Compensation

If you consider what I described in the past two days, you may even go one step further and conclude that organic farming is more damaging to the environment than the ordinary “inorganic” (or, toxic if you like) method.

The argument is simple: Organic farming is inherently less productive. To satisfy the stomach of every Homo sapiens, more land needs to be converted for agricultural usage – and more wild animals and exotic plants would lose their natural habitat.

But, do go that far. Let’s take a closer look on the evidence. Contrary to what we believe, organic farming is not substantially less productive than traditional methods – nothing more than 10 or 15 percent difference with up-to-the-date technology. Yes, it may take up a little more place, but the harm is offset by doing away with toxic chemicals.

And, if you turn the argument around, it is yet another example of risk compensation.

Go read Richens J, et al. Condoms and seat belts: the parallels and the lessons. Lancet 2000; 355: 400-403.