Organic farming is on the rise – but how is it more sustainable?

Organic farming, which includes organic winemaking, is on its way to gaining the same widespread presence as conventional farming. This is the result of years of increased demand for more sustainable food practices. The number of organic producers is growing. In 2015, there was a 7.2% increase in organic farmers – about 2.4 million. A study by research group ISWR predicts that in 2023, an estimated one billion bottles of organic wine will be consumed.

So what is sustainable agriculture? And how does organic farming influence it? 

Sustainability is a practice that serves to mitigate the depletion of environmental, economic, and social resources. For decades our food has been produced through industrial agriculture. It is a system monopolized by large farms that grow crops using tremendous amounts of chemical pesticides and fertilizers that hurt our soil, water, air, and climate. The system isn’t built to last because it depletes the resources it depends on.  

Farmers focused on sustainability, on the other hand, work within a system that dictates a farm must be economical (a profitable business that contributes to a thriving economy), socially responsible (a farm that treats its workers fairly and has a mutually beneficial relationship with the community), and environmentally conscious (creating and maintaining healthy soil, managing water efficiently, minimizing pollution, and promoting biodiversity). 

Organic farming shares these goals, as this practice is dedicated to growing crops without the use of chemicals, including but not limited to, pesticides and fertilizers. Instead of harmful chemicals, natural practices such as crop rotation and manure are utilized to keep the focus on biological, agronomical, and mechanical methods. 

To provide better insight into how organic farming and sustainability achieve harmony, we’ll discuss five benefits of organic farming as it relates to environmental sustainability. These are:

• Organic farming keeps chemicals out of the water supply
• Organic farming allows plants and animals to thrive
• Organic farming uses less energy than conventional farming
• Organic farming has a lower carbon footprint
• Organic farming promotes biodiversity

Organic farming keeps chemicals out of the water supply

Pesticides, which are used to keep crops protected from pests, may be beneficial for conventional farmers, but this belief is shortsighted. The same chemicals that keep away bugs and rodents can also seep into the water supply. Not only does this have a dangerous effect on nearby human populations, but it can also result in a buildup of nitrogen and phosphorus that depletes oxygen in lakes, making it impossible for fish to survive. One such example of this is California’s Salton Sea, which has been plagued by agricultural runoff that has led to algae blooms and fish die-offs. The development of poison from conventional farm runoff has led to pet and human deaths around the world. 

Organic farming allows plants and animals to thrive

These same pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals that damage waterways in conventional farming can also harm creatures that dwell on the earth and fly through the air. Organic farming on the other hand allows birds, helpful insects such as bees and spiders, and native plants to thrive. Scientists say that fields around organic farms have more types of wild plants, which provides benefits for wildlife. This is a key tenant of environmental sustainability. 

Organic farming uses less energy than conventional farming

One positive, underrated aspect of organic farming is that it relies less on electricity. Because so much organic farming takes place by hand, there is less machine power. This reduces gas emissions and minimizes the use of large vehicles and other machinery which reduces the environmental impact. Organic farmers use energy-saving practices such as organic no-till, and old-fashioned tools, including rakes and hoes. As a result, organic farms use 45% less energy than their conventional counterparts.

Organic farming has a lower carbon footprint

According to a study in the Environment and Natural Resources Journal that compared organic and conventional kale production, organic farming has a lower carbon footprint. The study measured greenhouse gas emissions and determined that conventional farming had almost double the emissions of organic farming because of the higher emissions from chemical fertilizers and from fossil fuels used for tillage, herbicide, and insecticide applications. This shows that organic farming can help with a hopeful outlook on the future of environmental sustainability and better agricultural practices.

Organic farming promotes biodiversity

One major thing proponents of sustainability discuss is biodiversity. Organic farming promotes biodiversity by allowing native plant life to create a habitat for animals while reducing soil loss. It also prevents erosion and makes a difference in the soil itself. Soil from organic farms is richer in nutrients. 

A closer look at organic winemaking in relation to organic farming

Vineyards can play their part in promoting organic farming and sustainability by adopting the same practices used by other producers. Recent years have shown the detrimental effects that non-organic winemaking can have concerning sustainability. For example, in France, vineyards account for about 20% of the country’s pesticide use. With this statistic in mind, it is empowering to envision a future where vineyards eschew the use of harmful chemicals and work towards a future where farms can exist in harmony with the animals, plants, and people that exist in the nearby region

Organic wine from Domaine Bousquet

Domaine Bousquet produces organic wine that is also vegan and fair trade. Located in beautiful Mendoza, Argentina, our wine can be purchased around the world. We use sustainable practices on our vineyard, along with the traditions of four generations of winemakers, to create a multitude of award-winning, delicious, affordable, and sustainable organic wines. Browse our selection.