Organic Agriculture Can Feed the World

The report by the UNCTAD and UNEP, the Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trials, The Scientific Review by the Cornell University and US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Pecan Trial have proved that organic systems are producing higher yields. “Best practice organic agriculture can get better yields than conventional agriculture. Four recent credible studies show organic systems producing higher yields, particularly in the drier years that are predicted to increase with climate change,” according to Andre Leu, Chair of the Organic Federation of Australia.

The report by the United National Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that organic agriculture increases yields in Africa. ‘…the average crop yield was … 116 % increase for all African projects and 128 % increase for the projects in East Africa.’ The report notes that despite the introduction of conventional agriculture in Africa food production per person is 10% lower now than in the 1960s. ‘The evidence presented in this study supports the argument that organic agriculture can be more conducive to food security in Africa than most conventional production systems, and that it is more likely to be sustainable in the long term.’ Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary General of UNCTAD and Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP stated. (Picture: Exotic fruits)
 

The Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trials found that organic yields were higher in drought years and the same as conventional in normal weather years. In years with wet weather in the spring the organic yields can suffer when mechanical cultivation of weeds is delayed and were found to be 10% lower. This could be corrected by using steam or vinegar for weed control, rather than tillage. The researchers attributed the higher yields in dry years to the ability of soils on organic farms to more quickly take in rainfall. This is due to the higher levels of organic carbon, making the soils more friable and better able to store and capture rain.

The Scientific Review by the Cornell University into the 22 year-long Rodale Field Study found that the improved soil allowed the organic land to generate yields equal to or greater than the conventional crops after 5 years. Conventional crops collapsed during drought years - organic crops fluctuated only slightly during drought years, due to greater water holding capacity in the enriched soil. The organic crops used 30% less fossil energy inputs than the conventional crops. (Picture: India)

US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Pecan Trial showed that the ARS organically managed pecans out-yielded the conventionally managed, chemically fertilized orchard in each of the past five years. Yields on ARS' organic test site surpassed the conventional commercial orchard by 18 pounds of pecan nuts per tree in 2005 and by 12 pounds per tree in 2007. (Picture: India)
 

‘These studies are very much in line with earlier studies, both overseas and in Australia, that indicated less variability in yields under organic management. In Australia, this work was carried out in the 1980s in the cereal livestock industry, and there is no reason to believe that the results would be different today.’ OFA director Dr Els Wynen said. According to Andre Leu, this research has enormous implications for Australia, which is seriously lagging behind the rest of the world with research into best practice organic systems. (Picture: Queensland, Australia)

Given that the research shows that organic systems are particularly effective in achieving high yields in drought and drier seasons, the widespread adoption of organic practices should be a priority as Australia’s rainfall continues to decrease in the main cropping areas as a result of climate change.’The research will have major benefits for Queensland growers who will have to comply with new laws to reduce herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilisers to protect the Great Barrier Reef (picture). Best practice organic systems will allow them to maintain and even increase productivity while reducing their chemical inputs. This is a true win win situation," Mr Leu stated.