About organic farming
What is organic farming?
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
(IFOAM) describes organic agriculture as an agricultural system that promotes environmentally, socially and economically sound production of food, fibre, timber etc.
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 significantly 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 also includes social considerations in its holistic approach recognising that people are as important as the organic system.
Organic agriculture adheres to globally accepted principles, which are implemented within local social-economic, geoclimatical and cultural contexts.
Basic principles of organic agriculture
- Enhancement of biological cycles within the farming system, involving micro-organisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals;
- Maintenance of long term fertility of soils;
- Promotion of the healthy use and proper care of water resources;
- Use of renewable resources in locally organised production systems;
- Creation of a harmonious balance between crop production and animal management;
- Providing livestock conditions of life with due consideration for the basic aspects of their natural behaviour;
- Allowing people working in organic production a quality of life which meets their basic needs and allows an adequate return and satisfaction from their work, including a safe working environment; and
- Progressing toward an entire production, processing and distribution chain which is both socially just and ecologically responsible.