While sustainable farming and organic farming are used interchangeably there is actually quite a difference between them. However, sustainable and organic farming usually go hand in hand with an overall concern for the environment, its people and communities as well as the ethical sourcing or growing of food type whether animal or plant.
That being said, still a long way to go have sustainable and organic farming regulated in a lot of countries. This is why deep knowledge is required when sourcing organic and or sustainable products for consumers.
Sustainable Agriculture And Farming
- Sustainable agriculture is the production of food, fibre, or other plant or animal products using farming techniques that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare.
- Must meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.
- Includes responsibility to labourers, rural communities, consumer health and safety etc.
- Can be seen as an ecosystem approach to agriculture.
Organic Farming
- Farmers must follow certain guidelines to become organic certified. It is a long and expensive process to turn and keep farm organic.
- It is a method of crop and livestock production that involves not using pesticides, fertilisers, no GMO ‘s, antibiotics or growth hormones.
- Organic residues and nutrients are recycled back into the soil.
- Certification focuses mainly on the production side of farming.