Organic farming

What is organic farming?

Organic farming, also known as ecological agriculture, is an agricultural production system based on promoting biodiversity, nutrient cycling, natural pest control, and soil fertility preservation. Unlike conventional agriculture, it refrains from using synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), opting instead for natural processes and materials like permaculture and humus building.

At the core of organic farming is the concept of operating in harmony with nature. It often views an organic farm as a largely self-contained organism and adopts a holistic approach. In Germany, organic farming is supported by various laws such as the Organic Farming Act and the Federal Organic Farming Program.

Principles of organic farming:

• Biodiversity: Promoting plant and animal species on agricultural land to create stable and resilient ecosystems.
• Soil Health: Maintaining and improving soil fertility through natural and environmentally friendly methods such as composting, crop rotation, and minimal tillage.
• Natural Pest Control: Enhancing plant resistance to pests, using biological agents and natural predators for pest control instead of chemical pesticides.
• Resource Efficiency: Implementing methods and practices that efficiently use water and energy and minimise the carbon footprint.

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