Definition and Application of Organic Methods in Farming and Gardening Environments
The word or term organic is definable and enforceable by law, therefore any food produce that is sold or marketed as organic needs to meet with a stringent set of guidelines. Organic farming and gardening systems acknowledge that human health can be linked directly to food consumption, and also to the state and mineral value of the soil that base food products are grown in.
Organic farms endeavour to generate high-quality food produce from balanced organic soils. Exacting policies or standards delineate what can and cannot be done under the auspices of organically farming or gardening plots. A strong emphasis is placed on the continued respect for and protection of the natural environment. In order to render the soil more fertile organic farmers employ crop rotation systems. While a farmer may graze his sheep on particular field in the initial year of farming, he would then plant wheat, or a similar crop the following year.
If a farmer wishes to adhere to organic regulations GM or genetically modified crops cannot be sown, grown or harvested on organic farms or gardens if they are to live up to the qualification of organic. In addition, there are firm guidelines about the type of fertilisers and pesticides that can be used.
Advantages of Organic Farming and Gardening
- Improved taste
- Healthful benefits
- Additive free food products
- Elimination of harmful pesticides
- Natural GM-Free products
- No Anti-biotic additives in meat products
- Eliminates hidden costs
- Animal welfare a high priority
- Beneficial to the well-being of the environment
Organic farmers often utilise Integrated Crop Management systems or ICM. ICM is proposed to safeguard and develop natural surroundings whilst generating sources of safe food cost-effectively. Its focal point is the comprehension of bio and eco relations within agricultural systems.
There is already very strong evidence to support the claims that organic farming has a significantly positive effect on biodiversity.
Most major supermarkets now carry ranges of organic foods, and to meet with public demand for more natural produce of this type the majority of them have increased the range and the shelf space devoted in store to organic food products.
Some estimations are that organic produce bought in supermarkets is approximately 25% more expensive than the non organic versions of the same goods. End user prices for organic food stuffs are expected to drop as consumer demand continues to rise.
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