Organic food is produced to a set of standards and principles concerning such issues as chemical pesticides/herbicides/insecticides etc; food additives; animal welfare; and sustainability. Organic growers aim to produce food as ‘naturally’ as possible, free from trans-fats, GMOs, and most additives. Biodynamic farming is a form of organic farming that actively works with the health-giving forces of nature.
It is a different perspective!
When our food is organic it is produced in an organic farming system without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms. Emphasis is placed on the system and emphasises a holistic farm management approach, using rotations and ruminant animals as an integral part of the system. Organic systems recognise that our health is directly connected to the health of the food we eat and, ultimately, the health of the soil.
In this system soil is central with soil health critical in producing wholesome products without the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides/herbicides/fungicides etc. Organic farmers aim to produce good food from a balanced, living soil.
In the production of animal products, animal welfare is also an important issue with only free-range animals allowed – under the Australian Organic Standards cages are not permitted. Parasite problems in farm animals are controlled through regularly moving the animals to fresh pasture or areas and other preventative methods, unlike conventional farming where animals are routinely dosed with drugs.