4 Guiding Principles of Organic Farming
The four principles of organic farming — health, fairness, ecology and care — provide a vision for agriculture that inspires environmentally friendly cultivation and production.
Organic farming aims to produce superior quality products, with high nutritional value and no chemicals, with the purpose of good health. It aims to create a sustainable system that conserves energy, soil and water; while at the same time providing general maintenance of the environment.
According to a report by Organics Aotearoa New Zealand, the local organic sector increased by 30% between 2015 and 2018 to be worth more than $600 million per annum. Organic exports also increased by 42%: dairy, meat and wool had the most significant jump, followed by fruit and vegetables, and wine. And 80% of NZ consumers were buying organic produce at least every two weeks. This number is expected to continue to increase.
Understanding more about the sector itself helps to know what the driving force is behind it. Although not using pesticides and herbicides, growth hormones and antibiotics play a major part in organic production, organic agriculture is much more detailed.
As such, all organic production methods around the world are based on four principles: health, balance, fairness and care. These principles provide a vision for agriculture that inspires environmentally friendly cultivation and production.
Principle of Health
Organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible.
The principle of health in organic agriculture refers to the health of eco-systems, as well as the health of people and communities. Healthy soil produces healthy crops, and in turn, healthy produce leads to healthy animals and humans. Good health is imperative to our mental and physical wellbeing; it also increases our immunity and allows our body to regenerate. Organic agriculture aims to provide healthy food that is nutritious and superior quality. By not using fertilisers, pesticides and additives, organic food plays an extra part in aiding good health.
Principle of Fairness
Organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to common environment and life opportunities.
The principle of fairness refers to good human relationships and quality of life. Organic agriculture is based on providing a fair and just environment for people to live in. Organic farmers are expected to ensure work completed at their farm is fair to all involved, from the farmers and pickers, through to the distributors and consumers. It aims to provide quality food and other products, and animals are to be housed in conditions that are in accordance with their natural behaviour and wellbeing. Organic agriculture merges human life with animals and plants – and ensures they are all used sensibly now, and into the future.
Principle of Ecological Balance
Organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.
Organic farms are based on an ecological system that balances with the environment and nature, including recycling and taking care of the eco-system. If you produce and raise organic animals, you need to take care of the farm itself. For crops, take care of the living soil. Ecological balance includes managing conditions and culture; and farmers, producers, traders and consumers should take environmental protection on board. Air, water, biodiversity, climate and land needs to be protected and can be done through the use of high-tech farming systems.
Principle of Care
Organic agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and wellbeing of current and future generations and the environment.
When it comes to organic agriculture, it’s not just the environment today that matters, but we also need to have consideration for the environment of the future. This is where the principle of care comes in. Many organic farmers aim to increase their production, and while this is great – it must be done with care to ensure the future health of the planet is taken care of. Using organic farming technology is the best way to do this, and it’s recommended organic producers keep up to date with new methods.
Any business can say they are organic, but to be recognised and accepted, organic agriculture needs to be based on these four principles. If you want to find out more, get in touch today.