Organic Agriculture

Organic agriculture includes all agricultural systems that promote the environmentally, socially and economically sound production of food and fibres. These systems take local soil fertility as a key to successful production. By respecting the natural capacity of plants, animals and the landscape, it aims to optimize quality in all aspects of agriculture and the environment. Organic agriculture dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of chemo-synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Instead it allows the powerful laws of nature to increase both agricultural yields and disease resistance. Organic agriculture adheres to globally accepted principles, which are implemented within local social-economic, geoclimatical and cultural settings. As a logical consequence, IFOAM stresses and supports the development of self-supporting systems on local and regional levels.

Organic Farming

The Organic Trade Association defines organic farming as"…based on practices that replenish and maintain soil fertility, while assisting nature's balance through diversity and recycling of energy and nutrients. This method also strives to avoid or reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pest controls. Organic foods are processed, packaged, transported and stored to retain maximum nutritional value, without the use of artificial preservatives, coloring or other additives, irradiation or synthetic pesticides."

Developing Organic Farm

Support organics; buy in bulk, be selective and choose organics especially for our children and for those whose immune systems may be compromised by illness or age. The more each of us supports organics, the more active the economic cycles that will bring prices down. Finally, the long-term price of conventional farming, in terms of the damage to our soil, water, farmworkers and everyone’s health, is very great. We pay these costs when taxpayers fund environmental cleanup or health care costs. This must be taken into account when measuring the costs and benefits of buying organic.

Modern organic farming methods not only protect the earth, but also produce what is perhaps the safest and most flavorful food on the market. Organic farming and its methods of distribution could be the only alternative to extinction.