Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
diseases included raising disease resistant plants and animals through fertile soil,
promoting a diversity of species of both plant and animals and rotating crops to
avoid a build up of diseases.
11.2.3
Biodiversity and Ecological Wellbeing
Biodiversity was emerging as a third principle of Australian organic farming in
the 1950s at the same time as soil fertility and chemical free growing were
consolidating as major principles. Organic societies were increasingly advocating
for the preservation of native fauna and flora in and beyond the farm environment.
This approach reflected a broadening of organic growers' belief in the connection
between human and environmental health to include so-called non-productive
elements of the environment: The Australian Organic Farming and Gardening
Society ( 1950 ) stated in its magazine in 1950s that: “The wellbeing of man is bound
up with that of the animal and insect kingdoms, the trees and plants and with the
living soil itself. All are inter-related and mutually dependent upon each other”.
One example of the burgeoning interest in biodiversity on the farm was the
promotion of the establishment and preservation of native trees on organic farms.
Australian Organic Farming and Gardening Society ( 1952 ) made tree planting
one of its primary objectives: “the Society advocates large-scale tree-planting
operating to temper the natural aridity, conserve moisture, foster bird-life, and
provide wind-breaks” . The Eucalypt tree, an iconic Australian native species,
became an advertisement of the sound organic farm. Trees were emblematic of the
organic approach because they were a counterpoint to non-organic practice. During
the 1940s and 1950s tree clearing was still strongly encouraged by government
departments of agriculture throughout Australia, as it had been throughout the
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Organic growers' interest in native flora was not limited to trees but also included
native shrubs and wildflowers. Wildflowers were recognized for their important role
in attracting pollinator insects such as bees and native wasps and the 1952 objectives
of the Australian Organic Farming and Gardening Society ( 1952 ) recognized the
role native fauna played in maintaining a well functioning farm environment: “the
Society holds that the natural function of birds is to keep insects in check. It deplores
the wanton destruction of birdlife now prevalent, which gives rise to periodic
plagues of insects e.g. locust etc.”
During the 1950s, Australian organic farmers also extended the first tentative
feelers beyond the perimeters of the farm to support the preservation of flora and
fauna on non-agricultural land. They reasoned that preserving plants and animals in
their natural environment enhanced the broader wellbeing of the whole environment.
The Victorian Compost Society and the Australian Farming and Gardening Society
of New South Wales both leant support to campaigns for the establishment of
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