World population outgrew ability of farmers to feed everyone in '70s . Growers started using more pesticides , fertilizers . U.S . Congress popularized organic farming in '70s and the early 20th century . And with that number forecast to hit 9 billion by 2050 , the future of organic farming remains unclear . Sales of organic foods continue to rise .
World population outgrew ability of farmers to feed everyone in '70s . Growers started using more pesticides , fertilizers . U.S . Congress popularized organic farming in '70s and the early 20th century . Sales of organic foods continue to rise .