Studies show -- Organic Can Feed the World
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Organic Farming 'Could Feed Africa' (October 2008)
Major study from the United Nations, reported in The Independent
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Myth: Sustainable Farming Methods Cannot Feed the World (July 2008)
Myth Buster Series from the Land Stewardship Project in Minnesota. 2 page PDF
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Can Organic Feed the World? (2007)
Study published by the Cambridge University Press. 6 page PDF
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Organic Ag. and the Global Food Supply (June 2006)
Research paper from the University of Michigan course, "Food, Land and Society". 23 page PDF
Research Papers, Studies, Resources
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UN Environment Program report "Organic Agriculture and Food Security in Africa" (October 2008)
Organic farming in Africa receives strong UN endorsement. This 61 page report finds that farm yields remain stable, and often rise after conversion to organic agriculture, a finding that "...challenges the popular myth that organic agriculture cannot increase agricultural productivity."
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Greenbook 2008: A Multitude of Ideas to Sustain Agriculture (September 2008)
Published annually for 19 years, the Greenbook highlights the results of innovative demonstration projects that test new approaches to marketing agricultural products as well as raising crops and livestock.
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Research Symposium Proceedings from the 2008 Organic Farming Conference (February 2008)
In-depth booklet detailing the proceedings. 65 page PDF
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Resources for Organic Farming Research (updated 2008)
List of helpful links and resources. 1 page PDF
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2007 Organic Farm Performance in Minnesota
A report summarizing the individual farm financial results for participants in the
Minnesota Organic Farm Business Management Project for 2007 with comparisons
to 2006 performance. Whole farm information and enterprise costs and returns are
reported. A total of 65 farms participated in the program.
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Organic Dairy and Meat Improves Quality of Mother's Breast Milk (July 2007)
Press release from Cornucopia Institute out of Wisconsin. Study published in
the British Journal of Nutrition. 2 page PDF
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Economic study of Organic Dairy Farming (June 2007)
Discusses the potential rewards of organic dairy farming in Wisconsin,
New England and Quebec, and the costs. 13 page PDF
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Transition to Organic Cropping Systems under Risk (May 2006)
Analyzes the risks, returns and optimal adoption strategies of a MN farm
switching from a conventional to an organic cropping system. 24 page PDF
Helpful Links
Check out these websites to read up on the most recent organic research.
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Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Located in Ames, Iowa the Leopold Center "explores and cultivates alternatives
that secure healthier people and landscapes in Iowa and the nation".
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Organic Farming Research Foundation and
Organic Ag Info
A portal of scientifically-based information on organic agriculture.
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University of MN Organic Ecology
Information, education and announcements about organic ecology research and outreach.
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Cornell University Organic Research
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Iowa State University Organic Research
Soybean variety trials, no-till comparisons and more.
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USDA Econ Research Service
Results of government data collection, statistics.