The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs the National Organic Program, says that organic is a “production philosophy” and an organic label should does not imply that a product is superior. Moreover, some say there’s no need to eat organic to be healthy: Simply choose less processed food and more fruits and vegetables.
The crux of the argument often comes down to the nutritional benefits of organic foods, something that’s hard to measure. To compare the nutrient density between organically and conventionally grown grapes, for example, researchers would have to have matched pairs of fields, including using the same soil, the same irrigation system, the same level of nitrogen fertilizer and the same stage of ripeness at harvest, said Charles Benbrook, chief scientist at The Organic Center, a pro-organics research institution.
There are multiple complex issues here. One, the need to feed seven billion people daily; Two, sustainability of production methods; Three, overall impact on the environment; Four, sustainable business model.Michael Specter in his book "Denialism" purports that the popular culture disdain of all things chemical flies in the face of reality. The improvement in the human life span has been largely due to chemical assistance in food production and disease eradication.
On the individual level, it is a cost and information decision. What is your definition of organic and what is the alternative if you do not buy organic?
On a business level, having a business model that utilizes organic can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace if you can sustain the source.
On a geopolitical level it is not possible to feed seven billion people organically.
The geopolitical will override all other considerations. You can a have large niche of organic products, however the future is in plastics, chemicals and nanotubes.
