Agricultural trade-off: Research shows that organic farming can be harmful too

Although organic agricultural practices generally improve environmental conditions such as soil and water quality, the trade-offs aren't very well understood. — AFP

ORGANIC farming is often touted as a more sustainable solution for food production, leveraging natural forms of pest control to promote eco-friendly cultivation.

But a new study published in Science finds that expanding organic cropland can lead to increased pesticide use in surrounding non-organic fields, offsetting some environmental benefits.