Organic farming relies on natural methods of pest control, fertilization, and plant growth. It is considered more sustainable and healthier than conventional farming. Farms must comply with IFOAM regulations to be labeled as ‘organic’. Biological pest control and natural fertilization are staples of organic farming, but can sometimes stir ecological controversy. Crop rotation is also used to ensure soil fertility. Organic products must be free from pesticides and genetic manipulation, unlike many conventional farms.
Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies entirely on natural methods of pest control, fertilization, and plant growth. Organic agriculture is often practiced as an alternative to “conventional” agriculture, which often relies on pesticides and chemical fertilizers to produce higher yields. Organic farming is considered by many experts to be more sustainable and healthier than traditional farming, although it is not widely practiced compared to conventional farming methods.
To be officially labeled as ‘organic’, farms in participating countries must comply with the regulations set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). IFOAM emphasizes the use of natural ecological processes to increase agricultural productivity. Certified organic products must come from farms free from pesticides and genetic manipulation.
Organic farming often relies on biological pest control rather than the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Biological pest control involves stocking agricultural land with the natural predators of common agricultural pests. Natural predators eat the pests or herbivores responsible for crop degradation, thus eliminating the need for pesticides.
In general, organic farming is considered sustainable and environmentally friendly, but biological pest control sometimes stirs ecological controversy. Biological pest control can, in some cases, destroy an area’s natural ecosystem. Although the so-called “parasites” are considered harmful to agricultural crops, they are a vital part of the local ecosystem. The destruction of local parasites can upset the natural balance, as can the addition of new predators.
Less controversial than pest control, natural fertilization is also a staple of organic farming. Natural fertilization often encourages healthy plants by using “green manure”. Green manure involves growing a “cover crop” designed to add nutrients to the soil. Cover crops are grown for a short time, then grown into the soil for decomposition. The decaying crop adds nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil. This method is sometimes used in tandem with growth hormone-free animal manure.
Crop rotation is also used in organic farming to ensure soil fertility. Crop rotation is an age-old practice whereby crops are grown in rotation cycles as most appropriate for specific seasons and soil conditions. Crop rotation ensures healthy soil without excessive use of fertilizers.
Products from organic farms must be completely natural without any genetic alternation. Modern conventional farms often rely heavily on genetic manipulation to encourage faster growth and greater protection from pests. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved many genetically modified foods in the United States, there are few long-term studies on the subject, and many fear that genetically modified food is not as healthy as organic products.
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