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History:
In Germany, Rudolf Steiner's , 1924, biodynamic agriculture Lord Northbourne 1940:The term Organic farming = the farm as Organism. Sir Albert Howard 1947: Published book Soil and health Japanese farmer, 1940: Natural farming (no tillage system) 1972, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), was founded in Versailles, France 1980s, various farming and consumer groups worldwide began pressing for government regulation of organic production. This led to legislation and certification standards in the 1990. 1990s, the retail market for organic farming in developed economies has grown about 20 per cent annually
DEFINITIONS:
Organic =plant or animal origin
Organic agriculture=
The kind of agriculture which is based on organic manures or other natural inputs, i.e. mineral or pesticides of plant origin Agricultural systems, which follow the principles & logics of living organism in which all elements (soil, plants, farm animals, insects, the farmers) are closely linked each other.
Organic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost and biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and control pests on a farm. Organic farming excludes or strictly limits the use of manufactured fertilizers and pesticides, plant growth regulators such as hormones, livestock antibiotics, food additives, and genetically modified organisms.[1] Organic farming usually involves mechanical weed control (via cultivating or hoeing) rather than herbicidal weed control.
Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.
Increase biodiversity
Food are more healthy (free from pesticide residue, antibiotic in meat and genetically modified organism (GMO). Use energy from renewable resources
Will it work?
Farming is not easy and organic farming is not easier than other farming. Many farmers have made organic farming pay and have improved their lifestyle at the same time. Some have improved their returns from farming.
QUESTION?
Is traditional farming organic?
no use of chemical - closed nutrient cycles, - use microbial for pest fertilizer, fungicides, low external inputs management herbicides, growth promoters etc recycling of biomass -use biological control through mulching or composting
- mixed cropping and/or -use high yielding, but crop rotation diseases resistant -sustainable management Introduction of green of resources: soil, manures, cover crops energy, water and nitrogen fixing tree -maintenance of soil -application fertility, prevention of compost soil erosion fertilizer of and good bio
Organic farming is related to the concepts of Sustainable Agriculture, especially with regard to the reduction of external inputs, as an attempt to achieve more environmental justice. Organic farming was developed by farmers in the industrialized countries as an explicit countermovement to input-intensive, high-tech agriculture. Organic farming relies on natural cycles. At the centre of this agricultural system is the maintenance and enhancement of soil fertility and the general rejection of synthetic fertilizer and pesticides.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability refers to the successful management of resources of agriculture to satisfy human needs while at the same time maintaining or enhancing the quality of the environment and conserving natural resources. Environmentally friendly methods of farming that allow the production of crops or livestock without damage to the farm as an ecosystem, including effects on soil, water supplies, biodiversity, or other surrounding natural resources. Terms often associated with farms or ranches that are self-sustaining include low-input, organic, ecological, biodynamic, and permaculture.
Social Sustainability: Sufficient production for subsistence and income A safe nutrition of the family with healthy food Good working conditions for both men & women Building on local knowledge and traditions
Economic Sustainability: Satisfactory and reliable yields Low costs on external inputs and investments Crop diversification to improve income safely Value addition through quality improvement and on farm processing - High efficiency to improve competitiveness
Sustainable Agriculture A group of agriculture systems Which are not clearly defined, Aiming on sustainable land use e.g. LEISA
Conventional Agriculture Green revolution agriculture: monoculture of high yielding varieties, use of chemical fertilizer, pesticides, etc.
Organic Agriculture
Integrated Production Improved conventional agriculture through reduced chemical & pessticides
IFOAM 2005
1. 2. 3. 4.
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Principle of health:
Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet
Principle of ecology
Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them. Principle of fairness Organic Agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities
Principle of care
Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment. Organic Production and Processing is based on a number of principles and ideas. IFOAM is the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements. It is an umbrella organization for the organic industry, made up of nearly 800 organizations from 104 countries.
To maintain, promote and increase agrobiological diversity through sustainable production systems and protection of their ecological context To maintain and promote genetic diversity by increasing the number of crop and plant varieties and animal breeds in the farming system; including specific attention to on-farm management of genetic resources To promote the responsible use and conservation of water and water resources To use, as far as possible, renewable resources in production and processing systems
To create a harmonious balance between crop production and animal husbandry To minimize all forms of pollution To utilize biodegradable and recycled packaging materials To allow and provide everyone involved with a quality of life that satisfies their basic needs, and furnishes an adequate return, within a safe, secure and healthy working environment To support the establishment of an entire production, processing and distribution chain which is both socially just and ecologically responsible To recognize the importance of, protect and learn from, indigenous knowledge and traditional farming systems.