What is the difference between Sustainable and Organic Farming?
What is the difference between Sustainable and Organic Farming?
Organic farming is a method of farming that avoids using synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Sustainable farming practices take into account many of the same practices as organic farming, however, goes even further. Sustainability looks at farming practices in a holistic manner. It’s aimed at preserving and conserving soil and water,… Read More »
Organic farming is a method of farming that avoids using synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Sustainable farming practices take into account many of the same practices as organic farming, however, goes even further. Sustainability looks at farming practices in a holistic manner. It’s aimed at preserving and conserving soil and water, two valuable assets to all living creatures.
Sustainable farming is geared toward increasing the soil quality by increasing it’s organic matter. It is also concentrated on reducing erosion while keeping more carbon in the soil which helps filter groundwater and is a regenerative process for both of those valuable assets of water and soil.
Sustainable farming practices include use of trickle irrigation which conserves water and reduces soil erosion. Irrigation is targeted at the roots of the plant reducing water usage and minimizing soil runoff. Another important part of sustainable farming is integrated pest management which is a strategy that reduces the pest’s ability to thrive. This is done through a variety of methods such as; creating conditions that are unfavorable for the pest, or by introducing natural pest predators or by habitat manipulation, all aimed at long term prevention of pests and healthier crops.
According to the United Nations, the world has about 60 years of topsoil left and they indicate that 95 % of our food comes from topsoil. This illustrates the importance of farming methods that are geared towards increasing soil viability and increasing organic matter. Sustainable farming does just that and has also been referred to as regenerative farming which is defined as a holistic approach beginning with soil and takes into consideration the health of farmers, workers, animals, and the community.
We are proud to highlight all the ways that we care for the environment while growing healthy food and healthy soil! We invite you to learn more about how food is grown with a trip to our farm to get to know more about your farmer and your food.
