Why Organic?

IFOASL > Why Organic?

What is Organic?

Organic refers to a holistic and sustainable approach to agriculture, food production, and processing that prioritizes the health of the environment, the well-being of living organisms, and the quality and safety of food. Organic practices reject synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and harmful additives, instead emphasizing natural and regenerative methods.

  1. Soil Health:
    • Organic farming starts with nurturing healthy, living soils.
    • Soil fertility is maintained through composting, cover cropping, and reduced tillage.
    • Synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides are avoided.
  1. Non-GMO:
    • Organic products are non-GMO, meaning they are free from genetic modifications.
    • Organic farmers prioritize heritage and non-modified seed varieties.
  1. Natural Pest Control:
    • Organic pest management relies on natural predators, crop rotation, and resistant plant varieties.
    • Chemical pesticides are not allowed.
  1. Biodiversity:
    • Organic farms promote biodiversity by maintaining diverse ecosystems.
    • Hedgerows, native plants, and beneficial insects are encouraged to thrive.
  1. No Synthetic Chemicals:
    • Organic agriculture avoids synthetic chemicals, including synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and     fertilizers.
    • Organic processing excludes artificial additives and preservatives.
  1. Crop Rotation:
    • Crop rotation is a fundamental practice to prevent soil depletion and disease build-up.
  1. Composting and Mulching:
    • Organic farmers use compost and mulch to enrich the soil, improve water retention, and suppress weeds.
  1. Cover Cropping:
    • Cover crops are planted between main crops to protect and improve the soil.
  1. Reduced Tillage:
    • Minimal soil disturbance preserves soil structure and prevents erosion.
  1. Animal Welfare:
    • Organic livestock have access to pasture and are raised under humane conditions.
    • Antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones are prohibited.
  1. Organic Certification:
    • Organic certification involves rigorous standards and annual inspections to verify compliance.
    • Certified organic products bear labels indicating their authenticity.
  1. Soil Health and Regeneration:
    • Improving soil health and regenerative practices are top priorities in organic farming.
    • Emphasizing soil conservation and carbon sequestration.
  1. Organic Integrity:
    • Maintaining the integrity of organic certification is crucial to consumer trust.
    • Preventing fraud and ensuring consistent standards are ongoing challenges.
  1. Pest and Disease Management:
    • Developing effective, non-chemical methods for pest and disease management is essential.
    • Encouraging research into organic alternatives.
  1. Access to Organic Education:
    • Providing accessible organic education and training programs is vital for the growth of the organic sector.
    • Bridging the knowledge gap for new and existing farmers.
  1. Market Access and Fair Trade:
    • Expanding market access for organic products and promoting fair trade practices are key goals.
    • Ensuring fair prices for organic farmers.
  1. Organic Research and Innovation:
    • Supporting research into organic practices and innovative technologies is essential for the sector’s growth.
    • Encouraging sustainable farming practices.
  1. Climate Resilience:
    • Organic agriculture can play a role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
    • Enhancing organic farming’s resilience to changing weather patterns.