Organic and conventional farming. What are the main differences?
Organic and conventional farming have a common goal – production. However, to achieve it they use separate methods and are subject to different legal provisions. What exactly is the difference between organic and conventional production, and which one does the European Union rely on?
(Not) only production
The fundamental differences between organic and conventional farming can already be observed at the stage of their assumptions. Conventional agriculture is focused on maximizing yields and achieving high economic efficiency. In practice, this often means the introduction of mechanization accelerating production and the exploitation of resources until their complete degradation, which in turn is associated with the destruction of the natural environment. Organic farming, on the other hand, puts the good of the planet on a pedestal, using solutions consistent with natural processes occurring in nature. Moreover, it is characterized by concern for the preservation of biological diversity and the protection of natural resources.
Same mission, different paths
One of the main differences between conventional and organic farming is how the products are made. To maintain high productivity, conventional agriculture uses synthetic chemicals and fertilizers to accelerate plant growth and protect crops from pests. Meanwhile, the desired amount of harvest in organic farming is ensured by crop rotation and natural fertilizers such as compost or manure. In addition, while conventional farming allows for the fight against weeds with the use of synthetic means, organic farming prefers traditional methods, including manual ones.
Legal regulations
The differences between organic and conventional farming also concern legal issues. In contrast to conventional agriculture, organic production is subject to numerous regulations established at the EU level. Strict regulations clearly define, among others, the permitted farming methods or the way of labelling goods. EU standards also apply to land on which organic farming is to be implemented. Soils must undergo a conversion period, which lasts up to 3 years. Moreover, entrepreneurs wishing to run organic farms are required to obtain an appropriate certificate, which involves numerous inspections of each stage of production by certifying entities.
Results may vary
Organic and conventional production also differ in their final results. Compared to conventionally farmed crops, organically farmed crops have a higher quality, longer shelf life and better texture. They also have a more pronounced smell and taste. All this means that products, including fruit, from organic farming simply melt in your mouth.
Direction – benefit
The differences between organic and conventional farming are also visible in terms of benefits. Conventional farming is characterized by high efficiency, which, however, comes at a high environmental cost. Nature, on the other hand, benefits from the spread of organic production. It has been proven that CO emissions from 1 hectare of organic farming are approx. 48-66% lower than emissions from a conventional farm of the same size. In addition, organic farming supports the development of rural areas, while increasing the number of jobs. This is due to the fact that organic farming largely uses methods based on the work of human hands.
Europe chooses quality and the good of the environment
In view of the many benefits of running and popularizing organic farming, it is not surprising that this production system is the focus of the EU. The Community intensively promotes Integrated Plant Production, which is part of the key assumptions of organic farming. This EU farming method is characterized by a focus on the environment and the preservation of biodiversity, the pursuit of sustainable use of natural resources and the minimization of the use of synthetic substances. Producers who intend to farm in accordance with Integrated Plant Production must complete special training and their farms are subject to strict inspections. In addition, Integrated Plant Production smoothes the transition from conventional to fully organic farming.
European apples – for the good of the planet and consumers
Integrated Plant Production is successively implemented and used in Europe on an increasingly large scale, which is also visible in the orchard sector. EU apple production makes extensive use of alternative crop control techniques such as crop rotation and mechanical weed control. The number of European farms complying with Integrated Plant Production is also increasing. Thanks to this, apples produced in the EU, which reach recipients from various corners of the globe, are characterized by high quality, numerous aesthetic qualities and unique taste.
Sources:
Malinowski, Łukasz, Małgorzata Kowczyk-Sadowy, Sławomir Obidziński, Małgorzata Krasowska and Magdalena Dołżyńska. Żywność z upraw ekologicznych i konwencjonalnych oraz sposoby jej znakowania (Food from organic and conventional farms and its labelling methods). Technika Rolnicza Ogrodnicza Leśna 4/2019.
Przewodnik po działaniu. Rolnictwo Ekologiczne (Action Guide. Organic farming). Prow 2014-2020 wydanie II. Ministerstwo Rolnictwa i Rozwoju Wsi, Warsaw 2017.
Sazońska, Barbara, Karolina Sambor, Marta Gajewska, Tomasz Stachowicz, Marek Krysztoforski, Anna Litwinow, Dariusz Pomykała and Ireneusz Gradka. Gospodarowanie ekologiczne – co każdy rolnik wiedzieć powinien? (Organic farming – what every farmer should know?) Centrum Doradztwa Roliczego w Brwinowie Oddział w Radomiu. Radom, 2021.