‘The organic movement cherishes diversity, and yes, this is complex sometimes. However, monocultures and reductionist thinking lead to reduction in biodiversity, the very base of nature’s and therewith our
existence.’
--Angela B. Caudle de Freitas, Executive Director of IFOAM
The organic agricultural movement supports sustainable agriculture not only to preserve biodiversity, but also to ensure that we will be able to feed the world, maintain agricultural livelihoods, and enhance human well being into the 21st century and beyond.
Organic Agriculture and Biodiversity
Agriculture Biologique et Biodiversité
La Agricultura Ecológica y La Biodiversidad
About a third of the world’s land surface is used for agriculture. However not all agriculture is beneficial to biodiversity. Agriculture has reduced habitat for wild species; the main threat to 85% of all threatened or endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, IUCN. Conventional agriculture practices have major environmental impacts reducing the natural resources on which life depends.
2007 IUCN Species Survival Commision Red List of Threatened Species
In contrast, organic practices and standards ensure that the land is managed for biodiversity and that primary ecosystems are not cleared to further extend the agricultural frontier. Organic Agriculture increases agricultural livelihoods as it enhances governance by putting the farmer and the farming community at the center in stead of artificial inputs. It values the practical experiences, traditional and indigenous knowledge that offer solutions for pests and diseases. Diversified production of quality products decreases the impacts of crop failures and increases marketing opportunities. Income and food security is actually achieved through diversity. Seed diversity is being maintained as organic farmers – often women - serve as custodians, maintaining genetic diversity by on-farm, in-situ conservation of indigenous and traditional varieties and species through farmers’ seed saving and seed exchange.
The International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) confirmed that sustainable agriculture that is biodiversity based, including agro-ecology and organic farming, is beneficial to poor farmers and should be supported by the appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks.
IFOAM appreciates IAASTD report on a new agriculture paradigm focusing on poor farmers as a step in the right direction
IFOAM, together with other organizations, celebrated and enforced through Planet Diversity the human, agricultural and so cultural diversity, that are at the base of the very survival of this planet.
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