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The organic movement jumps shark
Topic Started: Mar 13 2018, 10:37 AM (316 Views)
Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
Most of the cites I can find for organic farming being more profitable are things like Mother Jones, etc. I'm just not buying it.

Truck farming, which is what most organic farming is, is very labor intensive. When you farm organic, in the first place your yield is usually at least 20% less. You have to mulch or use mechanical means such as tine or rolling cultivators to keep weeds down, or you spend a lot of time behind a hoe. You still have to have a source for fertilizer, because some crops such as corn need a lot of nitrogen to make. Pest control can be a nightmare, when farming organic. Gathering the crop is a wash, since conventional guys have to do it the same way.

Now, you do get more money for your product, because most people associate the term "organic" with tasting better than grocery store produce. And it does. But I defy you to tell the difference between locally sourced produce grown conventionally and organic produce.

The problem will come in an economic downturn. When people look at organic produce, and it takes a bigger bite out of their pocketbook, it suddenly becomes a luxury item and I think demand will drop. Farmers grow what will make them money and what their soil is suited for...If the money was there, I think you'd see a lot more people truck farming and especially organic truck farming. Most guys are still growing the major crops conventionally...

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The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
Larry
Mar 14 2018, 08:27 AM
which scientists say releases more CO2 into the atmosphere
So what? What kind of counter-argument is that? That’s like saying organic farming is worse than farming because two words takes longer to say.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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Luke's Dad
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Emperor Pengin
George K
Mar 13 2018, 02:46 PM
Okay, excuse my ignorance.

What does "organic" really mean - what gives a food that badge?
It means they use arsenic as a pesticide as opposed to a thoroughly tested and proven artificial substitute.
The problem with having an open mind is that people keep trying to put things in it.
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Larry
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Mmmmmmm, pie!
Aqua Letifer
Mar 14 2018, 08:53 AM
Larry
Mar 14 2018, 08:27 AM
which scientists say releases more CO2 into the atmosphere
So what? What kind of counter-argument is that? That’s like saying organic farming is worse than farming because two words takes longer to say.
That's true. In fact, your analogy pretty well sums up the whole "Climate change" BS.


But I wasn't trying to contradict you, I was simply pointing out that organic farming is actually more harmful than regular farming, and produces not one single benefit over regular food.
Of the Pokatwat Tribe

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Steve Miller
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Bull-Carp
Jolly
Mar 14 2018, 05:02 AM
Don't worry, first time the economy tanks, half the organic guys will be out of business.
Naw.

The people who go for organic products are pretty much isolated from changes in the economy as a whole.
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Rainman
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Fulla-Carp
Thanks for the discussion.

I thought "organic" meant planted/harvested by women that did not shave armpits.

Now I know better.

:hat:
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Steve Miller
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Bull-Carp
If you’re interested in genuine organic farming, have a look at Polyface Farms in Virginia.

Not scaleable at all, not cost effective. Not the sort of produce you are getting at Whole Foods, no matter what they say.

But a very interesting operation nonetheless.
Edited by Steve Miller, Mar 14 2018, 08:28 PM.
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Jolly
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Geaux Tigers!
Tomorrow, I'll put the hippers on my tractor and pull up my rows. About 1600 total linear feet, about two feet across at the top, when I take them down with a tiller. Add in just short of 100sqft in raised beds.

Anybody else growing a vegetable garden that size?
The main obstacle to a stable and just world order is the United States.- George Soros
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Steve Miller
Mar 14 2018, 08:05 PM
Jolly
Mar 14 2018, 05:02 AM
Don't worry, first time the economy tanks, half the organic guys will be out of business.
Naw.

The people who go for organic products are pretty much isolated from changes in the economy as a whole.
I don't know that is true, but the ones i know are pretty committed to the idea that it is preferable and will stick with it. I buy organic when I can.
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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