Organic Farming Flashcards
What is organic farming?
A type of agroecological farming that benefits climate, nature and human health, backed by legal standards and inspection
What is organic?
A system of farming and food production
What is the aim of organic farmers?
To produce high-quality food, using methods that benefit our whole food system, from people to planet, plant health to animal welfare
What does organic farming look like in practice? (3)
Fewer pesticides
No artificial fertilisers
Higher animal welfare standards
Why fewer pesticides?
Weedkillers are banned and only a limited number of natural pesticides can be used
Why no artificial fertilisers?
Nourishing plants naturally build fertile soils
Why higher animal welfare standards?
Improves living conditions, feed, transport and humane slaughter
What can healthy wildlife populations control?
Can control pests
What wildlife do farmers encourage to control pests?
Birds, beetles and other insects that eat pests like slugs and caterpillars
How do farmers create naturally fertile soils?
Introducing clovers and legumes to fix nitrogen as well as using compost, animal manure, green manures and crop rotations
What are the organic standards for animals?
Ensuring that they are free-range
How much of all antibiotics in the UK are used for agriculture?
30%
