Early in our history, Midwestern settlers tilled the soils and had excellent grain yields without fertilizers, without pesticides, without herbicides, and without genetically improved seeds. As they depleted the soils, they required fertilizers. We have become dependent on fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and chemicals to grow our food. The time has come to reevaluate our way of thinking and to reevaluate methods of farming.

Why choose organic agriculture? The first reason is human health -- the health of the farmer, the health of the farm family, and the health of the consumer. The second is environmental health -- the need to maintain water quality, air quality, and the diversity of plant, wildlife, and insects that exist on our planet and on our farms. The third is consumer demand. Consumers want to know what they are consuming, how we produced their food, and that their food is safe. The fourth consideration is the mental health of the farmer. Farming is more enjoyable and the quality of life improves when farmers use their eyes, ears, and senses to work with "mother nature."

Organic agriculture is a way of thinking, seeing, and feeling -- not just a restricted list of inputs that can be used in agricultural production. Through production practices such as cover crops, manure management, timely tillage, companion planting, and low stress livestock feeding programs, fertilizers can be supplied naturally and chemicals can be reduced. Plants and animals feed the microbes in the soil, which, in turn, feed the plants and so the cycle continues. Life on the farm is not just the crop that you see. The crop results from the life in the soil.

Farmers can reap economic benefits from organic agriculture. Organic agriculture reduces out-of-pocket input costs and, often, reduces labor and equipment costs. However, it requires more forward thinking and long range planning than conventional agriculture. Organically grown products often receive higher per unit prices and returns than conventionally grown products. The resurgence of farmers' markets, community supported agriculture, and direct markets show the consumer's preference for fresh produce and organically grown produce. Wholesalers, processors, grocers, and restaurant buyers have increased their demand and expanded their markets for organically grown products.

Markets for organic products are expected to continue to expand in response to the increased consumption and increasing demand for organic produce.

In closing, it is our challenge as researchers, extension workers, USDA, and farmers to deliver safe, healthy food and fiber to the nation and to the world while protecting our environment. We must be aware of the long range implications of our actions and produce food and fiber in harmony with nature.