INTENSIVE INDUSTRIAL FARMING VS ORGANIC FARMING

Most commercial agriculture today uses an industrial production model. This type of farming follows the logic of productivism. The main goal of productivism is to maximize production and minimize costs. This model conditions every stage of the farming process. Wheat and other cereals, the raw materials for most baking, are crops that are well adapted to organic, extensive agriculture. However, in last decades, the intensive production of cereals has been gaining ground. The next table resumes some of the basic characteristics of intensive agriculture compared to organic agriculture.

CONVENTIONAL PRODUCTION

ORGANIC PRODUCTION

The natural cycles are interrupted (it is a linear process) and the speed of production prevents the regeneration of resources

A closed cycle (natural waste residues are used to fertilize crops) and the slower pace of production allows natural resources to regenerate

The soil is mainly fertilized with chemicals, which over time degrade soil fertility

Only powdered mined fertilizers and manures or green manures are used, which replenish necessary minerals and microorganisms to the soil

Pests and diseases are treated with biocides (herbicides, pesticides) of synthetic origin

In order to deal with pests and disease, biological methods are preferred, adapted to the ecosystem (weeds that attract beneficial fauna, using plants as a barrier, pheromones which sexually confuse pests).

Mainly uses hybrid seeds purchased from agrochemical corporations, which are unavailable to be replanted the following year (they are sterile) or which have economic patents

Mainly uses of local varieties, either from prior harvests on the farm or from sharing with other farmers.

Standardized systems of production

Production systems adapted to local conditions

Livestock and crop production are separate

Livestock farming is integrated with crop production

The need for external products raises costs and the amount farmers must invest

Using materials produced on the farm itself saves costs and and lowers initial investment

Specialization of production (mostly monoculture, fewer cultivated varieties, etc.)

Diversity of production (crop rotation, companion planting, maintenance of heirloom varieties…)

Heavy dependence on fossil fuels, especially oil

Diverse and renewable sources of energy

Large scale production, concentrated in the hands of a few large farmers and companies with large holdings

Production of a small to medium scale, mainly family farms, with many farmers in a given area