The Principles of Organic Agriculture
To understand the motivation for organic farming, the practices being used and
what we want to achieve, it is important to understand the guiding principles of
organic agriculture. These principles encompass the fundamental goals and
caveats that are considered important for producing high quality food, fiber and
other goods in an environmentally sustainable way. The principles of organic
agriculture have changed with the evolution of the movement and are now codified.
The principles apply to agriculture in the broadest sense, including the way people
tend soils, water, plants and animals in order to produce, prepare and distribute
food and other goods. They concern the way people interact with living
landscapes, relate to one another and shape the legacy of future generations. The
principles of organic agriculture serve to inspire the organic movement in its full
diversity. They are the roots from which organic agriculture grows and develops.
They express the contribution that organic agriculture can make to the world and
a vision to improve all agriculture in a global context. The Principles of Organic
Agriculture serve to inspire the organic movement in its full diversity.
The International Federation for Organic Agriculture Movement’s (IFOAM)
definition of Organic agriculture is based on:
The principle of health
The principle of ecology
The principle of fairness.
The principle of care
Each principle is articulated through a statement followed by an explanation. The
principles are to be used as a whole. They are composed as ethical principles to
inspire action.
1. Principle of health
Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal,
human and planet as one and indivisible. This principle points out that the health
of individuals and communities cannot be separated from the health of ecosystems
- healthy soils produce healthy crops that foster the health of animals and
people.Health is the wholeness and integrity of living systems. It is not simply the
absence of illness, but the maintenance of physical, mental, social and ecological
well-being. Immunity, resilience and regeneration are key characteristics of
health. The role of organic agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution,
or consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and
organisms from the smallest in the soil to human beings. In particular, organic
agriculture is intended to produce high quality, nutritious food that contributes to
preventive health care and well-being. In view of this it should avoid the use of
fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have adverse
health effects.
2. Principle of ecology
Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work
with them, emulate them and help sustain them. This principle roots organic
agriculture within living ecological systems. It states that production is to be based
on ecological processes, and recycling. Nourishment and well-being are achieved
through the ecology of the specific production environment. For example, in the
case of crops this is the living soil; for animals it is the farm ecosystem; for fish
and marine organisms, the aquatic environment. Organic farming, pastoral and
wild harvest systems should fit the cycles and ecological balances in nature.
These cycles are universal but their operation is site-specific. Organic
management must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture and scale.
Inputs should be reduced by reuse, recycling and efficient management of
materials and energy in order to maintain and improve environmental quality and
conserve resources. Organic agriculture should attain ecological balance through
the design of farming systems, establishment of habitats and maintenance of
genetic and agricultural diversity. Those who produce, process, trade, or consume
organic products should protect and benefit the common environment including
landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water.
3. Principle of fairness
Organic Agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard
to the common environment and life opportunities. Fairness is characterized by
equity, respect, justice and stewardship of the shared world, both among people
and in their relations to other living beings. This principle emphasizes that those
involved in organic agriculture should conduct human relationships in a manner
that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties - farmers, workers, processors,
distributors, traders and consumers. Organic agriculture should provide everyone
involved with a good quality of life, and contribute to food sovereignty and
reduction of poverty. It aims to produce a sufficient supply of good quality food and
other products. This principle insists that animals should be provided with the
conditions and opportunities of life that accord with their physiology, natural
behavior and well-being. Natural and environmental resources that are used for
production and consumption should be managed in a way that is socially and
ecologically just and should be held in trust for future generations. Fairness
requires systems of production, distribution and trade that are open and equitable
and account for real environmental and social costs
4. Principle of 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. Organic agriculture is a living and dynamic system that responds
to internal and external demands and conditions. Practitioners of organic
agriculture can enhance efficiency and increase productivity, but this should not
be at the risk of jeopardizing health and well-being. Consequently, new
technologies need to be assessed and existing methods reviewed. Given the
incomplete understanding of ecosystems and agriculture, care must be taken. This
principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in
management, development and technology choices in organic agriculture.
Science is necessary to ensure that organic agriculture is healthy, safe and
ecologically sound. However, scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practicalexperience, accumulated wisdom and traditional and indigenous knowledge offer
valid solutions, tested by time. Organic agriculture should prevent significant risks
by adopting appropriate technologies and rejecting unpredictable ones, such as
genetic engineering. Decisions should reflect the values and needs of all who
might be affected, through transparent and participatory processes.
In totality, organic agriculture aims at a sustainable production system based on
natural processes. Key characteristics are that organic agriculture:
- relies primarily on local, renewable resources;
- makes efficient use of solar energy and the production potential of biological systems;
- maintains the fertility of the soil;
- maximises recycling of plant nutrients and organic matter;
- does not use organisms or substances foreign to nature (e.g. GMOs, chemical fertilisers or pesticides);
- maintains diversity in the production system as well as the agricultural landscape;
Organic agriculture is also a sustainable and environmentally friendly production
method, which has particular advantages for small-scale farmers. Available
evidence indicates the appropriateness of organic agriculture for small farmers in
developing countries like India. Organic agriculture contributes to poverty
alleviation and food security by a combination of many features, such as;
- increasing yields in low-input areas;
- conserving biodiversity and natural resources on the farm and in the surrounding area;
- increasing income and/or reducing costs;
- producing safe and varied food;
- being sustainable in the long term.
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