‫اﻟﺠﻤﻌﻴﺔ اﻷردﻧﻴﺔ ﻟﻤﺼﺪري وﻣﻨﺘﺠﻲ اﻟﺨﻀﺎر واﻟﻔﻮاآﻪ‬
Jordan Exporters and Producers Association
For Fruit and Vegetables
JEPA
"Organic Production"
Studies & research department
Eng. Fadwa Abdul Qader
Eng. Mamdoh Almaanaseer
Tel: (9626)5699631 /32 Fax:(9626)5699630
P.O.Box: 930058 Amman 11193 Jordan
[email protected]
http://www.jepa.org.jo
Introduction to organic production in agriculture
Introduction
Organic production in agriculture is on an increase as consumers are becoming more and
more aware of issues such as safe and healthy food. Demand is the greatest on the
American and European markets. The rate of growth is slowing down, perhaps due to
some scandals with organic products in Germany and a general slow-down in many
European economies, but it is still expected that the market will continue to grow.
Whereas some countries may produce organically by default, a product needs to be
officially recognized and certified in order to be called organic or bio-dynamic
(biodynamic production processes go further than organic ones, as they include specific
measures to strengthen the life processes in soil and foodstuffs).
Once certified, a product may carry an organic label, which is the visual symbol to
consumers that a product has been produced according to recognized standards. In the
EU, Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91 sets out rules for organic products including labeling,
production and inspection systems .
What is organic production?
There are a number of definitions of organic agriculture, but the most commonly quoted
is that of Codex Alimentarius. Below both this definition and the one of the EU are listed.
Codex Alimentarius definition
"Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and
enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil
biological activity. It emphasizes the use of management practices in preference to the
use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally
adapted systems. This is accomplished by using, where possible, agronomic, biological,
and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfill any specific
function within the system."
EU definition
Organic farming differs from other farming systems in a number of ways. It favors
renewable resources and recycling, returning to the soil the nutrients found in waste
products. Where livestock is concerned, meat and poultry production is regulated with
particular concern for animal welfare and by using natural foodstuffs. Organic farming
respects the environment's own systems for controlling pests and disease in raising crops
and livestock and avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers,
growth hormones, antibiotics or gene manipulation. Instead, organic farmers use a range
of techniques that help sustain ecosystems and reduce pollution.
Principles of organic production:
There are two main aspects for principles of organic production; Scientific and
Environmental.
a- Scientific Aspect:
(1) Reduced external inputs
Organic agriculture dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of
chemosynthetic fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Instead it allows the laws of
nature to increase both agricultural yields and disease resistance.
An organic farmer may use natural fertilizers to ensure the soil fertility. Organic
fertilizers differ from chemicals in that they feed the plants while adding organic material
to the soil.
Soils with lots of organic matter remain loose and airy, hold more moisture and nutrients,
foster growth of soil organisms, and promote healthier plant root development. In
contrast, if only chemicals are added to the soil, it gradually loses its organic matter and
micro biotic activity and becomes compact, lifeless and less able to hold water and
nutrients. This results in increased amounts of chemical fertilizers needed to feed plants.
(2) Controlling pests and diseases
Pests, diseases and weeds must be controlled by a combination of the following measures
in order to make it possible to avoid the use of pesticides:
•
•
•
•
choice of appropriate species and varieties
appropriate crop rotation program
mechanical cultivation procedures
protection of natural enemies of pests through conditions favorable to them (e.g.
hedges, nesting sites, release of predators)
• flame weeding
a- Environmental Aspect:
(1) Principle of Health
Organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and
planet as one and indivisible.
This principle points out that the health of individuals and communities cannot be separated from
the health of ecosystems - healthy soils produce healthy crops that foster the health of animals
and people.
Health is the wholeness and integrity of living systems. It is not simply the absence of illness, but
the maintenance of physical, mental, social and ecological well-being. Immunity, resilience and
regeneration are key characteristics of health.
The role of organic agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, is
to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms from the smallest in the soil to
human beings. In particular, organic agriculture is intended to produce high quality, nutritious
food that contributes to preventive health care and well-being. In view of this it should avoid the
use of fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have adverse health
effects.
(2) Principle of Ecology
Organic agriculture Should be based on living Ecological Systems and Cycles, Work With
Them, follow Them And Help Sustain Them.
This principle roots organic agriculture within living ecological systems. It states that production
is to be based on ecological processes, and recycling. Nourishment and well-being are achieved
through the ecology of the specific production environment. For example, in the case of crops
this is the living soil; for animals it is the farm ecosystem; for fish and marine organisms, the
aquatic environment.
Organic farming, pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit the cycles and ecological balances
in nature. These cycles are universal but their operation is site-specific. Organic management
must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture and scale. Inputs should be reduced by
reuse, recycling and efficient management of materials and energy in order to maintain and
improve environmental quality and conserve resources.
Organic agriculture should attain ecological balance through the design of farming systems,
establishment of habitats and maintenance of genetic and agricultural diversity. Those who
produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect and benefit the common
environment including landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water.
(3) Principle of Care
Organic agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the
health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.
Organic agriculture is a living and dynamic system that responds to internal and external
demands and conditions. Practitioners of organic agriculture can enhance efficiency and increase
productivity, but this should not be at the risk of jeopardizing health and well-being.
Consequently, new technologies need to be assessed and existing methods reviewed. Given the
incomplete understanding of ecosystems and agriculture, care must be taken.
This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in management,
development and technology choices in organic agriculture. Science is necessary to ensure that
organic agriculture is healthy, safe and ecologically sound. However, scientific knowledge alone
is not sufficient. Practical experience, accumulated wisdom and traditional and indigenous
knowledge offer valid solutions, tested by time.
Crop rotation and biodiversity
Biodiversity and crop rotations are key concepts in organic farming. Diverse combinations of
plants and animals optimize nutrient and energy cycling for agricultural production. Rotating
crops, and also making use of under-utilized species, build up soil fertility.
When a product is considered organic?
A product may be called organic on the EU market when it meets the criteria set out in
Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91. This means, among other criteria, that least 95% of the
product's ingredients must be organically produced. In addition, there is a conversion
period for conventional farms starting to produce organically. According to Regulation
(EEC) No. 2092/91 this period is two years before harvest. The reason for the conversion
period is that it Certification by an independent organization allows you to label your
products.
References:
• International Federation Of Organic Agriculture Movement, http://www.ifoam.org
• CBI Market Information Database , http://www.cbi.nl