Climate change has a ripple effect on the environment and its inhabitants, but there are things everyone can do to improve the situation and fight against the devastating changes. Organic farmers play a significant role in the solution to climate change. This is one of the reasons we love and appreciate all of their hard work!
What are the Benefits of Organic Farming?
According to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1990, one of the numerous benefits of organic farming practices is its contribution to building healthy soils. Healthy soil is beneficial for climate change and essential for farming.
Healthy soil is able to capture and store more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, also known as carbon sequestration. This process combats climate change directly. Additionally, healthier soil helps crops absorb more of the nutrients they need directly from organic matter in the soil. Better nutrient absorption significantly reduces and even eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers.
What is the Overuse of Chemical Fertilizers?
Overuse of chemical fertilizers has several damaging effects. Fertilizers harden the soil, decrease fertility, and strengthen pesticides. Chemicals, of course, are also known to pollute the air and water and release greenhouse gasses. This presents a variety of hazards to both human health and the health of the environment. For example, when chemical fertilizers are applied to crops, chains of chemical reactions generate nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas known as N2O. The International Fertilizer Association suggests that the fertilizer industry is responsible for 2.5% of the amount of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions! Furthermore, N2O is considered to have more global warming potential than methane or carbon dioxide.
The Rodale Institute has intensely studied the benefits of organic farming. Located on a 333-acre certified organic farm in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, they have been running a side-by-side comparison of conventional and organic agriculture since 1981. For over forty years, they have examined and measured the differences in soil health, crop yields, nutrient density of the crops, energy efficiency, water use, and water contamination. Their research has produced the following results about organic farming:
- It uses 45% less energy to produce
- It releases 40% fewer carbon emissions
- Crop yields are up to 40% higher in times of drought
Manure powered farming
As dairy farmers in California are looking for new ways to lower methane emissions, one farmer has found a way to use agriculture to reverse the negative impacts of climate change. With the help of a local mechanic, Strauss Family Creamery Organic has developed an environmentally-friendly feed truck. Instead of using diesel fuel, his truck is entirely charged through electrical power generated by the methane gas produced by cow manure.
This truck isn’t just a practical tool – it is a symbol of the resourcefulness of organic farmers and the changes that farmers across the globe can make to fight climate change.
Global recognition for organic farming practices
The use of organic farming methods to fight climate change is gaining global traction. On their website, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations states that “As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more erratic… carbon sequestration, lower-input of fossil fuel dependent resources, and use of renewable energy all present opportunities for organic agriculture to lead the way in reducing energy consumption and mitigating the negative effects of energy emissions.”
We are proud to be part of the organic farming movement
At North Coast Organic, we believe in being part of the climate change solution. We have joined forces with The Climate Collaborative, taking meaningful steps to create pathways to action and reverse climate change. We are committed to using only 100% USDA Certified Organic produce, all of which is grown locally in the western United States.
Many of our fruit growers have been supplying the best quality apples to us since 1922, spanning three or four family generations. We are committed to sustainability, which is why we receive more than 50% of our production energy through rooftop solar panels. In addition, we have a full-time staff member that is dedicated to minimizing our water usage.
Contact us today if you’d like to learn where to purchase our delicious, organic apple products or learn more about our mission.
North Coast Organic apple products are made in Sebastopol, CA, from U.S.-grown, USDA Certified Organic apples. They contain no added sugars, preservatives, colorings, or flavorings. They are Non-GMO Project Verified, KSA Kosher, and produced in BPA-free packaging with the help of solar power from the warm California sun.
