Birds Prefer Organic

Source: Steve Meyerowitz aka Sproutman, www.Sproutman.com

Organic farms in Great Britain attract more wildlife than nonorganic farms. A study funded by the British government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reported that organic farms in the UK had 109 percent more wild plants and 85 percent more plant species than did nonorganic farms. The farms attracted an average of 32% more birds, a wider variety of bird species, and 35% more bats than nonorganic farms. According to the study, the lack of pesticides, smaller fields, and thicker hedging on organic farms were all contributing factors to the richer wildlife. The study included 160 farms. Dr. Rob Fuller, director of the study, concluded that this is merely an indication of the potential impact organic farming can have for the benefit of biodiversity. He said, “We either need the farms to be larger or for neighboring farms to be organic, too," in order for the benefits to be more widespread. Right now, only three percent of English farmland is organic. Once again, our animal friends seem to be pointing us in the right direction.

Steve is a health crusader and author on ten books, including The Organic Food Guide. He has been featured on PBS, the Home Shopping network, QVC and TV Food Network. He has written for Better Nutrition, Prevention, Organic Gardening and House & Garden magazines.