Organic Agriculture: An Increasing Global Trend

Reader Contribution by Emylisa Warrick
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Organic agriculture is increasing globally despite the economic slowdown according to a report from the Worldwatch Institute.

Many of you are small-scale organic growers, and according to a report from the Worldwatch Institute, your fields hold much promise. Despite the economic downturn, organic agriculture steadily increases around the world. And even though the global organic market faces problems such as high prices or the lack of organic standards, these problems are temporary and organic farming provides a lasting solution for protecting the environment.

Washington, D.C. – Despite the crippling effects of the recent economic slowdown on many industries, the organic agriculture sector not only sustained itself during this period but also showed signs of growth. “In 2009, organic farming was practiced on 37.2 million hectares worldwide, a 5.7 percent increase from 2008 and 150 percent increase since 2000,” writes policy analyst E.L. Beck, in the latest Vital Signs Online release from the Worldwatch Institute.

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) defines organic agriculture as: “a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment.”

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