Organic versus Inorganic Farming Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organic versus Inorganic Farming - Research Paper Example This paper presents a critique of organic versus in-organic farming. It focuses on the costs and benefits in relation to health and meeting the nutritional needs of the global populace. People are becoming aware of the problems associated with pesticides and foods that are grown using in-organic farming. For example, Gabriel and Tscharntke (2007) observe that pesticides that contain heavy metals such as lead can get into the body system by feeding on food that has traces of chemicals. Tomatoes are among the farmed fruits that the European Union has restricted entry into the market due to traces in the chemicals. Such foods that may gradually lead to cancer as the chemicals build up in the body. Apart from plants, livestock is also produced organically through avoidance of the use of synthetic chemicals to control pests. In-organic farmers also apply phytohormones that include chemicals that regulate the growth of plants. The growth enhancers facilitate the development of leaves, ripening of fruits as well as the strengthening of stems. These developments are desirable especially for the early maturity of the plants. However, they have dire health implications. Some of the hormones may affect cellular activity leading to the death of cells as well as stress in plants. On the other hand, they also have an impact on humans consuming the plants. The hormones may facilitate the development of cancer. Leukemia, prostate, and breast cancer are among the problems that are associated with hormones for growth enhancement in plants. One of the hormones that are understood to affect cancer cells in humans is Sodium salicylate and methyl jasmonate among others (Avery, 2006). In essence, organic farming maintains soil fertility; it is environmentally friendly and also does not endanger the lives of humans.