The guiding worldwide principles for organic agriculture are defined
by the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM)
and are detailed below:
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To produce food of high nutritional quality in sufficient quantity
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To interact in a constructive and life-enhancing way with natural
systems and cycles
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To encourage and enhance biological cycles within the farming system,
involving micro organisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals
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To maintain and increase long-term fertility of soils
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To promote the healthy use and proper care of water, water resources
and all life therein
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To help in the conservation of soil and water
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To use, as far as possible, renewable resources in locally organised
agricultural systems
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To work, as far as possible, within a closed system with regard to
organic matter and nutrient elements
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To work, as far as possible, with materials and substances that can
be reused or recycled, either on the farm or elsewhere
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To give all livestock conditions of life which allow them to perform
basic aspects of their innate behaviour
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To minimise all forms of pollution that may result from agricultural
practice
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To maintain the genetic diversity of the agricultural system and
its surroundings, including the protection of plant and wildlife habitats
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To allow everyone involved in organic production and processing a
quality of life conforming to the UN Human Rights Charter, to cover
their basic needs and obtain an adequate return and satisfaction from
their work, including a safe working environment
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To consider the wider social and ecological impact of the farming
system.
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To produce non-food products out of renewable resources, which are
fully biodegradable
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To encourage organic farming associations to function along democratic
lines and the principle of division of powers
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To progress towards an entire organic production chain, which is
both socially just and ecologically responsible
Many of the foregoing aspirations are equally applicable to non-organic
food production and manufacture.
