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The roots of modern organic farming can be traced to Europe during the first quarter of the early 20th century. It was conceptualized and initiated by the Austrian Philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924. The formation of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) in 1972 gave an international framework for discussion and codification of internationally recognized principles of organic farming. According to the National Organic Standards Board of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the word `Organic' has the following official definition "An ecological management production system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on the minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony". It may be emphasized here that in the production and marketing of organically produced agricultural products, the check is on the processes of its production rather than the product per se, although quality standards, which are quite strict, have to be adhered to. On the contrary, in the production and marketing of most industrial products, the stress is on the quality of the final product.
What needs to be pointed out is that for countless generations, small farmers in India and other developing countries have inherited and managed complex farming systems adapted to their local agro-ecological conditions. These farming systems have helped them survive harsh environments, meet their family's food needs, contribute to local/regional markets and still not over-consume the natural resources. These small farmers would be amazed to know that the knowledge they inherited down the generation is now a part of the modern global movement for organic farming. |
