Organic agroproductive facility vs. Conventional agriculture: Tandil county, Buenos Aires province

ABSTRACT

In Argentina, in recent decades, a process known as “agriculturization” has been generated with various environmental impacts. This has led to introducing more sustainable farming models. This paper aims to analyze the sustainability of a rural facility dedicated to organic farming in comparison with conventional agricultural systems located in Tandil, Buenos Aires Province.

The applied methodology is based on the use of sustainability indicators, background papers, interviews, a weaknesses-threats- strengths-opportunities matrix, and suggested corrections of critical points. It is noted that the facility with organic practices, unlike those using conventional practices, has many benefits such as high biodiversity, diversification of activities, organic farming, and self-sufficiency, among others. The critical points are reflected in the threats and weaknesses of the system, such as soil usage for sowing and average productivity in crops, being lower than the systems analyzed at the regional level, with high inputs and GMOs use which allow high yields. It is concluded that organic farming is an alternative to conventional production systems based on more diversified and self-sufficient systems.

Keywords:
Agriculturization; Agroecology; Sustainability Indicators; Environmental Sustainability