1.3 Benefits and Opportunities of Organic/Alternative Agricultural Practices and Products
Katie Steneroden
Organic agricultural practices can play a role in reaching the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in multiple areas. Listed below are a few areas where helping organic producers through your services can further promote improvements for local, national, and global animal and public health.
“We consider human, animal, environmental health, and economics as being of equal importance—they all are interrelated and connected. We also believe that the contributions of forages and well-managed grazing livestock to the building of healthy soil and the mitigation of climate change are vitally important reasons for raising livestock as organically and naturally as possible” (Steneroden, 2021).
Environmental Health
Research over the years has noted and suggested multiple ways in which the rules of organic farming can lead and contribute to improved environmental health.
- Reduced use of nitrogen fertilizers leads to reduced energy consumption (Merrigan et al., 2021).
- Pasture grazing requirements (>120 days) for ruminants lead to improved soil composition and less soil erosion (Merrigan et al., 2021). When pastures are managed properly, soil sequestration of carbon can even increase.
- Organic crops may be more resistant to droughts and other harsh conditions, leading to adaptable and sustainable agricultural processes during severe weather changes (Scialabba & Müller-Lindenlauf, 2010).
“We practice regenerative agriculture over organic. Straight organic farming is not necessarily better for the animals, the humans that eat the food, or the environment. Our operation is carbon neutral or carbon negative. We believe this is just as important or more important than organic. We also believe animal welfare isn’t always a consideration with organic standards” (Steneroden, 2021).
Economic Health
Agriculture is a unique business that must balance economic stability and food production. Organic agriculture options provide additional ways to contribute to these areas.
- Following a 5-year transition period, organic fields have demonstrated competitive yields to conventional fields (Rodale, 2011).
- “Organic hotspots,” places with a high concentration of organic operations, have shown high labor force participation, high-median household income, and lower unemployment (Marasteanu & Jaenicke, 2019). These outcomes can help promote economic development in rural areas.
- Organic farming practices that build biologically active soil result in fewer off-farm inputs. This decreases farmer outside source costs, transportation, hauling, and other costs (Coffey & Baier, 2012).
“The better economics makes my farm possible. Conventional prices don’t pay. Organic prices allow my farm to function allowing other values to be worked on which are very important to my value system” (Steneroden, 2021).
“Being organic offers no advantage to my farm or my customers. I agree with the basic tenants of organic farming and follow most of them, but in a truly local market, it’s not necessary” (Steneroden, 2021).
Human Health
With time and research, improvements to health practices and healthy lifestyles are being made. Having options is a good thing. It allows us to compare and choose what can benefit our health and those around us. Below are just a few ways organic farming practices can benefit human health.
“We really, really love being around our animals. We also want to know exactly how our food was raised and offer healthy options to our friends, family, and community” (Steneroden, 2021).
- Reduced exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Smith-Spangler et al., 2012).
- Higher levels of antioxidants in organic crops (Średnicka-Tober et al., 2014).
- Increased omega-3 fatty acids in organic dairy products (Benbrook et al., 2013).
- Improved fatty acid profiles in organic meat products (Ribas-Agustí et al., 2019).
- Decreased exposure to synthetic pesticide use (Smith-Spangler et al., 2012).
- Generally lower levels of toxic heavy metal concentrations in the soil (Scientific Foresight Unit).
