Many people like to pit organic and conventional farming against each other. There are a lot of misconceptions about both organic and conventional farming, and this can lead to a lot of tension between them—and a lot of tension in the public eye. But is farming really always organic versus conventional?

Some people believe that organic food is healthier, more nutritious and generally better for you and the environment. Some claims about conventional agriculture are that it is bad for the environment, uses too many chemicals and consists of “factory farms”.

Let’s get the facts straight. Organic foods constitute only approx 5.5 percent of total food sales, and there are vocal niches that argue that organic foods are better than conventional foods. While some of the claims about organic and conventional farming can be generalized, many of the claims about them are simply not true.

To be certified organic, a farm or handling facility must comply with federal organic regulations. Organic farms use natural practices (cultural, biological and mechanical).the materials and processes in their farms and ranches. Organic has limits on the types of pesticides that can be used, promotes practices such as crop rotation, cannot use genetically modified plants, seeds or animals, allows animals to graze freely, avoids the use of antibiotics and animal growth hormones, gives animals organic feeding and more. Conventional agriculture relies more on new technologies such as antibiotics, genetic engineering and pesticides with new modes of action.

This is not to say that all conventional farms use all of these technologies, they simply have the options available to use them.

While there is a difference in how organic and conventional farming is practiced, there is no difference in the final product. Studies have found that there is no overall difference in nutrition between organic and conventional foods. Both organic and conventional farming prioritize caring for the environment, they just use different methods. You cannot say that one method is better than another when thinking about sustainability.

There there are differences in other waysbut it is difficult to generalize. Some talk, however, is that conventional farming tends to have higher yields, meaning more food is produced. There is also a the price difference in organic and conventional foods, with organic foods costing more to produce and buy at the grocery store. Although there are differences between them, it is not enough to make a difference in what is important: nutrition, health and management.

Sometimes you will see a divide between the farmers themselves. There may be a sense that it is organic farming versus conventional farming. Instead, everyone (especially farmers) should focus their energy on the real problems facing agriculture.

Just as one type of crop cannot feed the world (instead we need many types of crops and protein), no single type of agriculture can feed the world. Using all farming methods is essential to ensure there is enough food, fiber, fuel and more to keep our world running. Agricultural diversity is the answer. A diverse world needs diverse agriculture.

Each individual farm is also incredibly complex and different. No two farms do everything exactly the same. Each decision made depends on the farm’s location, weather, equipment, labor, costs, and other variables. For this reason, organic farming makes sense for some producers, while others find conventional farming their preferred method.

Instead of arguing or being critical of other people’s production methods, we should be working to continue the advancement of ag in all areas. Sometimes farming is not the best to support each other. We do a great job advocating for ourselves, and sometimes we forget that this is about the whole of agriculture, not just the type of agriculture we’re a part of.

Organic and conventional production can and should co-exist. Be sure to support all farmers and ranchers, they all have a common goal of producing safe products to feed the world. Check Peterson Farm Bros.’ perspective on organic vs conventional agriculture; it is an attitude that all people should consider.

Neither organic or conventional farming is objectively better, it’s all a matter of preference. On the consumer side, it’s great to have options! We all like to have options, especially when it comes to food choices. There is a place on grocery store shelves for both conventional and organic farming, however, honesty in marketing should be considered. People have the right to choose what they want to eat and how they want to feed their family. Having a variety of choices for consumers simply means that our food system is strong.

Agriculture enjoys diversity – there are very few industries that have room for so many different people, jobs and places than agriculture. Instead of being critical or claiming that one is better than the other, let’s celebrate our differences.

Organic and conventional farming are both important and interesting topics. Whichever method you stand for, stand for it farming families and always get healthy, nutritious and safe food. There are still a lot of misconceptions and fearmongering being promoted about organic and conventional farming, so make sure you share the facts and don’t fuel these misconceptions that are often found on food labels.

Michelle Miller, Farm Babe, is a farmer, public speaker and writer who has worked with row crops, beef cattle and sheep for years. She believes education is key in bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.