Solutions - Organic Method of Practice

The use of pesticides has led to both adverse impacts on the environment and adverse effects on human health. In addition, it is questionable whether regulations that set permissible levels of pesticides in foods ensure the protection of public health, especially for pesticides which are carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. Exposure to pesticides is, however, avoidable if organic methods of practice are used.

Organic agriculture is being increasing used in industrialised countries and has also been increasing in some developing countries. The role of organic farming as a ‘development strategy’ has been gaining increasing credibility in recent years. In 1996, a UNCTAD report (United Nations Centre for Trade and Development) highlighted the role that organic agriculture can play in trade, environmental improvement and social development in developing countries. Although the report expressed some misgivings about economic viability and technical feasibility, it concluded that:

“Organic production has an undeniable edge over conventional farming in terms of its beneficial impact on the environment and human health. Moreover, it can also contribute to higher incomes, better food security and creation of employment” (UNCTAD, 1996).

UNCTAD, FAO and the International Federation of Organic Movements have jointly launched the International Task Force on Harmonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture (ITF). This project aims to help bring about the harmonization or recognition of organic standards by different countries in order to help farmers in developing countries to export their produce.

A recent review of literature on organic farming highlighted the benefits of organic agriculture. Organic farming tended to support greater biodiversity in the environment, conserved soil fertility and stability better than non-organic farming, and did not pose any risk of water pollution from pesticides.

Organic arable production was found to be 35% more energy efficient and organic dairy production was about 74% more efficient per unit of output than non-organic production.

Organic agriculture resulted in increased standards of animal welfare. Organic crops were also found to contain higher levels of some nutrients than their non-organic counterparts. Another report on organic agriculture in several countries reported that crop yields improved with the implementation of organic methods.

In China, farmers in Yuxei in the Dabie mountains have successfully converted to organic agriculture in recent years and successfully marketed their produce which has improved their family security.

Clearly there are both human health benefits and environmental benefits from using organic agriculture. Greenpeace supports organic agriculture as a sustainable path to agriculture development.