How To Be An Organic Farmer Or Grower
The organic standards detail a method of food production, which is sympathetic to the environment rather than dominating it. An organic farmer or grower must plan a system of crop rotations designed to naturally develop soil fertility while controlling pests and diseases. A balance of 'exploitative' crop production and the 'input' of fertility building phases will be interwoven with conservation and protection of the general environment and the highest animal welfare standards. Follow for more inforamtion on Organic Farming at Doves Farm.
On a day to day basis the organic cereal farmer will spend considerable time in his tractor carrying out field work operations such as ploughing, cultivating, rolling or harrowing the soil. Instead of spreading fertilisers he will plan crop rotations that include fertility building and resting phases. Agrochemicals are not a feature of organic systems although there is a very limited list, of mainly natural compounds, that farmers can use to control pests, weeds and diseases. Again wise use of crop rotations and mechanical means will be used to ensure crop health.
Organic Farming & Processing In Practice
At each stage in the organic food chain from farmer to consumer, annual inspection and certification is required by law. This means that the farmer, food manufacturer, packer and even restaurant must demonstrate that the appropriate rules have been followed and the food is correctly labeled before they can market their products as organic.
International, European and National standards are published for organic farming and food processing. The Soil Association certify Doves Farm Foods and we are proud to display their symbol on our organic products. In the summer of 2002 the Government Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) identified and acknowledged the following key benefits of organic farming;
- Higher levels of biodiversity on organic farms.
- Lower environmental pollution from pesticides.
- Through lower use of energy inputs organic farms contribute to a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
- With reduced reliance on external materials organic farming produces smaller quantities of controlled waste and so contribute to waste reduction.
- Organic food is produced to legally enforceable standards and is subject to tight controls on inputs and an official inspection and accreditation system.
- Organic food can meet the demands of increasing numbers of consumers for high standards of assurance about production methods.
- Organic farming can encourage consumers to take a closer interest in how land is farmed and, in the context of its particular contribution to local food marketing can help to develop a sense of community between buyer and seller, town and country.
- Organic farming demands high standards of animal welfare.
- The particular farming practices used and development of new marketing systems benefit rural employment.
For further information on all organic matters or to join the Soil Association visit www.soilassociation.org.
Alternatively, you can read About Organic Food.
