Feature image organic farming by green blender

History of Industrial and Organic Farming

  • New Deal Agribusiness

    New Deal Agribusiness
    Farmers are paid fairly through local markets. Their incomes are derrived from the marketplace. they are not advised to overproduce or use pesticides to enhance shelf life.
    Image by Wolfsonian
  • WWII Introduces Researched Chemicals to Framing

    WWII Introduces Researched Chemicals to Framing
    Prior to World War II, most farming was organic and local. During the war however, companies like Monsanto created chemicals that could kill insects and the idea of farming was replaced with the industrialized idea of food production.
    Image by UK Gov
  • DDT - The "Wonder Insecticide"

    DDT - The "Wonder Insecticide"
    DDT insecticide becomes common practice for factory farmers. The harmful health risks of the chemical are not uncovered until the later half of the 20th century.
  • 1 Farmer Feeds 10

    1 Farmer Feeds 10
    Studies suggest that on average only 1 farmer is necessary in order to meet the needs of 10 consumers.
    Photo by Heather Lang
  • Period: to

    Organic Farmers Rebel Against Factory Farms

    Grass-roots farmers like J. I. Rodale and Paul K. Keene publically shun factory farming by writing about their experiences as organic farmers.
    Photo by Gary Bridgman
  • Period: to

    From Horses to Tractors

    Farms utilize tractors rather than horses in order to enhance agricultural productivity per acre.
  • "Silent Spring" calls for Environmentalism

    "Silent Spring" calls for Environmentalism
    Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" is published. This book documents the negative consequenses of industrialized agriculture and Monsanto's chemicals.
  • Nixon and Butz Deregulate Corn Market

    Nixon and Butz Deregulate Corn Market
    The once ethical corn market is turned upside down as Richard Nixon and Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz place policies that demand for farmers to overproduce corn. The corn industry and the food industry is forever changed. The focus shifts from quality to quanitity.
    Image by Purdue University's College of Agriculture
  • 1 Farmer Feeds 75

    1 Farmer Feeds 75
    Studies suggest that on average only 1 farmer is necessary in order to meet the needs of 75 consumers.
    Photo by Morbid Holiday
  • Whole Foods Market Born

    Whole Foods Market Born
    The first ever Whole Foods Market opens in Austin Texas. A 19 member staff retails an organic, local, and sustainable farming method.
    Image by watbezieltons
  • Period: to

    Organic Industry Grows

    As consumer awareness of organic agriculture grows, Congress passes bills such as the Organic Foods Production Act and creates the National Organic Standards.
  • The 9-11 of Factory Farming

    The 9-11 of Factory Farming
    Jack in the Box's E.Coli epidemic kills 4 and sickens hundreds. The incident becomes known as "the 9/11 of the food industry." Factory farm techniques and suppliers are at fault for the outbreak.
    Image by Alex Lam
  • Organic Standards

    Organic Standards
    National Organic Standards is implemented in the United States. Food labeling, food safety, customer awareness, and environmentalism are becoming more and more important to consumers.

    Image by USDA
  • Mad Cow Disease Plagues U.S.

    Mad Cow Disease Plagues U.S.
    First case of mad cow disease is reported in the US. The sick cow was imported from canada. Eating meat from cows carrying the disease is thought to cause variant Creutzfeldt.Jakob disease resulting a fatal brain tissue abnormality.
    Image by David Plotz
  • Farm Bill and Organic Research

    Farm Bill and Organic Research
    New research and congressional bills increase funding for organic programs, research, and efforts.
    Image by Agricorner