What Is Organic Agriculture?
Organic farming is a method of production of livestock and herbal products, which provides much more than the refusal to use pesticides, mineral fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic agriculture is a global system designed to optimize agro-ecosystem, which encompasses soil micro-flora, plants, animals and humans. The main objective of organic production is to develop sustainable and environmental methods of production. Basic Principles of Organic Production:
- Health: Healthy Soils, Plants, Animals, People and Healthy Planet;
- Ecology: Emulating and Sustaining Natural Systems;
- Fairness: Equality, Respect and Justice for All Living Beings;
- Care: For The Generations to Come.
Why Organic Farming?
- Organic farming is more profitable than traditional methods.
- In the framework of organic farming, the same number or more harvest is obtained compared to traditional farming;
- Compared to traditional cultures, organic cultures are more stable;
- Organic farming is more efficient than traditional farming;
- Organic farming creates healthier soil;
- Organic farming protects the environment from toxic chemicals;
- Organic farming creates more jobs;
- Organic Farms are fighting against global warming effects;
- Organic farming helps to save water resources;
- Organic farming promotes bio diversity.
Why Should We Buy Organic?
- Organic food is healthy and safe;
- Organic foods have more nutritional values;
- Organic is not genetically modified;
- Organic food creates a stronger and healthier future generation;
- Organic does not damage the ecosystem;
- Organic product does not pollute water;
- Organic food has better taste.
Organic Agriculture in Europe - Important Facts
- Organic agriculture is growing in Europe every day. In 2016, the market increased by 11.4% and reached € 33.5 billion.
- In 2016, almost 14 million hectares of agricultural products from Europe were allocated for organic production - the largest share had Spain.
- In 2015-2016, the number of organic producers increased by 10% in the EU.
- The EU is the second largest market for organic products, the first place is occupied by the US.
- In 2016, retail sales of organic products in Europe amounted to 33.5 billion euros and showed a 11% increase compared with the previous year.