Photo credit: Southern Arkansas University

A recent study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production used U.S. state level data collected from 1997 – 2010 to better understand how organic farming affects greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers found that a one percent increase in organic acreage in the U.S. could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by .049%. “The current study provides evidence supporting potential GHG mitigation benefits associated with organic food production. Policymakers and scientists can build on these results to further develop the evidence base and policies needed to quantify and maximize the benefits of adopting organic farming practices,” they concluded.