At the core of organic farming practices is science, but this does not dictate consumer sentiment as much as perception.  Buyers are choosing to purchase an option that costs more, but aligns with their values, though at times there may be a disconnect between a consumer’s understanding of farming practices and the reality in the field.

Gene editing is an area that will challenge organic stakeholders more as science advances.  The implications for organic markets are substantial.  The ability to manage pests and disease using CRISPR-Cas9 accelerates an adaptation process that can take many years vis-à-vis conventional plant breeding.

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