ISHS Acta Horticulturae 536: XIVth International Symposium on Horticultural Economics
A REVIEW OF ORGANIC HORTICULTURAL AND AGRICULTURE IN THE U.S. |
| Author: | Robin G. Brumfield |
| Keywords: | integrated crop management, alternative agriculture, organic production |
| Abstract:
Since World War II, U. S. agriculture has reduced production costs by substituting petrochemicals for labor, often resulting in overuse of agricultural chemicals. Among the adverse results of chemical overuse are increases in certain pests, groundwater and surface water contamination, and surface water run-off. There is a growing perception that consumers bear the risk of pesticide use, and farmers reap the profits. For farmers, the short-term risk of losing a crop that is already planted may take precedence over the long-term risks of such things as the pests developing resistance to pesticides, environmental damage, and applicator health risks. Alternative farming programs such as integrated crop management (ICM) and organic farming allow farmers to reconcile short-term risks and long-term benefits. However, before farmers adopt an alternative system, they must be convinced that economic benefits from the alternative farming program surpass the costs incurred; however, few studies have compared the cost of producing organic crops versus using conventional production systems. One study found that net returns were slightly higher in ICM and organic systems than conventional ones. This is because of lower costs when using ICM systems and price premiums for organic crops. These results suggest that there may not be any trade-off between economic efficiency and environmentally friendly farming practices. Thus society may be willing to pay a premium price for organic or ICM-grown vegetables in return for better environmental quality. | |
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