ABSTRACT
Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and the promotion of management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony. Organic agriculture uses naturally occurring products such as compost, animal manure and crop residue and also natural minerals. Weed and insect pests are controlled using botanical, biological and cultural methods. This method reduces air, soil and water pollution thereby increasing soil fertility, balancing insect populations and enhancing ecological harmony. Fields must be free from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for a minimum of 3 years. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people. The holistic vision includes the maintenance of valuable relationships between soil, water, air, plants, animals and people.
