30-Year Study Finds Organic Farming Superior to Conventional

USAgNet – 09/19/2011

Rodale Institute today announces the latest results of the Farming Systems Trial, America’s

longest  running side-by-side comparison of organic and conventional farming practices.

Originally created to  study the transition from conventional to organic production, this 30-year

study also examined  productivity, soil quality, energy and economics.

“The Farming Systems Trial clearly documents in a replicated, scientific fashion, that many of

the current myths are not true. Organic agriculture does not result in the grower losing money,

does not result in lower yields, or more expensive management practices” Key findings show:

Organic yields match or surpass conventional yields.

Organic yields outperform conventional yields in years of drought.

Organic farming systems build rather than deplete soil organic matter, making it a more

sustainable system.

Organic farming uses 45 percent less energy and is more efficient.

Conventional agricultural systems produce 40 percent more greenhouse gases.

Organic farming systems are more profitable than conventional farming systems.

After 30 years of a rigorous side-by-side comparison, the Rodale Institute confidently concludes

that organic methods are improving the quality of our food, the health of our soils and water, and

the conditions of our nation’s rural areas. Organic agriculture creates more jobs, provides a livable

income for farmers, and can restore America’s confidence in our farming community and food

system.

“America’s farming techniques affect the health of our families, our communities, and our planet.

The Farming Systems Trial shows that organic farming is the healthiest and safest way to feed the

world, provide much-needed jobs, reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and protect precious natural

resources,” says Mark “Coach” Smallwood, Executive Director of Rodale Institute.

“The Farming Systems Trial clearly documents in a replicated, scientific fashion, that many of the

current myths are not true. Organic agriculture does not result in the grower losing money, does

not result in lower yields, or more expensive management practices,” says Dr. Elaine Ingham, Chief

Scientist at Rodale Institute. “The next step forward is to educate growers, whether they are conventional

or organic, in the methods used in the Farming Systems Trial to assure equal or better yields through

farming practices that do not harm the environment.”

The trial is slated to continue with a new focus on nutrition and human health. “We have shown that

organic can feed the world. Now it is time to take on the matter of feeding the world well,” said Smallwood.