ORGANIC PRODUCTION

Organic production systems, for example in the United States are managed to respond to site specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. 
Organic Crop Production Under organic farming systems, the fundamental components and natural processes of ecosystems, such as soil organism activities, nutrient cycling, and species distribution and competition, are incorporated as farm management tools.

For example, habitat needs for food and shelter are provided for predators and parasites of crop pests, planting and harvesting dates are carefully planned and crops are rotated and animal and green manures are cycled in organic crop production systems. The use of synthetic chemicals is virtually excluded in crop production.

Organic Animal Production

Organic livestock production systems attempt to accommodate an animal’s natural nutritional and behavioural requirements. Organic livestock standards address the origin of each animal and incorporate requirements for living conditions, access to the outdoors, feed ration, and health care practices suitable for particular species. Antibiotic and hormone use is prohibited in livestock sold as organic.