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Organic Production, Environment-Friendly Alternative for Mass Production

Today’s competitive market allows for various dietary choices for consumers. The production method is one of the main contributing factors affecting buyers’ decisions. There are two main methods: mass production and organic production. In this article, we are to provide you with comprehensive information regarding different production methods. If you care about mass production methods, this article is for you.

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By mass production, we basically mean producing large quantities of food over a continued period of time using machinery. While this method of food production is generally referred to as traditional, it has only been practiced since the Industrial Revolution. Before industrialization, farmers used to grow crops organically for centuries. This method produces a limited amount of food following environmentally friendly standards. The difference between these methods is mainly in the equipment, time, and the type of chemicals required to grow crops. In organic production, one avoids using synthetic substances and chemicals like pesticides.

Consequently, the farmers who grow crops using this method apply environment-friendly fertilizers like green manure. There are differing opinions and compelling arguments around both food production methods and the desirability of their produced product. Based on the reasons discussed below, each method has its advocates and critics.

Price

Most people gravitate towards mass-produced food simply for the price. The industrial machinery used in manufacturing processes allows for producing large quantities of food each run. Since there is adequate supply, the product is moderately priced. On the other hand, the organic method has only limited amounts of food, leading to higher prices. In the absence of industrial chemicals, the output of the production process is lower since living organisms like pests destroy a more significant number of crops.

Moreover, farmers must rely more on human labor and less on machinery, increasing production costs. Most people choose the more affordable option because they do not see much difference in the overall taste. Studies show that organic and ready-made food does not differ in nutrients. Plus, mass-produced crops usually look larger and tastier. Therefore, many do not see the necessity of buying organically produced food.

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Accessibility & Shelf-Life

Another factor in favor of mass-produced food is its accessibility. Organic food does not contain preservatives, so it has a shorter shelf-life. Therefore, it is supplied locally and cannot be exported to distant locations. As a result, not everyone has access to naturally produced food. On the other hand, mass-produced food can be shipped anywhere, and it is also supplied locally. Therefore, most people will be able to purchase them. Short shelf-life affects shop owners as well. Perishable organic food decay faster than food containing chemical preservatives. Shopkeepers would have to store organic food under special circumstances taking note of the temperature and their exposure to sunlight. Delivery methods for organic food can be different from other products because they are more damageable while being transported or handled in the store. In short, products’ short lifespan can lead to wasting more food at the shopkeepers’ loss.

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Production (Costs & Time)

It is not entirely accurate to say one method has lower production costs than the other because both require funds. Mass production requires a large sum of money in the beginning for manufacturing purposes like purchasing machinery and hiring workers. Nevertheless, once the business is operational, the production costs dip compared to organic production. On the other hand, organic production does not initially require a massive budget, but the overall production process is more costly. Higher production costs are primarily due to the labor input and limited supply. There are also transportation costs, as mentioned earlier. Time is another determining factor in production. 

The basic idea of mass production is to produce the largest amount of food in the shortest period possible. Therefore, it is natural that the process takes less time than organic production. Farmers who grow organic crops avoid using artificial chemicals and fertilize the soil naturally. Following these standards increases the time needed to grow and harvest crops.

Environment

Perhaps the environment is the main reason why organic production should be encouraged. Industrialized agriculture is a significant contributing factor to global warming and pollution. The numerous hazards of this damage to the environment, including world hunger, necessitate improved farming methods like organic production. Mass production involves machinery running on fossil fuels, increasing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. By contrast, organic farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Besides mitigating air pollution and global warming, organic production prevents soil erosion.

Unlike industrial farming techniques, organic production keeps the soil healthy and nutritious, which is fundamental to a functioning ecosystem. Furthermore, since no synthetic chemicals are used in organic farming, there is no possibility of water contamination. On top of that, contrary to mass production that destroys forests to build factories, organic farming encourages biodiversity and is less damaging to wild plants.

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Market

Mass production has a competitive advantage in the food market. This method produces vast amounts of food and exports them anywhere globally at a reasonable price. Although manufacturers offer more affordable options, they derive higher profits since manufacturing costs are lower, and food is produced in greater quantities. On the other hand, organic food is mainly distributed locally at higher prices, making it a less attractive option. However, customers can support local farmers and help the economy reinvest the profits by purchasing naturally grown crops. In addition, organic food being more expensive means a better profit margin for farmers. So, customer purchases can help improve local businesses and agricultural methods instead of creating more profits for manufacturers.

Last Word

To sum up, production methods are a way to manage how your products are produced. There are several different production methods depending on the product type and the volume required. In this post, we have discussed different production methods and tried to answer all your questions. 

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