Video Case: Ethics and Social Responsibility featuring Organic Valley

Case Study: Ethics and Social Responsibility featuring Organic Valley

1. Why did it make sense for Paul Deutsch to convert to organic farming? What individual ethical factors were involved in his choice?

Before going into discussion of the reasons which made sense for Paul Deutsch to convert to organic farming, it is necessary to find out the basic difference between conventional and organic farming. Organic farming is usually described as a method of livestock and crop production which involves more than choosing about not to use pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones and genetically modified organisms (HDRA, 2014). The basic concept of organic farming made sense for Paul Deutsch to convert to organic farming because he knew that it is a healthier and better way of raising cattle and producing more healthful dairy products.

There were various individual ethical factors involved in this choice which included that the conventional farming sometimes uses the unethical ways such as antibiotics and growth hormones for more financial benefits. Besides, the organic farming is also considered as more healthful and better as compared to that of conventional and this can also be said as another individual ethical factor which triggered and motivated the Paul for this choice.

2. What are some of the advantages of being an organic farmer? What are some of the disadvantages?

As mentioned earlier, organic farming has a lot of benefits and advantages which include the healthier and better products and the better taste and more nutritive products. Besides, the environment does not suffer because of organic farming and it is closely regulated with the natural and environmental principles (8 Disadvantages and Advantages of Organic Farming, 2014).

However, there are also some of its disadvantages which need to be addressed while working as an organic farmer. It involves a whole lot more work as compared to conventional farming. The consumers of the organic products have to pay more prices and the farmers are required by law to manage their property in a more environmentally conscious manner which makes it pretty complex (Advantages and Disadvantages Organic Farming: Good Things, Barriers and Environmental Effects, 2013).

3. How has the stakeholder perception of organic changed over time?

The stakeholder perception of the organic farming has changed over time due to a number of reasons. Stakeholders are now considering that the organic farming is a more profitable and more rewarding venture than conventional farming and. Besides, the animals which are grown using organic farming are healthier, live longer and they require less medical care. As a result, organic farming is emerging to be more beneficial for stakeholders and this results in changing their perception over time.

Bibliography

8 Disadvantages and Advantages of Organic Farming. (2014). Retrieved from The Next Galaxy: http://thenextgalaxy.com/8-disadvantages-and-advantages-of-organic-farming/

Advantages and Disadvantages Organic Farming: Good Things, Barriers and Environmental Effects. (2013). Retrieved from Fantastic Farms Australia: http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/advantages_and_disadvantages_organic_farming.html

HDRA. (2014). What is Organic Farming? Retrieved from Organic Consumers: https://www.organicconsumers.org/sites/default/files/what_is_organic_farming.pdf