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Through its holistic nature, organic farming integrates wild
biodiversity, agro-biodiversity and soil conservation, and takes
low-intensity, extensive farming one step further by eliminating the
use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and genetically modified
organisms (GMOs), which is not only an improvement for human health,
but also for the fauna and flora associated with the farm and farm
environment.
Organic farming enhances soil structures, conserves water and ensures the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Organic agriculture dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining
from the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetically
modified organisms and pharmaceuticals. Pests and diseases are
controlled with naturally occurring means and substances according to
both traditional as well as modern scientific knowledge, increasing
both agricultural yields and disease resistance. Organic agriculture
adheres to globally accepted principles, which are implemented within
local socio-economic, climatic and cultural settings. As a logical
consequence, IFOAM stresses and supports the development of
self-supporting systems on local and regional levels.
Agricultural contaminants such as inorganic fertilizers, herbicides and
insecticides from conventional agriculture are a major concern all over
the world. Eutrophication, the suffocation of aquatic plants and
animals due to rapid growth of algae, referred to as "algae blooms",
are literally killing lakes, rivers and other bodies of water.
Persistent herbicides and insecticides can extend beyond target weeds
and insects when introduced into aquatic environments. These chemicals
have accumulated up the food chain whereby top predators often consume toxic dosages. Organic agriculture
restores the environmental balance and has none of these or other such deleterious
effects on the environment.
For further information on the environmental benefits of organic agriculture, follow the links on this page.
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