Organic and Sustainable Farming in the Developing World

Solar panels in the fields at Lange Twins Winery and Vineyards.

What is Organic Farming? The production of crops without the use of

synthetic/chemical inputs No Genetically Modified Organisms Utilizes biological activity in soil Uses crop rotation, manure, compost,

natural pest control (natural predators)

What is Sustainable Farming? Farming that considers environmental health,

yet is profitable while still considering social and economic equity.

Not necessarily organic, but often uses organic farming techniques

Fair treatment of farm laborers Very similar to Ecological Agriculture

Ecological Farming ensures healthy farming and healthy food for today and tomorrow, by protecting soil, water and climate, promotes biodiversity, and does not contaminate the environment with chemical inputs or genetic engineering

Why use Organic & Sustainable Farming Techniques?

Water pollution (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, pathogens) from conventional agriculture cause health problems

Also an increase in algal bloom Decreased soil erosion Fewer pesticides in groundwater and on food Fewer farm workers contaminated with

pesticides

Why use Organic & Sustainable Farming Techniques?

Fewer antibiotic resistant strains of organisms from less antibiotic use in farm animals

Alleviate rural poverty in the developing world Organic food production requires more hand

labor It is spread out over the growing season for

continued employment Less dependence on fossil fuels for all

agriculture (animal feed & waste transport, vehicles for spraying, etc.)

What Are Some Organic/Sustainable Farming Techniques?

Build crop strength Build soil strength Be proactive with the crop and use ecological

practices to prevent diseases, pests and weeds

Use reactive management – deal with problems as they arise

Mix animal and crop production as much as possible

Sell products locally whenever possible

Why is This Good for the Developing World?

Return to small-scale farming

Production is higher on small scale farms in both developed and developing world

Fewer farmers will be forced from their land and into slums to starve

Less reliance on imported fertilizers and pesticides More nutritious food crops due to more diverse crops

and higher soil nutrient content Organics in U.S. - lessen the effects of global

warming on the developing world.

What Are Some Roadblocks to Organic/Sustainable Agriculture?

Need markets for crops other than corn and soybeans

In some countries, soil building farm residues (manure, plant material) are used for fuel instead of building the soil

Little to no governmental subsides or assistance

Economics & Education (in U.S.)

ReferencesBadgley, C., Moghtader, J., Quintero, E.,

Zakem, E., Chappell, J., Avilés- Vázquez, K., Samulon, A., Perfecto, I. (2007). Organic agriculture and the global food supply. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 22(2), 86-108.

Magdoff, F. (2007) . Ecological agriculture: Principles, practices, and constraints. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 22(2), 109-117.

References

Rodriguez, J.M., Molnar, J.J., Fazio, R.A., Sydnor, E., Lowe, M.J., (2009) . Barriers to adoption of sustainable agriculture practices: Change agent perspectives. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 24, 60-71.

Tirado, R (2009). Defining Ecological Farming. Greenpeace Research Laboratories. Retrieved From: http://docs.google.com/gview? a=v&q=cache:DjC4xa3W_xkJ:www.greenpeace.to/publications/Defining-Ecological-Farming-2009.pdf+what+is+ecological+farming&hl=en&gl=us&sig=AFQjCNHFjLyKGY5diZ6l-UcCsqlBKyuW4g