Why Organic?
What is Organic Farming
Organic farming is based on the idea that a healthy environment significantly benefits crops and the health of those consuming them. It's about respecting natural ecological balances and maintaining the health of the soil and the ecosystems in which crops and livestock are raised.
Good reasons to go organic
- It tastes great
- It's good for the environment
- It preserves the fertility of the soil
- It improves water quality
- It's good for wildlife
- It promotes animal welfare
- It's good for you
- It doesn't use ingredients that are genetically modified
- It supports the rural economy because it is more labour intensive
- It is a sustainable agricultural system for the 21st century
The Principles of Organic Farming
- Soil fertility - organic farmers maintain the long term fertility of the soil by helping worms, insects and other organisms to flourish. They add nitrogen naturally by growing clover and spreading organic composted manure and seaweed on their fields. Healthy soil means healthy plants!
- Rotating crops - organic farmers rotate the types of crops and animals in a field each year. This helps to keep the soil fertile and to prevent the build up of weeds, pests and diseases which can occur if the same crop is planted in the same field each year.
- Animal husbandry - organic farmers have high standards of animal welfare which take into consideration the natural behaviour patterns of the animals. The animals range freely outdoors, they are fed on a natural diet and given proper veterinary treatment. Animals are also an important part of an integrated organic farming system as their manure fertilises the fields whose crops they feed on.
- Protecting the environment - by avoiding the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides, organic farmers reduce pollution in the soil, waterways and the food chain. Organic farmers encourage natural predators to help control pests rather than using chemicals. No genetically modified (GM) crops or animal feed are permitted.
- Promoting wildlife - organic farmers maintain hedgerows, meadows, ponds and other natural habitats on which our wildlife depends. According to the Soil Association, scientific studies show that the number and variety of bird, butterfly and wild plant species tend to be greater on farms that have been organic for some time.
- Organic standards - all organic food is produced according to strict organic standards. These standards cover all aspects of food production from animal welfare to wildlife conservation. Organic farms are visited at least once a year by an inspector from a certifying body such as the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association, to check that the standards are being met.
More about Organic
Organisations
Magazines
DVD's
Books
- The Great Food Gamble by John Humphrys, broadcaster, writer and farmer addresses questions about the food on our tables and concerns about the effects of factory farming practices on the nation's health and environment (Coronet Books, ISBN 0340770465).
- The Little Food Book by Craig Sams, Chairman of the Soil Association and co-founder of Whole Earth Foods and Green & Blacks is an explosive account of the food we eat today, tackling issues such as genetic modification, farming subsidies, obesity and many more. Order from www.fragile-earth.com
- New Complete Self-sufficiency: The Classic Guide for Realists and Dreamers by John Seymour. Packed with information on all the practical details for living the good life, from ploughing fields to milking cows, as well as information on how to create an urban organic garden and harness natural energy (Dorling Kindersley, ISBN: 0751364428)
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