Comparative Economics of Conventional, Organic, and Alternative Agricultural Production Systems

Type de document
journalArticle
Langue source
-- Langue source --
Titre
Comparative Economics of Conventional, Organic, and Alternative Agricultural Production Systems
Titre français
Titre anglais
Auteur(s)
  • DURHAM Timothy C.
  • MIZIK Tamás
Editeur(s)
Autre(s)
Id
7Q2J34ZV
Version
3655
Date ajout
3 mai 2021 13:25
Date modification
3 mai 2021 13:25
Résumé
Agricultural production systems are a composite of philosophy, adoptability, and careful analysis of risks and rewards. The two dominant typologies include conventional and organics, while biotechnology (GM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) represent situational modifiers. We conducted a systematic review to weigh the economic merits—as well as intangibles through an economic lens—of each standalone system and system plus modifier, where applicable. Overall, 17,485 articles were found between ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, with 213 initially screened based on putative relevance. Of those, 82 were selected for an in-depth analysis, with 63 ultimately used. Economically, organic generally outperformed conventional systems. This is largely due to their lower production costs and higher market price. However, organic farms face lower yields, especially in the fruit, vegetable, and animal husbandry sectors. With that said, organic farming can provide significant local environmental benefits. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a potentiator of either core system. As a risk reduction and decision-making framework, it is labor intensive. However, this can be offset by input reductions without yield penalty compared to a conventional baseline. Biotechnology is a rapidly emerging production system, notably in developing countries. The use of GM crops results in lower production cost and higher yields. As a conventional modifier, its major advantage is scale-neutrality. Thus, smaller and lower income farmers may achieve higher gross margin. The main source of environmental benefits is reduced pesticide use, which implies a decreased need for fuel and labor. Barring external influences such as subsidies and participation in prescriptive labeling programs, farmers should focus on an a la carte approach (as opposed to discrete system adoption) to optimize their respective enterprises.
Note
None
CRAW tags
  • AB - Modalité bio
  • FREDO aspect technico-économique
  • FREDO durabilité
  • FREDO environnement
  • FREDO technologie et innovation
  • GEO Etats-Unis
  • GEO Europe
  • GEO Hongrie
WEB tags
  • IPM
  • agriculture
  • alternative
  • biotechnology
  • conventional
  • ecological
  • economics
  • organic
  • profitability
  • sustainability
Titre de la publication
Economies
Volume
9
Pages
64
Date caractères
2021/6
Date publication
4 juin 2021
Doi
10.3390/economies9020064 Le DOI est une URL unique de référencement d'une publication. Il est donc plus fiable et permanent qu'une URL classique