Question

Based on what you have read, provide two positives and two negatives the Suarez family would face if they switched to organic farming.

Answer 1

Positive 1 — Higher prices and new market opportunities: Organic products often command a price premium and can open access to farmers’ markets, CSA customers, specialty buyers, or organic wholesalers. That can increase revenue per unit sold, especially for high‑value crops.

Positive 2 — Health and environmental benefits: Eliminating synthetic pesticides and fertilizers reduces chemical exposure for the Suarez family and farmworkers and can improve soil health, biodiversity, and long‑term farm resilience.

Negative 1 — Lower/variable yields and a conversion period: Organic yields are frequently lower, especially during the first 1–3 years of transition, so income can fall before benefits materialize. During the formal conversion period they must follow organic practices but cannot yet market produce as certified organic.

Negative 2 — Higher labor, management and certification costs: Organic systems typically require more labor (hand weeding, mechanical cultivation), more knowledge-intensive pest and fertility management, and there are certification fees and recordkeeping requirements. Those upfront costs and time demands can strain a small family operation.