Definition of Organic Agriculture

Organic Agriculture as defined by IFOAM includes all agricultural systems that promote the environmentally, socially, and economically sound production of food and fibers. These systems take local soil fertility as the key to successful production.

Organic agriculture dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of chemo-synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Instead, it allows the powerful laws of nature to increases both agricultural yield and pest resistance.

Organic agriculture adheres to globally accepted principles, which are implemented within local socio-economic, geo-climatic and cultural settings. As a logical sequence, IFOAM stresses and supports the development of self-supporting systems on the local and regional levels.

Organic agriculture relies on locally available resources. Organic farmers have proven that their farming system is distinguishable, competitive, and provide products of good quality. Organic agriculture can contribute to an ecologically sound future for all.