What is Organic Agriculture?

What is Organic Agriculture?

Organic agriculture should be regarded as an integral part of sustainable agricultural production system and a viable alternative to a more traditional approach to agriculture. Since the entry into force of EU legislation on organic agriculture in 1992, tens of thousands of farmers have opted for this production system as a result of greater awareness by consumers of organic products, and an increasing demand for them.

Organic agriculture differs from other agricultural production systems in several respects. This type of agriculture promotes the use of renewable resources and recycling to the extent that restores soil nutrients in waste products. Applied to livestock production, it regulates the production of meat and poultry with particular attention to animal welfare and use of natural feed. Organic agriculture respects the mechanisms of nature to control pests and diseases in crops and livestock and avoids the use of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, growth hormones and antibiotics, and genetic manipulation. Alternatively, producers resorted to a series of techniques that help sustain ecosystems and reduce pollution.

Control measures 

The procedures for implementing these regulations are also important because ensure that all producers who meet the requirements paramilitaries claim to be considered organic farmers are registered with the competent control agency in your country. In turn, these agencies have been designated by authorities to verify their ability to manage systems in a fair and effective, and are subject to regulations established by them.

Control covers all stages of production, including storage, processing and packaging. Once a year, at a minimum, inspections are carried out on farms, and there are also checks without notice. In case of violation of the rules, sanctions are planned that include, among other things, the immediate suppression of the right to claim ecological condition in relation to the product in question, those penalties can harden when non-compliance more serious. Farmers are required to keep meticulous records of their activities and, in the case of farmers, to keep complete records management systems of livestock.

Beneficial effects of organic agriculture on rural development 

Organic agriculture also provides real opportunities at different levels and contributes to the revitalization of rural economies through sustainable development. The growth of organic agriculture is clearly already providing new employment opportunities in areas such as production, processing and related services. Besides the environmental benefits of these agricultural production systems can provide significant benefits in terms of economic and social cohesion of rural areas.

Source: European Commission

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