Conventional Farming

A tractor sprays fertilizer on a green field

Conventional farming is farming that relies on the use of genetically engineered (GE) crops, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and other chemical and biological inputs. Conventional farming became the norm for industrialized countries after the ‘green-revolution‘ of the 1950s and 60s. This period saw the development of new seed varieties, and the mass use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation to produce higher yields on farmland.

A difference between organic and conventional farming is that conventional farming relies on chemical inputs, whereas organic farming avoids the use of chemical fertilizers or certain pesticides. Regardless of the farming method, environmental sustainability requires farmers to manage erosion and water use, control runoff and work to replenish the nutrients of the soil. Learn more about conventional farming to discover what makes this type of farming essential to food production and various ecosystems.