Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-1-food-sources-intensive-and-organic-farming [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [GCSE](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse.md) › [Food Preparation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation.md) › [AQA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa.md) › Food Sources - Intensive & Organic Farming # Food Sources - Intensive & Organic Farming Food Preparation & Nutrition: AQA GCSE, topic 6.1.1 ## Intensive Farming Apples (fruit), potatoes, carrots (vegetables) and wheat (cereals) are examples of grown foods. Intensive farming (which is sometimes called conventional farming) uses different methods to achieve the highest possible yield. ### Highest possible yield ![Highest possible yield](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/f9b48aba-93d0-44be-9326-7a3ca3769ee3/shutterstock_523560184.jpg) - Producing the highest possible yield means getting the most amount of food from the same plot of land. - Intensive farming is usually done on a large-scale. Huge spaces are dedicated to producing the same crop. ### Artificial fertilisers ![Artificial fertilisers](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/da24bc50-5b5f-4ff6-9566-0e5ff6ce1428/shutterstock_248542792.jpg) - Farmers use artificial fertilisers to add nutrients to the soil to boost crop growth. ### Pesticides ![Pesticides](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/4399c9cb-a6f2-43c6-a422-0e02d51c5297/shutterstock_692043769.jpg) - Farmers use pesticides (chemicals) to control pests. - Some of the different forms include: - Insecticides. - Bactericides (for bacteria). - Herbicides (for weeds) - Fungicides. - Rodenticides (for rodents). - Larvicides (for larvae). ### Concerns about fertilisers and pesticides ![Concerns about fertilisers and pesticides](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/cf8d222d-1434-43db-af63-a0e19246521a/shutterstock_547553083.jpg) - Not everyone agrees with the use of pesticides and artificial pesticides. - These substances can: - Harm the environment (e.g. soil and water contamination). - Hurt wildlife. - Possibly harm human health (e.g. rashes, stinging eyes, blisters, blindness etc.) ## Organic Farming Organic farming doesn't use artificial fertilisers or pesticides - all food is grown through natural methods. Food production by organic farming is more costly than intensive farming. ### Organic matter ![Organic matter](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/189ecbcb-bc82-41c0-9bd2-064c2fee838b/shutterstock_457226200.jpg) - In place of artificial fertilisers, farmers use organic matter (e.g. slurry, worm castings, peat, compost and manure) to add nutrients to the soil. ### Techniques for ensuring soil fertility ![Techniques for ensuring soil fertility](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/bff41d91-0643-4186-a6b9-bfbf39264c2e/shutterstock_424088308.jpg) - To ensure soil fertility, farmers may use the following techniques: - Crop rotation - growing different types of crops. - Leaving fallow - not growing anything. ### Natural pest control ![Natural pest control](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/406e6241-7018-4397-91f8-ce1d17ff811d/shutterstock_110926541.jpg) - Using row covers, which are translucent insect barriers. - Using hot water to spray crops. - Using biological pesticides. - Using sticky traps (coloured material coated in a sticky substance to catch insects). - Bringing in natural predators. ## Advantages and Disadvantages of Organic Farming While organic farming is less harmful to the environment than intensive farming, production costs are higher and crop yield is often lower. ### Advantages ![Advantages](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/d20c4cdb-0957-460e-9a91-fd28b109a565/shutterstock_307161773.jpg) - Better for the environment than intensive farming, as chemical pesticides are not used and it uses few non-renewable resources. - Healthier for farmworkers as chemical pesticides are not used. - Food contains fewer residues. ### Disadvantages ![Disadvantages](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-05/b7a3ef1c-619d-4321-842c-f3f51c4aa197/shutterstock_74858629.jpg) - Crops tend to be of a lower yield. - Production costs are higher than for intensive farming, so organic food is more expensive. ## Test yourself on Food Sources - Intensive & Organic Farming - Which farming strategy has the primary aim of achieving the highest possible yield? - Which of the following is a form of pesticide? - What do farmers use to add nutrients to the soil to boost crop growth? - What are the advantages of organic farming? - What are the disadvantages of organic farming? [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/d59d0e60-4fa8-11e8-bbba-738ab127bed6/section/caf70170-59dd-11e8-8d17-f7fc6dd0c082/session) - Previous topic: [5.3.4 End of Topic Test - Cuisines & Senses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-3-4-end-of-topic-test-cuisines-and-senses.md) - Next topic: [6.1.2 Food Sources - Genetically Modified Crops](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-2-food-sources-genetically-modified-crops.md) ## Food Preparation & Nutrition: AQA GCSE contents ### 1 Food Preparation Skills - 1.1 Food Preparation Skills - [1.1.1 General Practical Skills](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/1-1-1-general-practical-skills.md) - [1.1.2 Knife Skills](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/1-1-2-knife-skills.md) - [1.1.3 Preparing Fruit, Vegetables & Using Equipment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/1-1-3-preparing-fruit-vegetables-and-using-equipment.md) - [1.1.4 Cooking Methods: Prepare, Shape & Combine](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/1-1-4-cooking-methods-prepare-shape-and-combine.md) - [1.1.5 Sauce Making, Tenderising & Marinating](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/1-1-5-sauce-making-tenderising-and-marinating.md) - [1.1.6 Dough & Pastry](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/1-1-6-dough-and-pastry.md) - [1.1.7 Shaping & Finishing Dough](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/1-1-7-shaping-and-finishing-dough.md) - [1.1.8 Raising Agents & Mixtures](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/1-1-8-raising-agents-and-mixtures.md) - [1.1.9 End of Topic Test - Food Preparation Skills 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/1-1-9-end-of-topic-test-food-preparation-skills-1.md) ### 2 Food, Nutrition & Health - 2.1 Macronutrients - [2.1.1 Proteins](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-1-1-proteins.md) - [2.1.2 Proteins 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-1-2-proteins-2.md) - [2.1.3 Fats](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-1-3-fats.md) - [2.1.4 Carbohydrates](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-1-4-carbohydrates.md) - [2.1.5 Carbohydrates 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-1-5-carbohydrates-2.md) - 2.2 Micronutrients - [2.2.1 Fat-Soluble Vitamins](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-2-1-fat-soluble-vitamins.md) - [2.2.2 Water-Soluble Vitamins](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-2-2-water-soluble-vitamins.md) - [2.2.3 Minerals & Water](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-2-3-minerals-and-water.md) - [2.2.4 Minerals & Water 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-2-4-minerals-and-water-2.md) - [2.2.5 End of Topic Test - Macro & Micronutrients](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-2-5-end-of-topic-test-macro-and-micronutrients.md) - 2.3 Nutritional Needs & Health - [2.3.1 Informed Choices for a Balanced Diet](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-3-1-informed-choices-for-a-balanced-diet.md) - [2.3.2 Informed Choices for a Balanced Diet 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-3-2-informed-choices-for-a-balanced-diet-2.md) - [2.3.3 Energy Needs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-3-3-energy-needs.md) - [2.3.4 Nutritional Analysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-3-4-nutritional-analysis.md) - [2.3.5 Diet Modifications](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-3-5-diet-modifications.md) - [2.3.6 Diet-Related Problems](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-3-6-diet-related-problems.md) - [2.3.7 Diet-Related Problems 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-3-7-diet-related-problems-2.md) - [2.3.8 End of Topic Test - Nutritional Needs & Health](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/2-3-8-end-of-topic-test-nutritional-needs-and-health.md) ### 3 Food Science - 3.1 Cooking of Food & Heat Transfer - [3.1.1 Reasons for Cooking & Heat Transfer](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/3-1-1-reasons-for-cooking-and-heat-transfer.md) - [3.1.2 Water-Based Cooking Methods](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/3-1-2-water-based-cooking-methods.md) - [3.1.3 Fat-Based Cooking Methods](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/3-1-3-fat-based-cooking-methods.md) - [3.1.4 Dry Cooking Methods](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/3-1-4-dry-cooking-methods.md) - [3.1.5 Dry Cooking Methods 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/3-1-5-dry-cooking-methods-2.md) - 3.2 Functional & Chemical Properties of Food - [3.2.1 Proteins & Carbohydrates](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/3-2-1-proteins-and-carbohydrates.md) - [3.2.2 Fats & Oils](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/3-2-2-fats-and-oils.md) - [3.2.3 Raising Agents](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/3-2-3-raising-agents.md) - [3.2.4 End of Topic Test - Food Science](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/3-2-4-end-of-topic-test-food-science.md) ### 4 Food Safety - 4.1 Food Spoilage & Contamination - [4.1.1 Microorganisms & Signs of Food Spoilage](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/4-1-1-microorganisms-and-signs-of-food-spoilage.md) - [4.1.2 Enzymes & Signs of Food Spoilage](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/4-1-2-enzymes-and-signs-of-food-spoilage.md) - [4.1.3 Food Poisoning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/4-1-3-food-poisoning.md) - [4.1.4 Bacterial Contamination](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/4-1-4-bacterial-contamination.md) - [4.1.5 Microorganisms in Food Production](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/4-1-5-microorganisms-in-food-production.md) - 4.2 Principles of Food Safety - [4.2.1 Temperature Control](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/4-2-1-temperature-control.md) - [4.2.2 Ambient Foods & Food Labels](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/4-2-2-ambient-foods-and-food-labels.md) - [4.2.3 Preparing, Cooking & Serving Food](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/4-2-3-preparing-cooking-and-serving-food.md) - [4.2.4 End of Topic Test - Food Safety](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/4-2-4-end-of-topic-test-food-safety.md) ### 5 Food Choice - 5.1 Factors Affecting Food Choice - [5.1.1 Factors Which Influence Food Choice](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-1-1-factors-which-influence-food-choice.md) - [5.1.2 Food Choices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-1-2-food-choices.md) - [5.1.3 Religious Food Choices](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-1-3-religious-food-choices.md) - [5.1.4 Food Labels](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-1-4-food-labels.md) - [5.1.5 Mandatory Food Labels](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-1-5-mandatory-food-labels.md) - [5.1.6 Optional Food Labels](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-1-6-optional-food-labels.md) - [5.1.7 Marketing Influences](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-1-7-marketing-influences.md) - [5.1.8 End of Topic Test - Food Choice](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-1-8-end-of-topic-test-food-choice.md) - 5.2 British & International Cuisines - [5.2.1 British Cuisine](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-2-1-british-cuisine.md) - [5.2.2 Japanese Cuisine](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-2-2-japanese-cuisine.md) - [5.2.3 Japanese Ingredients & Dishes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-2-3-japanese-ingredients-and-dishes.md) - [5.2.4 Spanish Cuisine](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-2-4-spanish-cuisine.md) - [5.2.5 Spanish Ingredients & Dishes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-2-5-spanish-ingredients-and-dishes.md) - 5.3 Sensory Evaluation - [5.3.1 Taste Receptors & Olfactory Systems](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-3-1-taste-receptors-and-olfactory-systems.md) - [5.3.2 Sensory Testing Methods](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-3-2-sensory-testing-methods.md) - [5.3.3 Sensory Testing Methods 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-3-3-sensory-testing-methods-2.md) - [5.3.4 End of Topic Test - Cuisines & Senses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/5-3-4-end-of-topic-test-cuisines-and-senses.md) ### 6 Food Provenance - 6.1 Environmental Impact & Sustainability of Food - [6.1.1 Food Sources - Intensive & Organic Farming](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-1-food-sources-intensive-and-organic-farming.md) - [6.1.2 Food Sources - Genetically Modified Crops](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-2-food-sources-genetically-modified-crops.md) - [6.1.3 Food Sources - Reared Food](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-3-food-sources-reared-food.md) - [6.1.4 Food Sources - Caught Food](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-4-food-sources-caught-food.md) - [6.1.5 Food & The Environment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-5-food-and-the-environment.md) - [6.1.6 Food & The Environment 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-6-food-and-the-environment-2.md) - [6.1.7 Sustainability of Food](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-7-sustainability-of-food.md) - [6.1.8 Sustainability of Food 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-8-sustainability-of-food-2.md) - [6.1.9 End of Topic Test - Environmental Impacts](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-1-9-end-of-topic-test-environmental-impacts.md) - 6.2 Food Processing & Production - [6.2.1 Primary Food Processing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-2-1-primary-food-processing.md) - [6.2.2 Primary Food Processing 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-2-2-primary-food-processing-2.md) - [6.2.3 Secondary Food Processing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-2-3-secondary-food-processing.md) - [6.2.4 Fortification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-2-4-fortification.md) - [6.2.5 Additives](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-2-5-additives.md) - [6.2.6 End of Topic Test - Food Processing & Production](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/food-preparation/aqa/6-2-6-end-of-topic-test-food-processing-and-production.md)