Read the IFOAM Definition of Organic Agriculture
Read the IFOAM Principles of Organic Agriculture
Organic agriculture dramatically reduces external inputs by controlling pests and diseases naturally, with both traditional and modern methods, increasing both agricultural yields and disease resistance. Organic agriculture adheres to globally accepted principles (Principles of Organic Agriculture), for local socio-economic, climatic and cultural settings. supporting the development of local and regional food-systems.
Alternatively, agricultural contaminants such as inorganic fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides used in conventional agriculture are a major concern all over the world. Eutrophication, the suffocation of aquatic plants and animals due to rapid growth of algae, referred to as "algae blooms", are literally killing lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. Persistent herbicides and insecticides can extend beyond target weeds and insects when introduced into aquatic environments. These chemicals have accumulated up the food chain where top predators (e.g. humans) consume toxic dosages. Organic agriculture restores the environmental balance and has none of these or other such deleterious effects on the environment.(From Building Sustainable Organic Sectors)
Organic Agriculture and Biodiversity
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