Impact Investor and Advocate of Sustainable Agriculture Discusses the Top Four Differences between Conventional and Organic Farming
New York, NY (PRWEB) August 28, 2013 -- On August 28, Philippe van den Bossche, an impact investor and advocate of sustainable agriculture, discusses the top four differences between conventional and organic farming practices.
According to an August 9, 2013 article published by RedOrbit, entitled, “Understanding the Benefits of Organic Food,” there are many benefits to maintaining an organic diet.
These benefits can be attributed to the more natural, resourceful approaches taken by organic farmers. Philippe van den Bossche, an impact investor and advocate of sustainable agriculture, comments on the top 4 differences between organic and conventional farming practices.
• Chemical fertilizers versus natural fertilizers. “Conventional farmers utilize chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth,” van den Bossche says. “Organic farmers use natural fertilizers, such as manure and compost, in order to feed soil and plants. This allows the soil to avoid contamination with harmful chemicals used in conventional farming.”
• Synthetic insecticides versus pesticides from natural resources. “In order to reduce pests and disease from infecting crops, conventional farmers will spray synthetic insecticides. In comparison,” van den Bossche says, “organic farmers will utilize their natural resources, like insects and birds, or mating disruption, in order to keep pests and disease away.”
• Synthetic herbicides versus environmentally-generated plant killing compounds. He says, “Weeds are an obvious pain to any farmer. Conventional farmers use synthetic herbicides in order to keep weeds tame, which can be harmful if ingested. Organic farmers will practice crop rotation, manually hand-weed and/or use mulch to keep weeds in check.”
• Giving animals antibiotics versus giving animals organic feed and outdoor access.
“Conventional farmers will administer growth hormones and medications to their livestock in order to prevent disease and spur growth. Organic farming practices call for organic feed to be used as well as allowing livestock to graze and maintain a balanced diet in order to minimize disease,” he explains.
Many factors influence decisions on whether or not to choose organic food. “Some people prefer the organic taste while others choose organic because of concerns surrounding pesticides, additives, etc. As more people are made aware of the benefits of organic farming, the industry will continue to increase,” he says.
Philippe van den Bossche is an impact entrepreneur and investor and Chairman/ Owner of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), a leading organic agricultural and horticultural consulting and manufacturing company located in Middlefield, Ohio. AEA provides consulting services and specialty nutritional products to farms throughout the United States and Canada. Mr. van den Bossche is an advocate for organic farming and agriculture.
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Philippe van den Bossche, Philippe van den Bossche, http://www.growbetterfood.com/, +1 (855) 347-4228, [email protected]
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