Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
this newest redefinition of organic. However, this redefinition has also opened the
door for new coalitions within society and more specifically to the movement's
political acceptance (see Patzel 2009 , p. 10). These new coalitions also include
technical, ecological and market oriented practices with a rising environmental-
political consciousness. Perhaps this new approach may be a starting point for
several societal changes: rural development (Libery and Kneafsey 1998 ; Darnhofer
2005 ), the emergence of “agri”-culture (Parrott et al. 2002 ) and (in an urban context)
new lifestyles (Gilg et al. 2005 ; Pellegrini and Farinello 2009 ).
Without question, the first set of IFOAM Principles was obviously necessary for
a growing movement as a foundation for coming together and for communicating a
common understanding of the meaning of organic agriculture. In contrast to the time
of the organic pioneers, urban organic consumers have brought new perspectives
into the organic movement. Now, a wide range of views—from anti-militarist, to
back to the land, to alternative energy movements, to development work, and the
European green parties—have introduced many important issues related to social
justice, fair trade and relationships between farmers and consumers. All of these
influence the continuing development of the organic movement and its ethical
foundations and contribute to the ethical differentiation of the organic approach.
Annex
Table 2.2 IFOAM Principles
IFOAM Principles (2009)
Background
The IFOAM Principles arose from an international consultation process from 2003 to 2005; of
a task force and a consulting group formed by the IFOAM World Board. They consist of
ethical principles organized to inspire action in all dimensions of the organic agro-food chain.
This worldwide stakeholder-based consultation process embodied a specific ethical position to
develop ethical guidelines through a participatory process. The four Principles - Health,
Ecology, Fairness and Care - “serve to inspire the organic movement in its full diversity. They
guide IFOAM's development of positions, programs and standards” (IFOAM 2009 )
The Principle of Health
Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and
planet as one and indivisible. This principle points out that the health of individuals and
communities cannot be separated from the health of ecosystems - healthy soils produce
healthy crops that foster the health of animals and people
Health is the wholeness and integrity of living systems. It is not simply the absence of illness,
but the maintenance of physical, mental, social and ecological well-being. Immunity, resilience
and regeneration are key characteristics of health
The role of organic agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption,
is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms from the smallest in the soil
to human beings. In particular, organic agriculture is intended to produce high quality,
nutritious food that contributes to preventive health care and well-being. In view of this it
should avoid the use of fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have
adverse health effects
 
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