It is an agricultural method that promotes the use of natural fertilizers,

pesticides, fungicides and animal feed.

In addition, it is the practice of crop rotation and the introduction of
beneficial pests to maintain soil productivity.
Farmers also add natural materials like compost and minerals to increase
soil health and ensure a good yield.
To keep and build good soil structure
and fertility:
recycled and composted crop wastes and animal
manures.
the right soil cultivation at the right time
crop rotation
green manures and legumes
mulching on the soil surface
the Promotion of
Biodiversity
the Reduction of
Farm Pollution
The Reduction of
Toxic Substances in
the Environment
Better-Tasting
Food
Better Soil
Job Creation
A lot of research has been done about the effects of organic Farming. So what are
some of the positives?
Organically grown food may be healthier.
A study done by researchers at California of University, Davis, has found that food
produce by organic methods contain up to 58% more polyphenolics (an
antioxidant) than conventionally produced food.
The researchers concluded that the higher levels of polyphenolics, which plants
use as a natural defense system, could be attributed to the greater amount of
pests they must fight. This is another way of saying that pesticides and herbicides
could be lower a plants rate of phenolic production.
One of the main reasons for farming organically is to protect and maintain the
health of the soil. To do this farmers use nutrient-rich composts that contain only
organic materials, they add minerals like rock phosphate and greensand and they
practice crop rotation.
The use of GMOs or Genetically Modified Organisms is a
controversial topic. Organic farmers do not use them, but
they are a trend in many large agricultural sectors. Not
only are GMOs unnatural, but they have been linked to
excess leeching of soil nutrients which may cause soil
degradation and ultimate desertification.
Water is another has become a big issue lately. Because
no chemicals are used in organic farming, the possible
groundwater contamination is nonexistent.
Agriculture is a major industry in Canada. Organic farming, though much more
specialized holds plenty of financial benefits.
large opportunity for rural jobs.
less external costs for unnecessary pesticides, fertilizers,
etc.
It removes the need for reversing the effects of soil
degradation.
The damaging effect of chemicals from agricultural
practices on peoples health may be expensive in
the long run. Organic farming alleviates that
possibility.
Organic farming does not mean going back to traditional methods. Many
of the
farming methods used in the past are still useful today. Organic farming
takes
the best of these and combines them with modern scientific knowledge.
Organic farmers do not leave their farms to be taken over by nature; they
use all
the knowledge, techniques and materials available to work with nature. In
this
way the farmer creates a healthy balance between nature and farming,
where
crops and animals can grow and thrive.
To be a successful organic farmer, the farmer must not see every
insect as a
pest, every plant out of place as a weed and the solution to every
problem in an
artificial chemical spray. The aim is not to
eradicate all pests and weeds, but to
keep them down to an acceptable level and
make the most of the benefits that
they may provide.
Why farm
organically?
Organic farming
provides long-
term benefits to
people and the
environment.
increase
long-term
soil fertility.
control pests
and diseases
without
harming the
environment.
ensure that
water stays
clean and
safe.
use resources
which the farmer
already has, so
the farmer needs
less
money to buy
farm inputs.
produce
nutritious food,
feed for animals
and high quality
crops to sell at a
good price.
Organic farming approach involves following five principles:
1. Conversion of land fromconventional management to organic management
2. Management of the entire surrounding system to ensure biodiversity and
sustainability of the system
3. Crop production with the use of alternative sources of nutrients such as crop
rotation, residue management, organic manures and biological inputs.
4. Management of weeds and pests by better management practices, physical and
cultural means and by biological control system
The main principles of organic farming were laid down by IFOAMin 1992.
To produce food of high nutritional quality in sufficient quantity.
To encourage and enhance biological cycles within the farming system,
involving micro-organisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals.
To use, as far as possible, renewable resources in
locally organised agricultural systems.
To work, as far as possible, within a closed system
with regard to organic matter and nutrient elements. This aims to reduce external
Inputs.
To work, as far as possible, with materials and substances which can be reused
or recycled, either on the farmor elsewhere.
Conclusion
Organic agricultural practices are a promising method that will hopefully be
expanded in the near future.
The benefits of buying, eating, and producing organically well out weighs the
negatives
The price may be a factor in deciding to buy organic but the health of our soil
should be more important.
In our environmentally conscious world, people need to be
more informed about how their food is produced and what
effects that is having on the earth and our futures.