Organic Farming: An Overview

Prepared by: L. Robert Barber, & Ilene Iriarte

For: Guam Cooperative Extension Service & Guam

Department of AgricultureFunding provided by:

United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education,

Administration for Native Americans,, & Sanctuary Incorporated

What is Organic Farming

• Common Misconceptions– Not toxic, No sprays allowed, No

fertility

• Related concepts– Less toxic & Lower inputs– Sustainable Ag– Permaculture

Organics Defined

• Based on a belief that what is natural is good.• Initially defined by negatives (not allowed) moving to more

positive focus– These do not guide in developing an organic farming practice. Current

directions is to define in terms of sustainable practices with standards that define what is allowed and not allowed.

– Definition 1:• “Organic farming is a production system that avoids or largely excludes the

use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives. To the maximum extent feasible, organic farming systems rely on crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off-farm organic wastes, and aspects of biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and tilt, to support plant nutrients and to control insects, weeds and other pests.”

– Definition 2• Good sustainable farming practice, without using synthetic chemicals.

– USDA National Organic Standards Board• “an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances

biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.”

Foundation Principles

• Biodiversity & Integration– Agroforestry– Animal/Plant Interactions– Crop Rotation– Intercropping– Enterprise diversity

Foundation Principles• Sustainability

– Environmental sustainability• Nutrient recycling vs. External inputs• Improve soil, increase organic matter• Prevent soil erosion and compaction• Direct Market & Sustainability

– Social Sustainability• Production for sustenance and income• Good working conditions• Builds on local knowledge and tradition

– Economic Sustainability• Reliable yields • Low cost inputs• Enterprise diversification• On farm value added

Foundation Principles

• Natural Plant Nutrition– Composting– Green Manure (nitrogen fixing plants:

hedgerows & cover crops)– Animal Manure (chicken tractors, aqua

culture sludge)– Natural Fertilizers (seaweed, fish waste)– Nourishment of soil organisms for soil

digestion.

Foundation Principles

• Natural Pest Management– Plant health & Natural Defense

(resistant varieties)– Sanitation & rotation– Natural Pesticides (natural does not

mean safe)– Bio control (chickens eating weeds,

bacillus thuringiensis)– Cover Crops/Living & dead Mulches– Intercropping & companion planting

Foundation Principles

• Integrity– Buffers to keep out unwanted chemicals

but also to protect your neighbors from your activities (don’t want neem drift to hit neighbors fish pond)

– Records (Proof of practices & economic analysis)

Certification - Legalities

• Conversion Period: NOS Standards require time between the beginning of organic cultivation & when a crop can be harvested as organic– Annual crops: 24 months prior to sowing– Perennial crops: 36 months prior to harvest– Grassland for pasture: 2 years

• Related concepts– Certification – USDA Certified Organic, – Transitional, – $5,000 exclusion,

Transitioning to Organic Farming

• Collect information about how to come into compliance.

• Experiment on what type of approach works for your farm

• Develop and implement new management skills

• Prepare for short-term financial loss• Evaluate strength and weaknesses of

your farms natural systems

$5,000 Exclusion

• A producer who makes over $5,000 annually in agriculture products and wants to label the product “organic” must be certified by a USDA-accredited agency.

• A producer who makes less than $5,000 annually is exempt from certification. Their products can be labeled organic if the follow standards, but cannot use the USDA Organic Seal.

Labeling

• “Organic in Transition” or “Organic in Conversion” – Products that are produced in accordance to organic standards for at least 12 months.

• “Zero year” – Products produced within the first year of transition. It cannot have any reference to organic production methods. Must be marketed as conventional

Categories of Tools & Practices

(A view of what is to come)• Through out modules will move

between key groups of practices:• Soil management & Nutrition• Agroforestry• Water Conservation & Irrigation• Pests, disease, & weed management• Plant & Animal Interactions• Direct Marketing and Labeling