Organic Farming, The Basis

• Where does the concept of organic agriculture come from and what is its definition?

Organic refers to the natural means by which crops are fed and how pests and disease are controlled without the use of chemicals.

• Where does the inspiration for this system of farming come from and why have so many farmers been inspired enough to change how they farm?

Firstly, let us put aside reasons related to the negative impact chemicals and practices such as 'monoculture' and consumer demand have contributed to the ever increasing pressure placed on farmers to change to organic agricultural practices. We will concentrate on the things that inspired those who pioneered the return of Organic Farming.

If we look at nature in its unspoiled, untouched state. By that, I mean, for example, a forest that is pristine, untouched by people. The forest is a picture of health; healthy plants and animals. These are the things we see, it is the picture we see. What we see, we accept and we admire its beauty, but few question why it is so beautiful, so healthy. We do not wonder why it is so healthy when no human hands have fertilised the plants or sprayed them with chemicals to combat pests and disease. Some people, however, have noticed and have asked these questions and have tried to figure out how natural fertilisation, pest and disease control occurs. I do not believe all of the answers have been found yet, but I do know that there are major obstacles to circumnavigate if we are to ever achieve a situation in which all agriculture is done using organic methods. Of course, there are many who say it HAS to be done NOW, but pay little heed and have no understanding of the reality of trying to farm organically when all your neighbours are using chemicals. Farmers cannot simply stop the production of food, and many, perhaps the majority of farmers do not believe that Organic Farming is a viable alternative to the methods that have kept them going for generations. Many are the stumbling blocks, but it is a change that needs to happen, and that change will only happen if the task of spreading the use of organic farming is placed in the hands of people who have a clear understanding of all the issues involved. This article is only part 1 of what will eventually be quite a considerable document, that will hopefully explain the principles and complexities of what is needed to farm successfully with organic farming practices and how to apply in a practical way what nature gives us. Keep watching this spot........