Organic agriculture

08.12.2024 13:14 - By Pro Natural

Organic agriculture

Brief history, definition, principles, regulations

According to a 2020 International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) report, there were at least 2.8 million organic producers in the world in 2018.
Today, organic agriculture and organic food have grown in popularity, quality, choice, and affordability despite higher prices compared with conventional food.
In this article, we will look at what organic agriculture is, how it was formed, what its goals are, regulations, labeling and its importance in our everyday life.

The history of organic agriculture

The roots of organic farming can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where farmers relied on natural methods to sustain their crops and livestock. However, the modern organic movement emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the widespread use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture.

The term "organic farming" was first used by Walter Ernest Christopher James (4th Baron Northbourne, a British agriculturalist) in his book "Look to the Land"3, 1940's. He looked on the “farm as an organism,” and he accurately identified the root cause of modern society's problem: its disconnection from the organic unity of life. He was a prominent figure in the early organic farming movement, his writings significantly influenced other pioneers like Albert Howard.

A. Howard in her book "An Agricultural Testament", emphasized the crucial role of animal waste in maintaining soil fertility, a concept that would later become a cornerstone of organic farming.

In the 1950s, growing environmental concerns fueled the rise of the sustainable agriculture movement.

Rachel Carson's groundbreaking book, "Silent Spring," published in 1962, exposed the devastating impact of pesticides like DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) on wildlife, the environment, and human health. This powerful critique sparked a call for more responsible human stewardship of the Earth. Both the sustainable agriculture movement and the impact of "Silent Spring" significantly contributed to the advancement of organic farming.4

In the 1970s, growing environmental awareness led to increased consumer demand for sustainable food. The distinction between organic and conventional agriculture became clear, and the movement emphasized locally sourced food. However, a lack of standardized practices and regulations hindered the industry's growth.

To address this, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) was founded in 1972. IFOAM aimed to promote organic farming, support farmers' transition, and advocate for policy changes. Today, IFOAM is a global leader in the organic movement, with members from over 100 countries.

1980's -1990's are growing consumer awareness about agriculture impact that increased consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable food drove the growth of the organic market. In turn, it caused the necessity for government regulations. Countries like the USA and EU implemented strict regulations for organic certification, ensuring quality and authenticity.

21st century the organic market experienced rapid growth worldwide, with increasing organic farmland and product sales. Organic products often commanded higher prices due to the added costs of production and certification. Consumers perceive organic products as premium products and are ready to pay a higher price.

The definition of organic agriculture

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) decided to create a simple and clear definition of organic agriculture, in September 2005 in Adelaide, Australia.

After nearly three years of work by a special team, a definition was finalized in Vignola, Italy. This definition captures the essence of the four core principles of organic agriculture:

"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 good quality of life for all involved."2

IFOAM General Assembly, 2008

The 4 principles of organic agriculture

These core principles serve as the foundation for the organic movement. These principles embody organic agriculture's contribution to a sustainable world and its vision for a more ethical and ecological approach to food production.5

Health

Health of soil, plants, animals, humans and planet at hole is the wholeness and integrity of living systems. T he role of organic agriculture is to sustain and enhance this health of ecosystems and organisms.

Ecology

This principle emphasizes the integration of organic agriculture within living ecological systems. Organic production should rely on natural processes, recycling, and local ecological conditions. Whether it's crop cultivation, animal husbandry, or wild harvesting, the focus is on working in harmony with nature's cycles.

Fairness

Fairness in organic agriculture involves equity, respect, justice, and responsible stewardship. This principle promotes fair relationships among all stakeholders, including farmers, workers, processors, distributors, traders, and consumers. It aims to ensure a good quality of life for everyone involved, contribute to food sovereignty, and reduce poverty.
Organic agriculture also emphasizes animal welfare, ensuring that animals are provided with suitable living conditions and opportunities for natural behavior.
Furthermore, the principle of fairness calls for sustainable management of natural and environmental resources, ensuring their availability for future generations. It promotes open and equitable systems of production, distribution, and trade that account for the true environmental and social costs.

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. While efficiency and productivity are valuable, they should never compromise health and well-being. Organic agriculture should rely on a balanced approach, combining scientific knowledge with practical experience, traditional wisdom, and indigenous knowledge. New technologies should be carefully evaluated, and unpredictable methods, such as genetic engineering, should be avoided.

Decision-making processes should be transparent and participatory, ensuring that the needs and values of all stakeholders are considered.

Methods of Organic Farming

Organic farmers employ a variety of methods to implement the principles into life:

Crop Rotation: This involves planting different crops in the same field each year to improve soil health and reduce pest and disease pressure.
Cover Crops: Planting cover crops between main crops helps to prevent soil erosion, improve soil fertility, and suppress weeds.
Compost: Organic matter, such as plant residues and animal manure, is composted to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Biological Pest Control: Natural predators, parasites, and diseases are used to control pests and diseases.
Integrated Pest Management: A comprehensive approach that combines various techniques, including cultural, biological, and physical control methods.

Regulatory institutions, certification

To ensure the integrity of organic products, farmers must be certified for their produce and products to be labeled “organic,” and there are specific organic standards for crops, animals, and wild-crafted products and for the processing of agricultural products.

Organic standards in the European Union (EU) and the United States of America (USA), for example, prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, ionizing radiation, sewage sludge, and genetically engineered plants or products.

In the EU, organic certification and inspection is carried out by approved organic control bodies according to EU standards. In the USA, it's the National Organic Standards implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

These organizations set standards for organic production, processing, and labeling. Certification involves rigorous inspections and audits to verify compliance with organic regulations. There are many accredited organic certifiers across the world.

Organic certificates are necessary renewal every year. Certificates are issued by local control authorities - accredited organic certifiers.

References:

1. Willer, Helga, et al. "The World of Organic Agriculture: Statistics and Emerging Trends 2020." Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Frick, and IFOAM, 2020.

2. https://www.ifoam.bio/why-organic/organic-landmarks/definition-organic IFOAM Organics International.

3. Paull, John. "Lord Northbourne, the Man Who Invented Organic Farming, a Biography."

4. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Silent-Spring, Written by Sarah E. Boslaugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, Article History

5. https://www.ifoam.bio/principles-organic-agriculture-brochure