Global Market Information
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE FACT SHEET (2020)
Introduction
There are many issues now facing the global food production and among the major ones are the erratic weather patterns brought by climate change and the current production system that is depleting productive land, water and biological resources that are essential for long-term sustainable production. Also, there is the growing concern on the safety and nutrition of food being produced and the growing population that need to be fed. These issues led to the increased interest on alternative agriculture system that is sustainable, environment-friendly, healthy and safe. Organic Agriculture (OA) is being dubbed as the best alternative among other farming methods to address the above issues.
Organic Agriculture
According to IFOAM1, Organic Agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. This production process involves the use of biological materials and avoiding synthetic chemicals and relies on ecologically-balanced farming principles, such as crop rotation, biological pest control, green manure among others.
Benefits of Organic Agriculture
The popularity of organic agriculture is based on how the production system is protecting the environment and on the health benefits that organic products can offer compared to conventional products.
Environment advocacy and awareness also trigger the interest on organic agriculture. As harmful chemicals are not allowed to be used in organic farming, soil, air and water pollutions do not occur. It therefore protects humans, animal, plant life and the environment.
Since organic foods are not prepared using synthetic chemicals, they do not affect the human body in negative ways. This is evident on the growing trend on living a healthy lifestyle by consuming organic foods. Furthermore, fruits, vegetables and animal food products that are organically grown are believed to have better taste since they are allowed to grow much longer and not pumped up with chemicals. Also, organic foods are usually sold fresh and not frozen.
*1 International Federation Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)