Sustainability over the long term. Many changes observed in the environment are long term, occurring slowly over time. Organic agriculture considers the medium- and long-term effect of agricultural interventions on the agro-ecosystem. It aims to produce food while establishing an ecological balance to prevent soil fertility or pest problems. Organic agriculture takes a proactive approach as opposed to treating problems after they emerge. Genetically modified organisms. The use of GMOs within organic systems is not permitted during any stage of organic food production, processing or handling. As the potential impact of GMOs to both the environment and health is not entirely understood, organic agriculture is taking the precautionary approach and choosing to encourage natural biodiversity. The organic label therefore provides an assurance that GMOs have not been used intentionally in the production and processing of the organic products. This is something which cannot be guaranteed in conventional products as labelling the presence of GMOs in food products has not yet come into force in most countries. However, with increasing GMO use in conventional agriculture and due to the method of transmission of GMOs in the environment (e.g. through pollen), organic agriculture will not be able to ensure that organic products are completely GMO free in the future. A detailed discussion on GMOs can be found in the FAO publication "Genetically Modified Organisms, Consumers, Food Safety and the Environment". Ecological services. The impact of organic agriculture on natural resources favours interactions within the agro-ecosystem that are vital for both agricultural production and nature conservation. Ecological services derived include soil forming and conditioning, soil stabilization, waste recycling, carbon sequestration, nutrients cycling, predation, pollination and habitats. By opting for organic products, the consumer through his/her purchasing power promotes a less polluting agricultural system. The hidden costs of agriculture to the environment in terms of natural resource degradation are reduced. Acritical reviewof the relationships between organic agriculture and the environment as well as other aspectsisprovided byIFOAM and is presented under the shape of a list of criticisms andfrequent misconceptions about organic agriculture withcorrespondingcounter-arguments. |
What are the environmental benefits of organic agriculture? (2024)
Top Articles
What happened to Shane Kilcher? Accident and health update
20 RPGs With The Most Romance Options
Essential Collection | Philips
Airfryer. Oil less frying with air | Philips
Latest Posts
How To Raise Alpacas: A Beginner’s Guide to Owning & Farming | Best Farm Animals
Elite Dangerous: Guide To Mining
Article information
Author: Margart Wisoky
Last Updated:
Views: 5879
Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)
Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful
Author information
Name: Margart Wisoky
Birthday: 1993-05-13
Address: 2113 Abernathy Knoll, New Tamerafurt, CT 66893-2169
Phone: +25815234346805
Job: Central Developer
Hobby: Machining, Pottery, Rafting, Cosplaying, Jogging, Taekwondo, Scouting
Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.