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 inputsNo 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 AgricultureEcological 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 worldOrganic 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 farmingProduction 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.)

References

Badgley, C., Moghtader, J., Quintero, E., Zakem, E., Chappell, J., Avils- Vzquez, 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