Land Management


Organic Agriculture

"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. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved."
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)

Organic farming is a form of agriculture that relies on a natural or holistic approach to maintain soil productivity and exclude the introduction of (potentially harmful) chemicals into the environment and/or food supply.

Some tactics include but are not limited to:
  • Regular crop rotation;
  • Using green manure and natural compost;
  • Biological approaches to pest control;
  • Mechanical cultivation to maintain soil productivity and control pests;
  • Entirely excluding or strictly limiting the use of synthetic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, plant growth regulators, livestock feed additives, and genetically modified organisms.
The market for organic products has grown to $46 billion (2007). This demand has driven a similar increase in organically managed farmland. Approximately 32.2 million hectares worldwide are now farmed organically, representing approximately 0.8 percent of total world farmland.

Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations, based in large part on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), an international umbrella organization for organic organizations established in 1972.



Green Collar Association

© 2010 Green Collar Association | By your use of this site, you agree to be bound by and abide by the Individual or Organization Terms and Conditions. | Sitemap