Making the organic choice

Why organic?

"I envision Organic Agriculture to be like a seed, starting small, growing into something large and fruitful, creating small seeds to be spread, renewing the life cycle. Organic agriculture, as with many things, begins with one person. As I expand my knowledge about organic agriculture, I realize how much the earth's system is affected by the fact that I purchase and eat organic foods. It starts simply: I recognize that when farmers do not spray their plants with pesticides, the soil is free from chemicals. If the soil is not contaminated, then the river by the farm is also not contaminated. The creatures in the river are then safe and the creatures that eat those creatures are safe. As I comprehend the large impact I am having on the world, I want to spread the word, so that the system, from plant to soil, from river to fish, will be returned to what is natural. Organic agriculture is good for me, my children and the earth."

Madeline Olsen, Minneapolis

OTA Essay: Why Organic Agriculture is important?

What is organic agriculture?

Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. Organic food embraces environmentally acceptable production techniques that minimize the risk of contamination from pesticides, and also delivers food that is wholesome and nutritious. Organic food is produced by people that care for the health of their customers and their environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

Organic agriculture takes a proactive approach as opposed to treating problems after they emerge

Soil

Soil building practices such as crop rotations, inter-cropping, symbiotic associations, cover crops, organic fertilizers and minimum tillage are central to organic practices. These encourage soil fauna and flora, improving soil formation and structure and creating more stable systems. In turn, nutrient and energy cycling is increased and the retentive abilities of the soil for nutrients and water are enhanced, compensating for the non-use of mineral fertilizers. The soil is exposure to erosive forces is decreased, soil biodiversity is increased, and nutrient losses are reduced, helping to maintain and enhance soil productivity

water

In many agricultural areas, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides pollute groundwater, a major concern. Organic agriculture substitutes synthetic inputs with organic fertilizers (e.g., compost, animal manure, green manure) and promotes biodiversity, which enhances soil structure and water infiltration. Well-managed organic systems with superior nutrient retention significantly reduce groundwater pollution risk. Some regions, grappling with severe pollution issues, encourage the shift to organic agriculture as a remedial step (e.g., as promoted by the Governments of France and Germany).

Air & Climate change

Organic agriculture decreases non-renewable energy usage by reducing the need for agrochemicals. It also aids in combating the greenhouse effect and global warming by sequestering carbon in the soil. Organic farming employs various practices like minimum tillage, returning crop residues, using cover crops, and nitrogen-fixing legumes, which enhance carbon return to the soil, boosting productivity and carbon storage. Studies show that soil organic carbon levels are notably higher in organic farming. The greater the organic carbon retained in the soil, the greater the potential for agriculture to mitigate climate change.

Biodiversity

Organic farmers can help support biodiversity across gene, species, and ecosystem levels. They favor traditional seeds and breeds for disease resistance and climate resilience. Diverse plant and animal combinations enhance nutrient and energy cycling within the environment as well. Natural areas within and around organic fields, along with the absence of chemical inputs, create wildlife-friendly habitats. Using under-utilized species to build soil fertility reduces erosion of agro-biodiversity and attracts beneficial organisms. Recent studies show organic farming enhances biodiversity.

GMOS

GMOs are prohibited in organic food production, processing, and handling. Organic agriculture prioritizes natural biodiversity due to uncertainties about GMO impacts on the environment and health. Organic labeling assures GMO-free products, a guarantee lacking in conventional items in most countries. As GMO use in conventional agriculture increases, organic products may not remain entirely GMO-free. More details on GMOs are available in the FAO publication 'Genetically Modified Organisms, Consumers, Food Safety, and the Environment.

Ecological services

The impact of organic agriculture on natural resources favors interactions within the agro-ecosystem that are vital for both agricultural production and nature conservation. Ecological services derived include soil forming and conditioning, soil stabilization, waste recycling, carbon sequestration, nutrients cycling, predation, pollination, and habitats. By opting for organic products it promotes a less polluting agricultural system and reduces the hidden costs of agriculture to the environment in terms of natural resource degradation. This ensures a healthier and more sustainable food system.