IFOAM Official Definition of Organic Agriculture page
Organic agriculture is a sustainable form of production. It promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on methods that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. Organic farming does not use synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers relying instead on developing a healthy, fertile soil and sound crop rotations. In this way, the farm remains biologically balanced, with a wide variety of beneficial insects and other organisms to act as natural predators for crop pests and a soil full of micro organisms and earthworms to maintain its vitality. If direct control measures have to be taken
to prevent serious crop damages, different agents of natural sources (for example Neem and Pyrethrum extracts) and biocontrol agents (for example ladybirds against aphids) can be used. Organic livestock production focuses on animal welfare and husbandry methods that prevent the need for veterinary treatments. It is a method of agricultural production that is environmentally friendly, requiring high standards of animal welfare with health benefits for people. Organic farming recognizes that human health is directly connected to the health of the food we eat and, ultimately, the health of the soil. (Building Sustainable Organic Sectors 2007)
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