Is it better to buy organic food? The debate continues to rage. On one hand you have the proponents of organic food saying it's much better for you and for the environment because traditional pesticides aren't used in the growing and farming process, and therefore humans aren't exposed to chemicals they are in regular food. On the other hand, supporters of traditional farming methods, pesticides and all, say that pesticides protect us from potentially harmful diseases found in plants and animals. So is organic farming and production one of those gray areas with no established right or wrong?

There are two sides to every story. Today we'll examine the supposed myths surrounding organic farming that maintain it is no better for an individual or the environment.

Is organic farming better for the environment?
Not according to the UK's Department for Environment, Food and  Rural affairs who say studies show that organic dairy production is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the production of organic milk requires 80 per cent more land than regular milk, releases 60 per cent more toxins into water and is 70 per cent more likely to cause acid rain.

Cows that are raised in organic conditions also release twice as much methane into the air (methane is far more potent than carbon dioxide by the way) as cows raised in a regular environment.

Is organic farming more sustainable?
Even though the growing of organic potatoes requires less energy from fertilizer production, in the end the ploughing requires more fossil fuel than other potatoes. Not to mention that one hectare of conventionally farmed land will yield two-and-a-half more times the number of potatoes than those grown organically.

Likewise, greenhouses that grow tomatoes require 100 times more energy than ones grown in a field in Africa and yield only 75 per cent of the amount grown in other conditions. The nutrient pollution and amount of water used by organic tomatoes are also significantly higher than ones imported from another country.

Does organic farming use pesticides?
Apparently they do, however they fall under the label of "natural." However it has been suggested that these "natural" pesticides are far more harmful and toxic than those used in conventional farming and are used only because of special "grandfather" provisions in current regulations. Most traditional pesticides are considered biodegradable; organic farming uses pesticides containing copper, which will remain toxic in soil forever. However, neither these nor more commonly used pesticides have been given as a reason to avoid produce or meat altogether.

Are conventional pesticide levels in food dangerous?
Some opponents of conventional pesticides claim they have a "cocktail effect," that has led to an epidemic of cancer. Interestingly enough, cancer rates among farmers - the first of people who would be exposed to cancer-causing chemicals - are among the lowest of any groups studies. Plus, other cancer rates - including stomach cancer which could be indicative of carcinogenic exposure - have been dropping for the past 50 years. Then there's the fact that life expectancy in this day and age is into the eighties, whereas 60 years ago when pesticides weren't used and cases of food poisoning were prominent, the life expectancy of an individual was only in their sixties.

Is organic food healthier?
The University of Hohenheim in Germany is a major supporter of organic food, but has said:

"No clear conclusions about the quality of organic food can be reached using the results of present literature and research results."

What is clear is that Holland, Denmark and Austria conducted large studies and determined that organically-produced meat contained more bacteria that causes food poisoning, a higher risk of Salmonella and parasites. Add to that the potential of cross-contamination with conventionally-produced meat that is processed in the same facility and the fact that instances of disease in organic meat are higher because the animals are not treated with antibiotics. Therefore disease causes organic animals to often weigh far less than non-organic animals.

Does organic food contain more nutrients?
You can increase the concentration of nutrients found in any produce by letting it air in cupboards for a few days prior to consuming. Though organic tomatoes are said to contain more flavonoids than conventionally-grown tomatoes, but this could be due to a lack of nitrogen which causes a plant to stop producing flesh and instead produce defensive chemicals. One of these chemicals would be - you guessed it - flavonoids.

Is there a greater demand for organic food now than ever before?
The high point in organic food growth occurred in 2003, with less land being devoted to it each year since. Although it is supposed to increase once more, it appears more farmers are returning to conventional methods or growing.

The Soil Association in the UK may is also allegedly misinformed in the figures they released related to the sales in the organic market. They claim 2006 had sales of £1.937 billion, whereas the TNS Worldpanel who tracks actual sales puts the number around the £1 billion mark.

Well there you have it, the myths of organic farming supposedly busted. Check back tomorrow for a rebuttal claiming organic really is the way to go.

» The Independent