Benefits of Organic Farming

There are more than 27,000 certified organic farms and businesses in the U.S. That number continues to grow as consumer demand for organic products grows. In 2023, there were $69.7 billion in U.S. retail sales of organic products. In Nevada, there are 37 certified producers, including 3 cattle operations and 12 fruit/vegetable/herb farms.

Organic farming provides benefits to the farmer (economic) and to the environment. Becoming certified organic helps producers and handlers:

  • Receive premium prices for products - Acre for acre, growing produce organically has been shown to be more profitable than growing conventionally, and organic dairy and meat prices are also higher and more stable for the farmer.
  • Access fast-growing local, regional, and international markets - Many buyers, including supermarkets and distributors, and cooperatives, seek out and promote organic products because of the increasing demand for organic foods.
  • Support local communities through job production.
  • Access additional funding and technical assistance from USDA, NRCS, and non-profits

The benefits to the environment are numerous. An important practice of organic farming is using various means to improve soil health, resulting in one of the biggest benefits of organic farming. Healthy soils retain nutrients and biodiversity, which in turn grows healthy and disease-tolerant crops. Other environmental benefits that have been proven by research include improved water quality, conservation of energy, and increased biodiversity. Learn more by reading the CCOF Benefits Report which analyzes 30 years of research into organic practices.

Other Resources

Guide to Organic Livestock Production
Guide for Organic Crop Production
Guide for Organic Processing

 
Desert Farming Initiative 2025, Benefits of Organic Farming, Desert Farming Initiative, University of Nevada, Reno

Extension Associated Contacts

Tatum Gogna
Tatum Gogna
Jill Moe
Jill Moe
 

Also of Interest:

 
Effect of ultraviolet light, organic acids, and bacteriophage on Salmonella populations in ground beef Yeh, Y., de Moura, F., Van de Broek, K., de Mello, A.S. 2018, Meat Science
Non-Chemical Weed Control for Small Acreage Farmers in Nevada
Many small acreage farming operations are organic-based or strongly prefer weed management recommendations that preclude the use of conventional herbicides. The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide basic information and resources on non-chemical weed control options for these...
 Davison, J. and Newton, J. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
composting bag
Composting Yard and Vegetable Wastes
Composting is an effective way to take organic materials from landfills and use them to improve soil health. This fact sheet covers the reasons for composting and the basics of getting compost started.
 Donaldson, S., and Hefner, Melody 2009, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-16
Marketing Farmers’ Markets: Ideas for Market Vendors & Managers in Nevada
In 1994, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) began tracking the number of farmers’ markets nationwide. At the start there were 1,755 farmers’ markets across the country; in 2008 there were 4,685, an increase of nearly 168 percent (USDA-A...
 Cowee, M., Curtis, K., Gatzke, H. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-10
Why Customers Shop at Farmers Markets in Nevada
Farmers markets are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional grocery stores for consumers. In the decade between 1998 and 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA- AMS) estimated that the number of farmers markets in the U.S. incre...
 Cowee, M., Curtis, K., and Gatzke, H. 2009, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-32