In addition, all producers are bound by the Animals Protection Act to use remedies when necessary to protect animal health. Organic farms, when run effectively, generally provide similar or slightly lower financial returns than conventional farms. This argument was supported by studies that researched the impact of a substantial change in agricultural systems to organic methods. These studies included, Lampkin et al. This percentage was even higher during the initial conversion from conventional to organic farming.
Studies investigating employment and income on individual farms have conflicting results.
However, as many organic farms supplying the domestic market have to develop their own marketing channel, and process the product, this may mean more local employment in rural areas, as well as potential for eco-tourism. Another perceived public benefit from organic agriculture is that it can lead to greater biological diversity in agricultural systems and in wildlife habitats. However, there is also an argument that biological diversity is greater in a wide range of crops and animals. In Europe, this is more common on organic farms. This practice has been shown to support a higher diversity of insect species and to minimise nutrient leaching.