Organic farming is much more than not using pesticides, genetically modified organisms, fertilizers, growth hormones and antibiotics. It is a holistic system for crops and livestock production, design to optimize the productivity and suitability of diverse communities within the agricultural ecosystem, including plant, livestock, people and even soil organisms. The main objective of this system is to develop enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.
This type of farming is based on a series of general principles, among which are the following:
- Protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, reduce pollution, optimize biological production, and promote good health.
- Maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil.
- Maintain biological diversity within the system.
- Recycle materials and resources as much as possible.
- Prepare organic products, emphasizing careful production and handling methods that maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the products at all stages of production.
- Rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems.
Organic agriculture can have many challenges; some crops are more challenging than others to grow organically; however, almost all crops can be produced organically.
Source: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/09-077.htm
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