Why Organic ?
What is Organic Crop farming?
Organic Farming involves practices that promote recycling of farm resources, biodiversity, and ecological balance.
The goal is to maintain/enhance soil and water quality and avoid use of artificial fertilizers, irradiation, and Genetic engineering methods.
Some practices include :
Crop rotation, which helps to interrupt insect life cycles, suppress plant disease, prevent soil erosion, build organic matter, and fix nitrogen.
Management of pests include prevention, avoidance, monitoring, and suppression.
Organic farming involves the use of organic seeds and planting stocks.
Organic farming does not allow sewage sludge or biosolids to enter the soil.
Soil health is maintained by adding compost, animal, and green manure.
What is Organic Livestock farming?
The livestock raising methodology must be in accordance with the USDA organic regulations.
Some practices include:
Absolutely no genetic engineering, sewage sludge, or ionizing radiation be employed with respect to livestock raising.
Livestock are managed organically from the last third of gestation (mammals), or second day of life for poultry.
Raised in a manner to promote conservation and biodiversity.
Livestock are allowed year-round access to the outdoors, except in inclement weather.
Livestock are raised on certified organic land.
Livestock are raised based on prevailing animal health and welfare standards.
Livestock are fed 100% organic feed, and some vitamins and minerals to meet nutritional needs.
Livestock must not be given antibiotics, added growth hormones, byproducts of avian and mammalian origin, and no feeds containing urea, manure, or arsenic.
De-wormers and pain medications are allowed if absolutely needed in livestock.
Conclusion:
Having reviewed the practices of Organic farming, it is clear that the Organic methodology embraces a practice that is more conducive to maintaining ecological biodiversity and balance. The processes like crop rotation help maintain soil integrity, prevent erosion, and aid in pest control.
The crops are free from synthetic fertilizers that contain harmful agents and in some cases, may even be deemed carcinogenic.
The livestock are free from antibiotics and hormones. Widespread antibiotic use has been associated with antibiotic resistance and in-turn lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria that can causes deadly disease.
The use of hormones in livestock, which when consumed, could possibly lead to premature growth and hormonal changes in people consuming this meat.
It is also helpful to note that livestock are reared in a more humane manner. For further information, visit the USDA website.
Having said this, I would encourage you to choose organic whenever possible and live long and strong!
