Conventional Farming

Conventional farms have fewer restrictions than organic farms, and can use technology to improve crop quality. This enables conventional farmers to develop plants with faster growth rates, higher yields, pest and disease resistance, larger seeds or sweeter fruit.

One fruit that might no longer exist without the use of conventional farming practices is the papaya. When a virus threatened Hawaii’s papaya crop and production in the 1990s, scientists used biotechnology to develop the virus-resistant Rainbow papaya. In 1998, these seeds became commercially available to farmers. Rainbow papaya are now grown throughout Hawaii.

 

A Closer Look

Let’s visit a local Maryland farm, and take a closer look at conventional farming in action. As you watch the video clip, think about these questions:

• What reasons do conventional farmers have for using pesticides?
• What are the benefits of using genetically engineered (GE) crops?

 

GE Crops

Only a few types of GE crops are grown in the United States, but GEs make up a large percentage of certain crops, such as soybeans, corn, sugar beets, canola, and cotton. Conventional farming of these crops have allowed farmers to increase their food production, which helps feed a growing population. Some GE crops are used as food for animals, including chickens, cows, and fish. Other crops are used in common food products, like cereal, snack chips, and vegetable oils. Using GE seeds that are selected for the right environment can also decrease the amount of pesticides a farmer must use.

Click through the slideshow below to explore how GE crops are created. Be sure to complete the activities.