Organic farming refers to techniques of cultivating plants and rearing animals through natural means. The processes of organic farming involve using biological materials while avoiding any synthetic substances to ensure ecological balance and soil fertility are maintained, consequently minimising wastage and pollution. In a nutshell, organic farming is a method of farming which entails growing and nurturing crops and animals devoid of synthetic based pesticides and fertilisers. Additionally, no genetically modified organisms are allowed for organic farming. It heavily relies on ecologically balanced agricultural practices such as mineral and rock additives, biological pest control, green manure, organic waste and crop rotation. Pesticides and fertilisers that are considered natural can be used for organic farming. With this in mind, here are some benefits of organic farming.
With regard to food, no poison is always the way to go. Organic farming entirely avoids any harmful chemicals for keeping pests away and nurturing crops, unlike the vast majority of non-organic farmers in industrial farming. On the contrary, all natural methods which result in the least harm to the consumer and the environment are preferred. In organic farming, herbicides, artificial growth hormones and pesticides are all prohibited.
Organic farming to a great extent is closely regulated. In order for any food to be deemed organic, the whole process through which it gets created has to be strictly investigated. The organic food industry is subject to international regulations, which implies that any food labelled as organic conformed to certain international standards regardless of where in the world it was produced. This is helpful for consumers since they can have a clear conscience knowing that they are indeed getting what they believe they are.
Organically grown crops and animals taste better and are packed with more nutrition. More often than not, fruits and vegetables that are grown organically end up with richer tastes and more nutrition in comparison to fruits and vegetables grown using conventional means. The reason for this is that organically grown fruits and vegetables are given ample time to develop fully and are not laced with anything artificial. Therefore, sugar structures in such crops are given more time to reach maturity and develop into tasty, nutritious final products.
Contrary to popular belief, organically grown fruits, vegetables and animals have significantly lower costs. There is often plenty of stigma around anything labelled as organic, since the general perception is that it has to cost an arm and a leg during cultivation. In the real sense, the truth could not be further away from this. After cutting out the time that gets spent farming organic crops, the actual costs involved to reach maturity are minimal. The vast majority of organic farmers have no pressure to spend exorbitant amounts of cash in purchasing excessive amounts of water and expensive chemicals, unlike most industrial farmers.
Lastly, organic farming has numerous environmental benefits, since it hardly damages the environment. Organic farming is beneficial for environmental conservation unlike industrial farming where chemicals used to eventually seep into the earth, consequently contaminating water sources and the soil. Such practices affect plant life, animals and humans alike. Through organic farming however, no chemicals are used hence minimal to no pollution occurs as a result.