Organic agriculture can be profitable for farmers, although the transition period is often financially difficult. The organic sector accounted for about 13% of total food sales in the US in 2020, but growth is strong. One of the primary factors driving market expansion is growing awareness about the health benefits associated with the consumption of organic products and popularity of non-GMO products among the consumers. This growth has attracted the attention of large corporations, from processors and distributors such as Kraft and General Mills to retailers such as Costco. Nevertheless, the high cost of production. operations, disctribution, logistics and shorter shelf life are projected to constrain the market growth during the forecast years.

Government support for organic agriculture remains disproportionally low in the US. despite the negative impact of conventional farming practices that has far exceeded its positive results. Water contamination in oceans is one of the after-effects of conventional farming in addition to pesticide-resistant pests, degrading soil fertility, human diseases, expensive cleanups, and dead zones.

How does organic agriculture affect the cost of production and the prices? If all farmers switched to organic agriculture could the world produce enough food? What value does the consumer get for the added cost of organic? Do you support organic agriculture and buy organic products? If not, would you consider switching to organic in future? Discuss the health benefits and costs of each type of agriculture, organic and conventional.