The History of Organic Farming

Organic farming is one of the most sought after farming practice out there due to its health benefits and environmental repercussions. Though the practice may feel relatively new, it has actually been around for 100 years or so. The basis of organic farming was born in the early 1900s by people who thoughts that what are now known as organic farming practices, such as cover crops, biological pesticides, and crop rotation, contribute to a more sustainable farm. The main founders of these beliefs were Sir Albert Howard, F.H. King, and Rudolf Steiner, though there were many who shared their sentiments. Sir Howard was inspired by his studies in India, where he witnessed the use of many of these practices, and wanted them to be adopted in Europe. It was, however, a man named J.I Rodale, that is considered the main founder of organic farming. His magazine, Organic Farming and Gardening, was one of the first documents encouraging organic farming and was the main source of organic farming practices. The popularity and consumer demand for organic farming spiked in the 1960s after Rachel Carson published the effects of pesticides on the environment. Because organic farming doesn’t use pesticides, many consumer gravitated towards it. Since then, the demand for organic products has only grown, becoming more and more popular as people become more aware of how farming affects the environment. In fact, the sales of organic products in the US more than doubles between 2008 and 2019. Today, organic products, and therefore organic farming, is extremely popular as it is becoming the go-to choice for both consumers and farmers.