Module 3
INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC GARDENING PRINCIPLES
Contents
Principle of Health
Principle of Ecology
Principle of Fairness
Principle of Care
Have you ever heard of the principles of organic farming?
Goal and Learning outcomes
Acquire the knowledge about the 4 principles of Organic Gardening according to IFOAM
01
Adopt healthier, fairer, more sustainable, resilience, more environmental friendly methods of farming
02
Experts and trained educators will be able to educate PwID about principles of organic farming and about sustainability and an ecological way of life.
03
Adopt more sustainable and resilient way of life
04
Importance of Organic Gardening
People, plants, animals and the whole ecosystem face the damaging consequences of climate change.
01
The lack of respect to the environment and the irrational use of chemicals in agriculture field are main causes of increasing climate change. (increasing greenhouse green emissions, changes in the natural balance in soil and water, decrease in the richness of plant and animal species)
02
03
Conventional agriculture has been characterized by high energy intake and use of large amounts of agrochemicals.
04
For many generations, there has not been a real concern about taking care of the environment or to adopt organic agriculture practices since they were not aware of the damage they affected on the nature.
Importance of Organic Gardening
It is necessary for people to contribute to creating a more sustainable ecosystem and be more environmental conscious.
The entire ecosystem, from the soil upwards including water supply, climate, wildlife, insects are all necessary and essential elements as part of a whole, not in isolation.
Reduce climate crisis
No use of chemicals
Earth-friendly gardening method
Natural ecosystem
Organic Gardening Principles
The Principles of Health, Ecology, Fairness, and care are the roots from which organic agriculture grows and develops. They express the contribution that organic agriculture can make to the world, and a vision to improve all agriculture in a global context. They include the way people use land, water, plants and animals to produce, to prepare and to distribute food and other goods. They concern the way people relate to living organisms, the relationships between them and shape the legacy for future generations.
Principle of Health
The health of people and communities cannot be separated from the health of ecosystems.
Health is something more than the absence of illness. It is maintenance of physical, mental, social and ecological well-being with the characteristics of immunity, resilience and regeneration.
The role of organic agriculture in every aspect, farming, processing, distribution and consumption is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms from the smallest microorganism to human beings.
Principle of Health
Organic farming is intended to produce high quality, nutritious food that contributes to preventive health care and well-being.
The use of harmful fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives should be avoided as they may have adverse health consequences. Organic agriculture aims to provide healthy and nutritious food of a superior quality.
Principle of Health
Organic farming recognizes that soil is a living entity and aims to build and maintain healthy soils. (composting, green manure, companion plants)
Health of the soil
The main focus is on prevention instead of reliance on chemical inputs in order to control pests and diseases. (Crop rotation, organic pesticides, use of resistant plant varieties)
Health of plants
Animals should be raised into conditions that accommodate their natural behaviors, by providing access to outdoor areas and by promoting good health. Respect and wellbeing.
Health of animals
By producing safe and nutritious food and minimizing exposure to harmful substances.
Health of humans
Organic farming support and improve the health of soil, plants, animals, people and the planet in an integrated and indivisible way.
The aim is to minimize the negative impact on the ecosystem and support biodiversity by reducing water pollution, soil erosion and the damage of beneficial organisms.
Health of environment
Principle of Ecology
Organic farming is based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.
The principle of ecology roots organic farming within living ecological systems. It states that production is to be based on ecological processes and recycling.
Inputs should be decreased through reuse, recycling, upcycling and effective management of materials and energy with the aim to maintain and improve environmental quality and resource conservation.
Gardening Steps
Organic farming benefits biodiversity since its aim is to achieve a greater balance between food production and natural processes
Biodiversity
Organic farming promotes the use of integrated pest management strategies which emphasize in preventing measures, organic control and cultural practices
Pest management strategies
Organic farming encourage the planting of diverse crops, including traditional and historical varieties as well as the protection and restoration of natural habitats on and around the fields.
Crop cultivation
Principle of Ecology
Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them
Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them
Focus on conserving water resources by implementing techniques which reduce water usage and minimize runoff.
Water resources
Focus on minimizing energy consumption and reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.
Renewable energy
Principle of Ecology
Principle of Fairness
Respect, Justice, Equality and Stewardship of the shared world are the main characteristics of the principle of fairness.
The above characteristics have to exist both among people and in the relation between them and other living beings.
All the individuals who are involved in organic agriculture should conduct human relationships in a way that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties from farmers to consumers.
In organic agriculture, everyone who is involved should be provided with a good quality of life, have sufficient supply and a good quality of food and contribute to reducing poverty.
Principle of Fairness
The use of natural and environmental resources for production and consumption should be managed in a way that is socially and ecologically just and is held in trust for next generations.
Farming for future
Animals should be provided with the conditions and opportunities of life that accord with their physiology, well being and natural behavior.
Justice and fairness to animals
Support well being and empowerment of farmers, employees and communities. (fair working conditions, fair wages and protection of worker’s rights)
Well being and empowerment
Inclusiveness and accessibility of all interested individuals regardless of social and economic status.
Inclusiveness & Accessibility
Organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities.
Practices that prioritize social and environmental sustainability, ensuring that all farmers receive fair prices for their products and have access to international markets.
Social and environmental sustainability
Principle of Care
Organic agriculture is a living and dynamic system that responds to internal and external demands and conditions.
It should prevent significant risks by adopting initiatives and appropriate technologies but also rejecting the unpredictable ones such as genetic engineering.
Organic agriculture is not just the environment today that matters, but also, it is the need to have consideration for the environment of the next generations.
People comprehend that they are part of a unique and vibrant food chain that they should take care of and cooperate with.
As a consequence, people should take a cautious approach in working with nature and animals as far as possible, they ought to use the technologies and the organic processes that occur naturally
Gardening Steps
Organic farmers are able to enhance efficiency and increase productivity without endangering crops, consumer and environmental health.
Responsible Efficiency
New technologies and the existing methods should be reviewed and evaluated. Precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in management, development and technology choices.
Innovation and Responsibility
In organic farming, decision making should take into consideration the values and the needs of everyone who might be affected, from people and animals to the whole ecosystem.
Conscious Farming
Principle of Care
Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.
Videos with discussion
How easy it is to cultivate according to the principles of organic farming?��Do you think that we should turn to more sustainable practices?
Discussion forum – Debate
Let’s play a game
Click on the image and play the game about environmental awareness
ENJOY YOUR MOMENTS IN GARDEN
THE TEAM OF EASY GARDENING WISHES YOU A SUCCESSFUL ADVENTURE!