What is organic agriculture?
What is organic agriculture?
There are many explanations and definitions for organic agriculture but all converge to state that it is a system that relies on ecosystem management rather than external agricultural inputs. It is a system that begins to consider potential environmental and social impacts by eliminating the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, veterinary drugs, genetically modified seeds and breeds, preservatives, additives and irradiation. These are replaced with site-specific management practices that maintain and increase long-term soil fertility and prevent pest and diseases. "Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It emphasises the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems. This is accomplished by using, where possible, agronomic, biological, and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfil any specific function within the system." (FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission, 1999). Organic agriculture systems and products are not always certified and are referred to as "non-certified organic agriculture or products". This excludes agriculture systems that do not use synthetic inputs by default (e.g. systems that lack soil building practices and degrade land). Three different driving forces can be identified for organic agriculture:
|
|
Where can I get information about consumption and prices of organic commodities?
Although organic agriculture is still only a small industry (2% of global food sales), it is growing in importance worldwide. It is difficult to collect information due to lack of official statistics and the level of confidentiality of organizations dealing with organic produce. However, interest is growing for information about the nature of the organic market dynamics. This will assist in the long-term planning of what produce to supply, in what quantity and quality.
The World Of Organic Agriculture - Statistics And Emerging Trends 2011 contains information on the global situation of organic agriculture. For country or commodity-based information see the Country Data page andMarketing And Trade section of the "Links" page on this website. The EU also has statistical information about organic farming amongst its member states.
The World Of Organic Agriculture - Statistics And Emerging Trends 2011 contains information on the global situation of organic agriculture. For country or commodity-based information see the Country Data page andMarketing And Trade section of the "Links" page on this website. The EU also has statistical information about organic farming amongst its member states.
Is there any kind of economic help for conversion into organic agriculture?
Many northern countries (e.g. EU member states and the USA) do provide financial help for the conversion to organic agriculture, as do a few developing countries (e.g. Tunisia). This can be very important for the farm economy as the period of conversion often leads to falling yields as it takes time for full biological activity of the agro-ecosystem to be restored. Intervention may come in a variety of forms including compensation for losses (as during conversion products cannot be sold as organic), integration of extra costs (e.g. certification) or support for infrastructure developments (e.g. for the purchase of machinery or for restructuring rural buildings). This help may be available during the conversion period, but also, in some cases, for a period after, or under the guise of a different scheme. These payments are often made as a specific sum per hectare, but may also include tax reductions or preferential conditions for credit. Direct help may be complemented by indirect financial help. This comes in the form of investment in research, rural extension and training for farmers, and organic market development (e.g. awareness campaigns). The premium prices paid by the consumer for the organic produce also form an economic incentive for the individual farmer. Help available to the farmer is, however, very country specific.
For further details you should contact your own country's department that deals with organic agriculture. This might include the ministry for the environment, agriculture or commerce (or their equivalents), regional and/or local government or perhaps a specialized agency. Information about state support and policy initiatives in Europe can be found in the country reports of the Organic Farming In Europe website. For the USA, search the pages of the National Organic Programme.
For further details you should contact your own country's department that deals with organic agriculture. This might include the ministry for the environment, agriculture or commerce (or their equivalents), regional and/or local government or perhaps a specialized agency. Information about state support and policy initiatives in Europe can be found in the country reports of the Organic Farming In Europe website. For the USA, search the pages of the National Organic Programme.
Related Link
FAQ
- What Is Organic Agriculture?
- Where Can I Get Information About Consumption And Prices Of Organic Commodities?
- Is There Any Kind Of Economic Help For Conversion Into Organic Agriculture?
- Where can I get information on organic agriculture methods and management systems?
- Can Organic Farmers Produce Enough Food For Everybody?
- What Are The Environmental Benefits Of Organic Agriculture?
- Why Is Organic Food More Expensive Than Conventional Food?
- Does The Consumption Of Organic Food Increase Exposure To Biological Contaminants?
- What Is Behind An Organic Label?
- What Are Certified Organic Products?