Blending Organic and Conventional Ag Systems

Michael Pollan could learn a lot from John Reganold, author and Washington State University Regents professor of soils and agroecology. Pollan stresses phasing out conventional agriculture in favor of organic farming systems. While Reganold is an ardent organics supporter he’s also a voice of reason when it comes to feeding the world’s expanding population. In an article published in Nature magazine he says it will take a blend of agricultural systems to feed the planet. Reganold states, “if we want to feed a growing world population, producing adequate crop yields is vital.” Organic farming alone may not yield enough food, but Reganold notes that according to a report by the U.S. National Research Council “growing enough food is only one of four main criteria for making agriculture sustainable - we must enhance the natural resource base and environment, make farming financially viable, and contribute to the well-being of farmers and their communities.” According to Reganold and the NRC report it will take a blend of organic farming methods and conventional agriculture for future global food and ecosystem security.