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Question

The Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial claims to be Americas longestrunning sidebyside comparison of organic versus conventional farming. It claims that organic yields match conventional yields and that organic crops outperform in drought seasons, and that organic farming is more profitable. Do this study have any scientific validity? What are Monsantos thoughts on this data?

Submitted by: as1989


Answer

Expert response from Community Manager

Friday, 31/07/2015 16:09

Thanks for your question.  One can find studies, such as those published from the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial, that show organic production on a small scale is capable of producing equivalent yields compared conventional farming practices.  And because of the price premium for organic products, it may be more profitable, especially if the yields are similar.   Monsanto supports all systems of farming and believes that growers should have the freedom to use the farming system that works best for them. 

 

Regarding of the farming system used, all crops need adequate sunlight, water, nutrients and protection from disease and pests.  For farmland that has adequate levels of nutrients and little to no disease or pest pressure, organic production practices may be adequate to produce yields comparable to those with conventional practices.   In these cases, farmers may choose organic production to take advantage of the price premium.  

 

Here are links to two articles that do a good job of discussing this issue of organic production on a large scale: 

 

 

Answer

Expert response from Community Manager

Friday, 31/07/2015 16:09

Thanks for your question.  One can find studies, such as those published from the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial, that show organic production on a small scale is capable of producing equivalent yields compared conventional farming practices.  And because of the price premium for organic products, it may be more profitable, especially if the yields are similar.   Monsanto supports all systems of farming and believes that growers should have the freedom to use the farming system that works best for them. 

 

Regarding of the farming system used, all crops need adequate sunlight, water, nutrients and protection from disease and pests.  For farmland that has adequate levels of nutrients and little to no disease or pest pressure, organic production practices may be adequate to produce yields comparable to those with conventional practices.   In these cases, farmers may choose organic production to take advantage of the price premium.  

 

Here are links to two articles that do a good job of discussing this issue of organic production on a large scale: