionally grown food have a large carbon footprint. In contrast, there are some ethical and environmental pros to living off of conventional food. Firstly, crops that are brought up conventionally usually deliver more produce due to the amount of pesticides applied to them while growing. More produce means cheaper prices in grocery stores and markets (Organic Agriculture, n.d.). Especially when compared to organic, which doesn’t output much produce due to pests and weather. This fact is especially important when discussing social classes; though wealthy people have a choice, the poor do not. Less fortunate people may be able to supply their families with somewhat of a healthy option at a reasonable price. Conventional food is also much more accessible than local or organic food. Not only is accessibility relative, but variety as well. Conventionally grown food is transported all across the country and globe. Because of transportation, consumers are able to get unique produce from foreign places. This is a downfall of eating locally because people end up eating solely what thrives in an area and
Show More

Related Documents: Conventional Food Essay

Agriculture and Conventional Foods Essay

Research Project: Organic Food The word ‘organic’ has a range of different meanings and ideas that always vary in accordance to specific people. According to the USDA NOP “Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using…

Words 1655 - Pages 7

Organic Foods Start To Prove It's Worth

section full of organic foods. All this means is that it is within the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; meaning synthetic fertilizers or growth hormones aren’t used on the plants or animals. Yet, that doesn’t mean that the organic food is healthier or that the cost is justified. Many people are under the assumption that that the organic food is healthier and more nutritious. A study made in 2012 believes otherwise. An article titled,”Organic Foods Start to Prove It’s Worth”…

Words 597 - Pages 3

Organic Food Explatory Essay examples

The Premium Prices of Organic Foods Worth The Buy? Given the circumstances of the nation’s economy: Are the premium prices of organic foods worth the buy? We live in a polluted world that is added to daily with chemicals and disease. While interested parties have created heated controversy about which kind of farming production is most efficient in solving this worldly cry for help. The environment and human health remain at risk. Researchers have found that food quality is affected by pollution…

Words 2362 - Pages 10

Essay about Organic Food

grown food is better than conventional foods. A common, preconceived notion is that organic food is better than conventional food. In most cases it is, but organically grown food has both its pros and cons. According to the USDA, organic foods are defined as “being produced without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetic modification, or ionizing radiation.” Conventional foods are foods that are produced with any one or more of the above methods. Even though conventional farming…

Words 3725 - Pages 15

Lut1 Task One

Have you ever wondered if organic foods are truly safer and healthier than their conventionally grown counterparts? In this presentation, I will introduce research that defines why organic produce is a healthier option. B. Thesis Statement- Research suggests that consuming produce grown using organic methods is healthier because organic methods use healthier soils with fewer pesticides and organic produce has more nutritional value than food grown using conventional methods. C. Preview of Main Points-…

Words 1202 - Pages 5

Organic Food Production Essay

Barserian S. Munoz Engl 1A - 17744 2 December 2013 Organic Food Production Organic food production is more beneficial to people, soil, and animals than conventional food production methods. People choose organic foods to avoid being exposed to pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals used for conventional farming. Organic foods have also proven to have higher amounts of nutrients in different varieties of foods. Organic food production is designed to conserve water and soil by not releasing…

Words 714 - Pages 3

Problems Of Organic Farming

is achieved through the use of conventional farming methods? Introduction Farmers in South Africa have historically employed the methods related to organic farming. However, over the years, with a steadily growing population and the resultant increased food demand, new, and what are now referred to as “conventional” farming methods were needed to match this increased food demand. However, organic farming has gained renewed popularity in recent years. Conventional farming refers to methods of farming…

Words 1247 - Pages 5

Organic vs. Conventional Farming Essay

666). The aims of organic farming are, to decrease pollution, maintain soil fertility and biodiversity, be more sustainable, and have increased nutritional benefits than conventionally grown foods (Yaping et. al., 2003, p. 298). While the aim of conventional farming is to provide safe, proficient supplies of food, in abundance and at low prices (Trewavas, 2001, p.409). Since 1996, the amount of land in the UK dedicated to organic farming has risen tenfold (Adam, 2004, p. 666). As well, from 1992 to…

Words 1635 - Pages 7

Essay on Conventional vs Organic

Cardona, Jose Prof. Yun English 1A 23 July 2012 Conventional Farming V.S. Organic Farming Organic farming had not played a role in the market in the previous years, yet today it is common in grocery stores around the country. Organic farming refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming is also constantly referred to as healthy, smart, beneficial, and ecofriendly but these are words used in advertisement…

Words 1959 - Pages 8

Organic Foods Essay

Dallas Taylor Organic Foods January 26, 2015 Intro to Food Comp & Sci Prep Organic Foods After reading the New York Times article Stanford Scientists Cast Doubt on Advantages of Organic Meat and Produce by Kenneth Chang. I still feel like yes, eating organic may be better for the environment and may be less harm to your body because you don’t know what you are exactly putting in your body. There are several different reasons people are willing to pay more for organic produce, bu…

Words 745 - Pages 3