Organic Agriculture

Protecting Our Food Supply or Chasing Imaginary Risks?

From the Series USA TODAY's Debate: Voices and Perspectives

  • Interest Level: Grade 6 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 9

Once embraced only by environmentalists and “health nuts,” the organic agriculture movement is flourishing in the United States. With this popularity has come a heated national debate. Supporters of organic farming are concerned about the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics, growth-hormones, and genetic modification in traditional agriculture. They favor natural farming practices, which they believe produce healthier food, as well as being safer for the environment and more humane to livestock.

Defenders of conventional agriculturists question the health benefits and financial costs of organic foods. They also worry that organic agriculture cannot feed the world’s growing population.

To make sense of this debate, Organic Agriculture takes a hard look at statistics, legislation, and expert opinions from both sides of the issue. It asks tough questions such as:
• Does conventional agriculture endanger the environment and human health?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of genetically modified crops and livestock?
• Are organic methods of raising livestock more humane?
• Is organic food safer and more nutritious than conventionally grown food?
• What are the pros and cons of labeling certified organic products?

To answer these questions, this book examines the history of the organic movement. It provides a variety of studies, reporting, and opinions from scientists, farmers, activists, agribusiness leaders, journalists, consumer groups, and ordinary Americans. Supplemented with quotes, anecdotes, and discussions from the pages of USA TODAY, The Nation’s No. 1 Newspaper, this book will broaden your understanding of all sides of the issue and help you form your own opinion, either for or against organic agriculture.

Format Your Price Add
978-0-7613-8075-7
$39.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 6 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 9
Genre Social Studies, Young Adult
Copyright 2012
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Twenty-First Century Books ™
Language English
Number of Pages 128
Publication Date 2011-08-01
Text Type Informational/Explanatory
BISACS YAN051000, YAN050080
Dewey 631.5'84
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 6 x 8.5
Features Bibliography/further reading, Charts/Graphs/Diagrams, Glossary, Index, Photo captions, Sidebars, Source notes, and Timeline