The Organic Difference, Part 3

Avoiding synthetic chemicals

One of the biggest differences between conventional and organic farming systems is the former’s reliance on synthetic chemicals – either pre- or post-harvest. There is no place in organic farming for synthetic chemical pesticides. Instead, organic farmers concentrate on improving soil health, planting disease-resistant varieties, inspecting their crops frequently, rotating crops, and encouraging natural predators with companion planting and by creating ponds, hedgerows and so on. Read more..

The Organic Difference, Part 2

Self-sustaining

Organic farmers aim to be self-sustaining. For example, they keep livestock alongside crops, thereby providing valuable manure for the land and organic animal feed. They rotate crops and pastures, preventing disease and soil imbalances. Growing plants known to attract pest-eating insects beside a valuable crop – companion planting – is another way in which they work with nature. Read more..

The Organic Difference, Part 1

If you wish to live a truly green life you cannot afford to ignore what you eat. Much of the planet is used to grow food, be it wheat on the American prairies, rice from the fields of China or bananas from a Caribbean island. So many countries give over most of their land to food production that the type of agriculture that is practised is vital for biodiversity and environmental conservation. By opting for ‘green’ food you could be making a difference to the ecology of many countries – your decision has a global impact. Read more..