In recent years, the popularity of organic farming has surged as more and more people become aware of the health and environmental impacts of their food choices. While organic farming still represents less than 2% of the global agricultural area, its products have gained widespread recognition among consumers in developed countries. But what exactly does organic farming entail, and why should we care about it?
What is organic farming?
At its core, organic farming emphasises sustainability, natural processes, and biodiversity. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic farming is a system that avoids or excludes artificial inputs such as fertilizers, additives, pesticides, and hormones.
This method respects the intricacies of nature and animal welfare while shunning harmful chemicals, genetic modification, and preventive antibiotics.
Organic farming nurtures their crops using natural systems, relying on animal manure, crop residues, crop rotation, and mineral-rock additives to enrich the soil.
By using biodiversity and ecological processes, organic farming promotes the health of soil, people, and ecosystems alike.
Consumers are increasingly drawn to organic products, seeking healthier and more ethically produced food that is more sustainable than conventional farming methods. Countries often have regulations and standards in place to verify the organic authenticity of products. For example, Mavuno Organics ensures that its avocados meet stringent EU organic regulations.
The benefits of organic farming
Health benefits
Organic farming provides numerous health benefits, both for consumers and the environment. Conventional farming practices are associated with issues such as reduced natural fertility, soil degradation, and groundwater contamination.
Additionally, health effects related to pesticide exposure range from asthma and neurological disorders to more severe conditions like cancer and birth defects. Pregnant women or breastfeeding women, in particular, are advised to consume organic products to mitigate the risks of chemicals affecting their children.
The alarming statistics reveal that pesticides contribute to around 2 million poisoning cases and approximately 20,000 deaths annually. With nearly half of the global farming population exposed to these toxic substances, the case for organic farming becomes even more compelling.
By minimising or eliminating the use of harmful chemicals, organic farming ensures healthier agricultural practices that contribute to public health.
Environmental impact
The environment also benefits significantly from organic farming practices. This approach promotes pollution reduction, water conservation, and improved soil health.
By enhancing soil structure and organic composition, organic farming mitigates the risks posed by toxic materials to humans and wildlife alike. Additionally, organic farming methods conserve water by fostering healthier soils that demand less water and produce less runoff laden with harmful chemicals.
Climate change mitigation
Organic farming plays a crucial role in combating climate change. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration, organic practices can make a significant difference.
Studies show that converting just 10,000 medium-sized farms to organic production could sequester carbon equivalent to removing 1.1 million cars from the road. By employing techniques such as cover-cropping, crop rotation, and composting, organic farming enhances the soil’s ability to store carbon and climate resilience.
The profit potential
While transitioning to organic farming may involve initial costs, the long-term benefits can be substantial. Organic products often command higher prices, reflecting their quality and the growing consumer demand for healthier, sustainable options.
As the market for organic produce continues to expand, farmers can expect increased profitability over time.
Organic farming – the future of sustainable agriculture
Mavuno Organics is deeply committed to organic farming, ensuring the highest standards of quality and sustainability in its practices.
Our practice of Sustainable agriculture further enhances the natural richness and purity of our organic avocados, ensuring they stand out for their exceptional quality and environmental stewardship.
Every product grown, harvested, and distributed by Mavuno is certified for non-EU organic agriculture standards, GlobalGap, Grasp, Global Gap Chain of Custody (CoC), Spring, and SMETA.
We’re thrilled to have embarked on our Fairtrade certification journey, which aligns with our unwavering commitment to fair trade and transparency.
In implementing these certifications, Mavuno’s farming practices are based on methods that promote the natural fertility of the soil, primarily through the utilisation of organic matter, such as crop residues and animal manure.
Mavuno’s farmers mainly utilise integrated pest management techniques that include traps for early detection, cultural practices such as proper spacing, as well as biological and mechanical control methods, and avoid chemical inputs.
This integration ensures not only food quality but also a favorable production system that has minimal impacts on the environment and society.
Contact us to learn more about our organic products and join us in supporting sustainable agriculture
