Organic agriculture is a type of farming and gardening that uses agroecological methods. It does not allow the use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides and instead replaces these technologies with more ecologically friendly ones, such as; cover cropping, green manure, crop rotations, inter-cropping, and the regular application of compost, among others. Organic standards also do not currently allow Genetically Modified Organisms nor the use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Organic agricultural standards were first developed by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements in 1972. The initial standard they developed read as such:
“Organic agriculture is 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 and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.”
– International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements
Today in the US, organic agriculture is governed by the National Organic Program. There are many non-governmental groups the monitor, protect, and promote the use of Organic agricultural methods, here is a sample of those organizations:
The Organic Consumers Association
The International Association of Organic Movements
Organic Trade Association