Organic farming Definition

Definitions and standards of organic farming in relation to environment and resource use... 

The implementation of the definition of organic farming is based on the Basic Standards for Organic Agriculture and Processing of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). 

Quantitative research results on N2O emissions in different farming systems are scarce. Based on deduction, experts conclude that N2O emissions per hectare tend to be lower on organic farms than on conventional ones, while N2O emissions per kg milk are rather equal or higher respectively. However, due to the fact that almost no quantitative data is available, no definite differences between organic and conventional farming systems can be identified. 

The productivity and regenerative capacity of organic systems depend upon an appropriate balance between specialisation and diversity, between standardisation and individuality, and between consolidation and devolution of control. Lady Eve Balfour, in commenting on the definition of organic farming as opposed to conventional farming (Balfour 1977), said ... 

Clear definition of organic farming through regulations and through a system of certification. 

It is usually fairly easy to conclude that there is a problem, more difficult to decide exactly what it is and very hard to identify the appropriate solution (there are always a great many possible solutions). A simple illustration of this point, for conventional livestock production, is disease. Most diseases could, of course, be totally eradicated from a farming system but this might be quite uneconomic. Thus the problem for a veterinarian is commonly not how to prevent or cure a disease but to do so in such a way that the farmer s profit is increased (or at least he is not made bankrupt by the solution). All such requirements have to be part of the definition of the problem. In the case of organic farming, the solution has to be consistent with the principles of organic production. So the relevant applied research may be different. 

Portrait of the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) Self-portrait Danish Research Centre for Organic Farming The International Organic Accreditation Service definition and statement of purpose... 

Organic EARMING A set of agricultural practices in which no artificial fertilisers, hormones, pesticides or herbicides are used. Organic farming is increasingly popular in developed countries as consumers become more concerned over the potential health hazards of chemical residues in food. Boxes 1.1 and 1.2 (pp. 3-5) provide a more detailed definition. 

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