Being in a state of planetary emergency is not an exaggerated statement that a group of marginalised crowd protesting on the streets, but it is a fact that we have already exceeded some of the planetary boundaries currently [1]. One of the primary drivers of this transgression is agricultural production [2]. The way we choose to produce our food, the way we distributed it and the way we consume are the main contributors to the planetary emergency state. Arable lands and pastures constitute one of the biggest terrestrial biomasses, which is approximately 40% of the terrestrial surface [3]. For this reason, agriculture is one of the main contributors to land-system change as a planetary boundary. Another factor affected by agricultural activities is biogeochemical flows. An excessive amount of N fertiliser usage has led to transform the global N cycle [4]. In the light of these facts, it can be concluded that intensive agricultural activities aiming high yields ultimately create a situation where we will not be able to talk about feeding the world because of the risk that it creates on the planet.
Lampkin [5] states in his book that according to The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) the principal aims of organic agriculture are following: Producing food of high nutritional quality while producing in adequate quantity; working with natural systems rather than seeking to dominate them; encouraging and enhance biological cycles within the farming system, involving microorganisms, soil flora and fauna, plants, and animals; maintaining and increase long-term fertility of soils, using, as far as possible, renewable resources in locally organised agricultural systems; working, as far as possible, within a closed system with regard to organic matter and nutrient elements; using as far as possible, with materials and substances which can be reused or recycled, either on the farm or elsewhere; giving all livestock life conditions which allow them to perform the fundamental aspects of their innate behaviour; minimising all forms of pollution that may result from agricultural practice; maintaining the genetic diversity of the agricultural system and its surroundings, including the protection of plant and wildlife habitats; allowing agricultural producers a life according to United Nation human rights, to cover their basic needs, and obtain an adequate return and satisfaction from their work, including a safe working environment; considering the broader social and ecological impact of the farming system; interacting in a constructive and life-enhancing way with all natural systems and cycles. In organic farming, the idea of the soil, as a living system is a component of a perception, which supports that there is a fundamental relation between soil, plant, animal and human. Organic farming requires a more holistic view of how things work in nature, where everything affects everything else [5]. This discourse creates the ultimate difference between organic farming and conventional farming.
Many pesticides have a toxic effect on not only agriculture workers also people consume contaminated foods directly. According to the United Nations report, estimated 200,000 people die each year globally due to chronic exposure to agricultural chemicals [6]. Pesticides have also been associated with long-term health disease such as diabetes; prostate, lung, and Laryngeal cancer; Parkinson's disease; asthma and macular degeneration [7]. On the other hand, pesticides are fatal to worms that have substantial effects on soil fertility by enhancing nutrients in the soil, improving and water-holding capacity and soil structure [5,8]. According to Lampkin [5], in well-established organic farms, pest and disease are not commonly a vital problem because within the optimal soil conditions and balanced nutrition, plants will be resilient to pest and pathogens. However, optimal soil conditions cannot always be straightforward to maintain; requires technological solutions to control. Investing in integrated pest and nutrient management technologies can reduce dependency on agrochemical inputs in the long term.
[1] Rockström, J., et al. 2009. Planetary boundaries: exploring the safe operating space for humanity. Ecology and Society. 14(32).
[2] Campbell, B. M., et al. 2017. Agriculture production as a major driver of the Earth system exceeding planetary boundaries. Ecology and Society, 22(4).
[3] Foley, J. A., et al. 2005. Global consequences of land use. Science 309(5734) pp.570-574.
[4] Swaney, D. P., B. Hong, C. Ti, R. W. Howarth, and C. Humborg. 2012. Net anthropogenic nitrogen inputs to watersheds and riverine N export to coastal waters: a brief overview. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 4(2) pp.203-211
[5] Lampkin N. 1990. Organic Farming. United Kingdom: Farming Press Books and Videos
[6] Harry van der Wulp. 2017. UN human rights experts call for global treaty to regulate dangerous pesticides. UN News. 7 March 2017 [Online] Available from: https://news.un.org/en/story/2017/03/552872-un-human-rights-experts-call-global-treaty-regulate-dangerous-pesticides#.WMDpKhiZO8o
[7] Agricultural Health Study, 2018 [Online] Available from: https://aghealth.nih.gov/news/2018.html#p4 [Accessed 8 December]
[8] Muscolo, A., Sidari, M., Pizzeghello, D., and Nardi, S. 2009. Effects of humic substances isolated from earthworm faeces, Dynamic Soil, Dynamic Plant, 2. pp. 45–52.
Photo was taken by the author on Fordhall Organic Farm in Shropshire
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