Introduction to organic products
Organic farming, or eco farming, is a mild and environmentally friendly form of agriculture. It is implemented without the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, hormones, antibiotics and preservatives not only in plants but also in animals.
It is essentially a farming method based on crop rotation, plant residues and livestock manure recycling, green fertilization, moderate use of farm machinery and the biological and natural ways of dealing with crop and livestock diseases. In organic farming, production requires less intensive land use, protects the agrosystem, improves the quality and natural fertility of the soil and at the same time ensures the health and welfare of the animals.
Categories of organic products
Three are three main categories of organic products:
- Agricultural products (e.g. fruit, vegetables, honey, cotton).
- Animal products (e.g. eggs, meat, farmed fish).
- Processed products (mainly foods such as bread, cheese, oils, etc.).
A few words about the history of organic farming
- Organic farming first appeared around the first half of the 20th century, at about the same time as the intensification and industrialization of agriculture. In 1924, sociologist Rudolf Steiner gave a series of lectures on this alternative form of agriculture that focused on healthy diet and living. His teachings formed the basis of “Biodynamic Agriculture”, the forerunner of today’s organic farming.
- In 1946 was established the Soil Association, which today is the leading world wide organic product control and certification organisation.
- In 1972 was founded the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), which issued the first international standard with rules for the production and control of organic farming.
- In 1986, the European parliament votes for the first time a motion to promote organic farming.
- 1991 was a landmark year for organic farming, as the Regulation was published and the importance of this form of producing farming products was officially recognized, and many countries proceeded to adopt relevant rules on organic farming.