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Conventional wisdom says that modern agriculture has dramatically increased food production through extensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, so is it possible that organic farming can reduce world hunger? Surprisingly, the answer may be yes.

It is indisputable that food production has risen dramatically with the advent of modern agriculture, and yet a significant percentage of the population goes to bed hungry each night. How is this possible and what could organic farming do about it?

First, this high food production is concentrated in a relatively small area, as are the factories to produce the chemicals. And, unfortunately, high fuel costs and lack of infrastructure in many areas dramatically increase the cost and difficulty of shipping surplus food or the needed chemicals to levels that dramatically reduce their affordability. At the same time, the high cost of fossil fuels is driving up the cost of the products themselves and promoting substitution of grains such as corn from food to energy products. This trend seems destined to continue.

In contrast, organic fertilizers and pest control are available locally. Manure and other organic material is likely available, probably within walking distance, and these products promote not only immediate fertility but improved soils over time. These improved soils are like money in the bank, reducing the need for further fertilization in the future and also reducing water requirements and increasing resistance to drought. The cost of labor for pest control or weeding may be extremely low. In short, the circumstances that drive production are reversed in many areas where hunger is endemic. This is likely the case in normal circumstances, and is doubly so in this time of high energy prices.

Probably most pertinent of all, there is a growing consensus that the bank analogy applies even in areas where modern agriculture has produced the dramatic gains. Modern fertilizers increase immediate fertility, while decreasing the structure and ability of the soil to produce its own nutrients or to retain water. Pesticides kill the harmful insects, but they also kill their natural predators. The result is that each application produces results but causes a need for a bigger application next year. In effect, the gains are like drawing money out of savings...you have more money in your pocket today, but your future looks bleaker.

Will the future look more like the past? Only time will tell, but today there is a growing consensus that it will. And that means organic gardening may not be the dinosaur many think it is.

Learn more about this author, David Moreland.
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