Environmentally, organic agriculture has pluses beginning with its emphasis on soil organic levels and reduced pesticide usage. The lower yields include the fact that two years are sometimes required to produce one harvestable crop. Some writers have portrayed organic agriculture as an obvious means of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. But the truth is less obvious. Because of the non-use of commercial nitrogen fertilizer, there's a big savings in fossil energy usage and associated carbon dioxide emissions.
Biotechnology presents new challenges for organic agriculture.
Presently, biotechnology and organic agriculture don't mix. From a marketing perspective, that's a good thing. There are consumers who are willing to pay more to buy non-biotech food, and organic agriculture is one source. It's a bit like the continuing rejection of pasteurization by many organic producers. It may be attractive for those who want tradition, but it's hazardous to health.