A critical assessment of organic farming-and-food assertions with particular respect to the UK and the potential environmental benefits of no-till agriculture

There is currently considerable discussion about the merits of particular forms of agriculture. The discussion has been generated by excess food production in the EC, continuing public disquiet over the use of chemicals in food production and political agitation. Much of the debate concerns the merits or otherwise of organic agriculture which is often seen by the public as producing food free of chemicals and being more environmentally friendly. This article examines these notions critically dealing with each of the individual claims frequently made for organic agriculture. The article concludes that in the UK, at least, when problems with agriculture emerge they usually hinge around poor management not mode of agriculture. In environmental terms no-till farming currently seems to be better than others. The benefits of holistic thinking by farmers are indicated. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.