Organic farming Organic farming is the use of farming techniques that maintain and replenish the fertility of the soil, by working in harmony with nature instead of against it – in other words, it is a holistic approach to food production. Produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. Organic farming is based on the principle of encouraging biological cycles involving micro-organisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals. On a commercial scale, organic farming is relatively costly and labour intensive at present, but the steadily increasing demand for organically grown, or "natural", foods is making it more economically viable and, therefore, making organically grown produce more readily available to all those who want to eat wholesome and tasty foods. It is therefore important to support the efforts of organic farmers, who are doing their best to use renewable resources, ensure the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations and to maintain ecological harmony. Recent developments in the organic industry Globally, the awareness of the environmental harm and potential threat to human and animal health caused by deadly toxins (such as, for example, DDT, dieldrin and other insecticides), along with the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, has boosted the interest in organic farming and gardening. In recent years, health has become a primary issue for many people across the western world and consumers have become far more proactive in taking their health into their own hands. As a result, organic food supplements are now very much in demand, amongst more discerning individuals. In fact, they are the fastest growing facet of the organic industry. Research Research has indicated that food produced using natural means typically has considerably lower quantities of nitrates and residues of toxic chemical pesticides, fungicides and herbicides than non-organic foods. Details of this research appeared shortly after British press coverage of an article contained in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which concluded that a clear distinction could not be drawn between the nutrient levels of organic and non-organic foods. The article prompted criticism because it did not appear to take into account all of the attributes of natural products and included research dating back 50 years, lacking clear parameters in terms of whether the products examined were truly “natural”. Unfortunately, to date, few studies have been conducted with the scientific rigour required to evidence definite distinctions between organic and traditional agriculture produce. However, it has nonetheless been acknowledged by British research scientists that, even though they have not seen clear documented evidence of substantial nutrient differences between organic and traditional foods, they could not rule out that possibility. It was further confirmed that present natural agriculture practices have the potential to create high-quality products with enhanced antioxidant content, and reduced nitrate accumulation and toxic chemical residue levels. What is needed now is further research to provide organic farmers with the tools they require (such as enhanced cultivars that are disease-resistant), to help grow organic production from a niche industry to sustainable agriculture worldwide.   * Historically, the vast majority of agriculture can be described as "organic"; it was only during the 20th century that there was a large supply of new synthetic chemicals introduced to the food supply. * Up to 500 chemicals are routinely used in conventional farming.   * Some chemicals can remain in our bodies for many years. * Organic farming methods place less of a burden on the environment. * Growing foods organically can protect the topsoil from erosion. * The synthetic, toxic chemicals used in commercial farming can be deadly to birds and other wildlife. * Organic food is not genetically modified. * European law prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in any aspect of organic food and farming. * Proponents of natural foods claim that it is much more nutritious, safer to consume and usually tastes a lot better because it contains no synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, medicated feed or antibiotics or chemicals utilised in food processing.   What is organic farming? 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