Abstract

The journey from farm to table can either support or deteriorate the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities, nations and the world. The double energy crisis of using more fuel to produce conventional and processed foods than present in the produced food is crippling life. Organic farming practices use renewable resources and conserve energy, soil and water to enhance environmental quality now and for the future. Conventional farming practices commonly use pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMO). There are many personal and environmental detriments to consuming conventionally produced foods. This paper is a synthesis of the current literature pertaining to the food production system in developed nations and the impact on personal and environmental health. This will be compared and contrasted to the personal and environmental health benefits of eating organic foods.