What is organic growing?

Organic growing is a system of food production that does not use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However organic growing is much more than just the non-use of certain chemical inputs. When properly understood, organic growing involves a totally integrated management system, to maintain soil fertility, pest management and productivity, while also achieving a high level of sustainability.

The approach to organic growing used in this site draws on the history of what we will call, “the organic movement’, and is based upon a guideline standard document published by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). The ‘organic movement’ is the community of promoters and practitioners of organic agriculture, and the consumers of their products, who rejected modern, chemical, industrial agriculture in favour of a more environmentally responsible, humane and socially just agriculture system. For about five decades or more they struggled against the dominant paradigm, with little support and considerable ridicule.

The good sense, practical know-how and commitment of the pioneers of organic-sustainable agriculture has eventually paid off. Organic food is becoming increasingly popular and the organic movement has matured into an industry. Indeed, today organic is the fastest growing agriculture sector worldwide.