| The International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements (IFOAM) offers with great consciousness Organic Agriculture as a tool
in countering climate change. Organic Agriculture not only mitigates climate
change, it also helps farmers to adapt to it.
As no chemical nitrogen fertilizers are used and since nutrient
losses are minimized, organic practices reduce greenhouse gases. By building
organic matter carbon is stored in soil and plant biomass. Moreover organic
farmers minimize energy consumption by 30 – 70% per unit of land as compared to
conventional industrial agriculture by using internal farm inputs. Its impact
on mitigating climate change is therefore considerable.
Poor farmers in marginalized areas, living already under harsh
conditions are affected most by climate change. However, organic practices help
them to adapt, since it prevents nutrients and water loss through high organic
matter content and soil covers. Like this, soils are more resilient to floods,
droughts and land degradation processes. Organic Agriculture also preserves seed
and crop diversity, which increases crop resistance to pests and disease. All
in all it minimizes risk as a result of stable agro-ecosystems and yield, and
lower production costs.
Gerald A. Herrmann, IFOAM president, states that: ‘Also with
climate change there is unequal division between the North and South; on the one
hand the North is contributing disproportionally to climate change, on the
other hand Southern countries are most prone to its effects. IFOAM member
organizations all over the globe have shown through their practices that they
are better able to cope with droughts and other climate effects. Through their
daily work they help not only farming communities in improving the food
security situation, they also serve whole humanity by storing carbon in their
precious soils.’
Angela B. Caudle de Freitas, IFOAM Executive Director says:
‘Fortunately we are all in a situation to adjust our habits to reduce our
climate impact. By choosing organic when buying your daily food you not only help
mitigating climate change, but also can be assured of a healthy and nutritious
meal.’
The Organic World Congress, taking place from June 18 – 20
in Modena, Italy, will offer a whole day
workshop on Organic Agriculture and Climate Change. http://www.ifoam.org/events/ifoam_conferences/owc/modules/wed_workshop_climate_changes.html |
