There is ample evidence that current methods of conventional farming are very damaging to the environment and are not sustainable. Many have argued that the best solution to this problem is to convert to more sustainable organic farming practices. This question has generated much debate in recent years due to projected food shortages and population growth. In this article, I will establish my definition of sustainability, explain the differences between organic and conventional farming, and determine the sustainability of both farming methods. Sustainability means that the methods or practices used to achieve a particular goal will not deplete resources faster than they could. be restocked. A truly sustainable society would use renewable resources at a rate slightly lower than the rate at which the resources replenish themselves. Part of creating a sustainable plan is accounting for unforeseen changes that cause severe fluctuations in a vital resource. For example, in some parts of the world, conventional agriculture uses water at the same rate as it is replenished in order to produce the maximum crop yield. If a drought occurs in any of these areas, the following year's food production will be significantly reduced. A sustainable solution will reduce the amount of resources consumed and waste generated while being stable enough to adapt to unexpected changes. One last aspect I would like to mention is that continued massive growth is not sustainable, no matter how many solutions we apply. A truly sustainable society would be highly efficient in producing at roughly the rate of consumption while creating minimal waste in the process. What determines whether a particular farm uses organic...... middle of paper ...... able to adapt to new circumstances created by the loss of foreign support from Russia. The country completely converted to organic farming in about 5 years, while still being able to provide enough food for its citizens to survive. Cuban agriculture now relies on small, local farms that use sustainable practices that could be considered organic methods. The information gathered above combined with the Cuban model makes me believe that organic farming is capable of feeding the world. Although the transition won't be easy, the potential benefits are worth it. Continued reliance on conventional agriculture is unsustainable and will eventually lead to a serious global food crisis. It is clear from growing evidence that conversion to organic farming is both possible and necessary if we are to create a sustainable world..