What is the primary difference between organic and conventional farming?

Study for the Science of Food Test. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

The primary difference between organic and conventional farming lies in the practices and substances that are utilized in the farming process. Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, relying instead on natural alternatives and practices that promote ecological balance. This method emphasizes sustainability, increased biodiversity, and soil health, often utilizing crop rotations, organic compost, and biological pest control to maintain productivity without synthetic inputs.

In contrast, conventional farming typically employs a range of synthetic chemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides, to maximize crop yields and manage pest populations. This can lead to greater productivity in the short term but raises concerns about environmental impact, health implications, and sustainability.

The focus on avoiding synthetic inputs in organic practices is what sets it distinctly apart from conventional methods, making the selected answer about organic farming's avoidance of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers the correct one.

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