A recent Cornell University study shows that organic farms produce the same corn and soybean yields as do conventional farms with 30% percent less energy. less water and of course no chemicals. The study showed that although organic corn yields were about one-third lower during the study’s first four years, eventually the organic systems produced higher yields, especially under drought conditions. The reason for the apparent anomaly was that wind and water erosion degraded the soil on the conventional farm, while the the organic farm soil steadily improved in organic matter, moisture, microbial activity and other quality indicators.

Considering all of the other benefits of organic farming and the severe damage to health and the ecosystem from industrial chemical farming, organic farming is by far the most intelligent choice for farmers.

The study is a review of the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial, which is the longest running comparison of organic vs. conventional farming in the United States and appears in the July issue of the journal Bioscience.