Organic farming recognises the direct connection between our health and
the food we eat. Strict regulations, known as ‘standards’, define what
organic farmers can and cannot do – and place a strong emphasis on the
protection of wildlife and the environment. In organic farming:- pesticides
are severely restricted – instead organic farmer develop nutrient-rich
soil to grow strong healthy crops and encourage wildlife to help control
pests and disease
- artificial chemical fertilisers are
prohibited – instead organic farmers develop a healthy, fertile soil by
growing and rotating a mixture of crops using clover to fix nitrogen
from the atmosphere
- animal cruelty is prohibited and a truly
free-range life for farm animals is guaranteed
- the routine use
of drugs, antibiotics and wormers is disallowed - instead the farmer
will use preventative methods, like moving animals to fresh pasture and
keeping smaller herd size
- genetically
modified (GM) crops and ingredients are banned under organic standards
Why does it sometimes cost more?As the costs of farming with
oil-based fertilisers and chemicals increase, the price gap between
organic and non-organic is closing. Where there is a price difference,
you are paying for the special care organic farmers place on protecting
the environment and improving animal welfare. (Information Provided by Soil Association: www.soilassociation.org)
Links to studies and research Rodale's Farming Systems Trial - the longest running, side-by-side comparision of organic and chemical agriculture, carefully examining the similarities and differences between the two systems for over 30 years Full Report: http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/files/FSTbookletFINAL.pdf Rodale Institute: http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/fst30years |
