Going Organic: Is It Worth the Cost?

Environmental benefits

While human health benefits of eating organic food aren't confirmed by government agencies, the evidence for environmental benefits is more solid. Banning many pesticides and certain fertilizers from organic farms reduces pollution in soil and water, preserves a more diverse mix of plants and animals, and may contribute to more fruitful farmland. Organic farming also conserves energy that would otherwise be used to produce synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. There is some evidence to suggest that carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) emissions are decreased on organic farms, according to Nature magazine. Those in favor of organic farming, such as the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), suspect that it has many more environmental benefits, but so far not enough research studies have been undertaken to support their theories.