WHAT IS ORGANIC?







Organic farming is a method of cultivation and breeding that admits only the use of natural substances, that is present in nature, excluding substances of chemical synthesis.


Organic farming avoids the over-exploitation of natural resources, using them in a less intensive, in a model of development that can last over time.
To preserve the natural fertility of soil organic farmers use organic material and appropriate farming techniques. In farming systems, it pays the utmost attention to the welfare of the animals, which feed on grass and organic feed and not taking antibiotics, hormones or other substances that stimulate artificially growth and milk production. In addition, there must be ample space for the animals to move freely.
  
The philosophy behind this way to grow plants and raise animals is related to the intention to offer higher quality products, but also to avoid adverse effects on the level of pollution.


A most appropriate wording than farming is organic agriculture or ecological agriculture, emphasizing the main distinctive aspects of organic farming, namely the conservation of soil organic matter and low environmental impact. The main objectives of organic farming, as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture (IFOAM), are:
  • Transform as much as possible the companies in a self-sufficient agricultural system drawing on local resources;
  • Safeguard the natural fertility of the soil;
  • Avoid all forms of pollution caused by agricultural techniques;
  • Produce food of high nutritional quality in sufficient quantity;      


Organic farming is a production method defined in terms of legislation at EU level with a first regulation, Regulation 2092/91, later replaced by Reg. 834/07 and 889/08 and national level with the DM 18354/09.For organic food products there is an absolute ban on the use of GMOs and the Reg 834/07 guarantees that are denominated organic only foods containing at least 95% organic ingredients.

The label is required to be present on the European bio logo, represented by a stylized leaf composed of 12 white stars on a green background, followed by information on the organism of control and certification, mandatory that an organic product must bear.

      
The price, sometimes higher, organic produce, can be explained by the fact that the method of cultivation and breeding biological requiring the adoption of technical demanding, requiring greater need for human labor. It is also non-intensive agriculture or livestock: the land and the animals are not exploited and have made more constant over time, but in smaller quantities.