Organic farming promotes sustainable practices, better animal welfare, and healthier produce through reduced use of artificial inputs.
Integrated farm management combines organic farming and sustainable techniques to protect biodiversity and meet demand while working with nature.
Deep dives
Benefits of Organic Farming and Direct Selling
Organic farming provides a more sustainable and nature-friendly approach compared to conventional farming. This switch not only reduces the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides but also promotes better animal welfare and healthier produce. Rob Baldwin, an organic farmer from Somerset, UK, believes that reducing animal numbers while selling directly to the public has improved animal health, reduced disease, and allowed his farm to thrive. This direct selling approach through a farm shop and cafe fosters stronger relationships with customers and provides a more viable income source for small organic farms.
The Viability of Small Farms and Scaling Up Organic Farming
While small organic farms show potential for a more environmentally friendly model, many face challenges and struggle to make a profit. However, the National Farmers Union in the UK suggests that transitioning all farms to organic methods is unrealistic due to lower output in comparison to conventional farming. To strike a balance, integrated farm management practices are emerging, combining elements of organic farming and sustainable techniques. This allows farms to work with nature, protect biodiversity, and reduce the reliance on artificial inputs while maintaining a level of productivity suitable for meeting demand.
Transitioning to Sustainable Diets and Supporting Family Farms
Transitioning to sustainable diets is an essential element in promoting nature-friendly farming. This involves consuming less but higher quality meat while increasing plant-based food consumption. Joe Lewis, a policy director for the Soil Association, emphasizes the importance of rebalancing our diets and reducing our reliance on ultra-processed foods. While switching to organic methods may increase certain food prices, efforts can be made to ensure affordability through targeted measures such as fruit and vegetable vouchers and extending free school meals. Investing in local sourcing and supporting family farms can also contribute to improving access to nutritious, sustainable, and affordable food.
What’s the best way to produce affordable food, that’s good for the planet, and can feed us all? Is it even possible to have all three?
In this programme, Grace Livingstone visits small and large farms in England and Argentina. She hears the case made for organic farming, and asks if it’s feasible for organic farms to produce enough food to feed a country.
At a larger farm, she hears about why farmers rely on fertilisers and herbicides to produce large volumes of affordable food. Is it possible to farm in a way that increases biodiversity and protects the environment, whilst also remaining competitive?
And what can we do as consumers to encourage and support greener farming?
(Picture: Farmers Lizzie and Rob Walrond standing by a farm gate)
Presented and produced by Grace Livingstone
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