Organic Farming and the Environment
The following points are reproduced from the DEFRA Action Plan to develop organic food and farming in England. We thank DEFRA for their permission to reproduce this material. (Crown copyright). Copies of the report may be obtained from: -
DEFRA Publications, Admail 6000, London, SW1A 2XX.
Telephone 08459 556000
or downloaded from the website: www.defra.gov.uk
| Annex 3 Conclusion |
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| The analysis can be summarised as follows: | |
| Biodiversity | On average organic is better. |
| Nutrient pollution to water | Available information is limited, but losses of nitrate from organic systems are similar on an area basis to losses from conventional systems subject to limits on quantity and timing of fertilisers and manures. |
| Pesticide pollution | Organic is better |
| Energy efficiency | Organic is usually better |
| Soil protection | On balance organic has benefits for soil organisms although little difference has been shown for physical effects. |
| Carbon dioxide | Organic is better because of reduced energy use |
| Ammonia | Little difference per unit yield, but probably lower emissions from organic per unit area. |
| Nitrous Oxide | Insufficient information |
| Methane | Conventional is probably better per unit of output, but may be similar on an area basis |
| Controlled wastes | Organic is better |
| Pathogens | No information – subject to ongoing research |
| In all cases (apart from pesticide pollution), it is important to recognise that the differences relate to an average farm. Individual farm management and farmer motivation will have a significant effect on environmental impacts regardless of the farming system. <BACK |
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Tel: +44 (0) 1787 210 899 |
Or email: | john.norton@nortonorganic.co.uk |
| Fax: +44 (0)1787 211 737 |
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