Organic Farm

Defining Organic Farming

Organic farming is a method of production that involves much more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilizers, genetically-modified organisms, antibiotics and growth hormones.

Organic production is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants and people. The principal goal of organic production is to develop enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.

The general principles of organic production include the following:

• Protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity and promote a sound state of health.
• Maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil.
• Maintain biological diversity within the system.
• Provide attentive care that promotes the health and meets the behavioral needs.
• Prepare organic products, emphasizing careful processing, and handling methods in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the products at all stages of production.
• Organic farming promotes the use of crop rotations and cover crops, and encourages balanced host/predator relationships. Organic residues and nutrients produced on the farm are recycled back to the soil. Cover crops and composted manure are used to maintain soil organic matter and fertility. Preventative insect and disease control methods are practiced, including crop rotation, improved genetics and resistant varieties. Integrated pest and weed management, and soil conservation systems are valuable tools on an organic farm.

Growth of Organic Agriculture

The world market for organic food has grown for over 15 years. Growth of retail sales are predicted to be 10 - 20% per year during the next few years.

Why Farm Organically?

The main reasons most farmers want to farm organically are their concerns for the environment and about working with agricultural chemicals in conventional farming systems.

Why Buy Organic?

Consumers purchase organic foods for many different reasons. Many want to buy food products that are free of chemical pesticides or grown without conventional fertilizers. Some simply like to try new and different products. Product taste, concerns for the environment and the desire to avoid foods from genetically engineered organisms are among the many other reasons some consumers prefer to buy organic food products. In 2007, it was estimated that over 60% of consumers bought some organic products. Approximately 5% of consumers are considered to be core organic consumers who buy up to 50% of all organic food.

What is "Certified Organic"?

"Certified Organic" is a term given to products produced according to organic standards as certified by one of the certifying bodies. There are several certification bodies operating in India like APOF Organic Certification Agency (AOCA) and India's National Programme for Organic Production Standards.