Plants that are grown in organic means are known to be healthier to eat than those that have been subjected to commercial grown enhancers. Also, the soil is maintained well with an organic system allowing natural microorganisms to work and help the plant grow. This process is usually hindered by chemical fertilizers, improvers, and pesticides that are known to kill even the healthy bacteria found in the soil.

Natural and all organic soil is characterized by the lives that to which it becomes a home, bacteria, fungi, and worms. All these organisms and microorganisms work hand in hand to make the plant grow. When chemicals are used on the soil, all these are destroyed and prevented even if they could be beneficial to the growth of the plant. Farmers are aware of the fact that there are microorganisms present in the soil and plants that help produce healthy and nutrient filled fruits and produces.

With the many new techniques in improving the soil, gardeners and farmers always try to ensure the fertility and natural structure of the soil to take good care of the plants. As part of the soil improvement in farms, the crop rotation is needed to ensure that the soil will be able to develop the needed nutrients these crops need.. The right way to choose crops for planting depends on the season and the condition of the land in the farm.

The use of fertilizers is still needed even in organic farming procedures. However, organic compost is usually preferred because it provides the most natural elements for the soil. An organic compost can be readily done by collecting kitchen wastes, garden pruning, and animal wastes. There are many ways to make an organic compost with the biodegradable wastes that may be collected from the home or the farms itself. Today, there are a lot of ways that farms can utilize the natural composting means in order to improve the condition of the soil of an agricultural land.

Even pesticides may also have an organic replacement in the form of green pesticides. Using compost tea, spinosad, or neem may be non toxic ways of killing unwanted pests from the garden or field. These kinds of green pesticides will help in removing the pests from the soil and plants but still maintain the health of the soil.

Clearing the land of diseased plants and materials is also important because these may take up space on the soil. With these left on the soil, the nutrients that other thriving plants need cannot travel at a faster rate. This would also help avoid possible diseases that may spread to other plants that are healthier and more productive.

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Organic farming is a form of agriculture that is based on ecological management which excludes the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and antibiotics applied on plants and animals. It promotes and focuses on agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity while minimizing the risk to human and animal health and natural resources. It has been proven as an effective approach with the United Nations (UN) in their report on world hunger and poverty.

People during the World War II had experienced food shortages. After the war, the farmers were encouraged to use chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides as everyone wanted affordable and plenty of food. Meat was affected as well when the animals were administered with growth hormones and antibiotics. The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides had caused severe water and environmental pollution. Over the years, the consumers have become more concerned about its disadvantage and started to support organic farming.

How organic farming is done

In organic farming, farmers naturally nourish soil with the use of quality compost, cover crops. Plants that grow on healthy soil are much better and can actually protect themselves from pests and disease without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Organic farming also helps in protecting the global environment as they can significantly reduce the amount of factors that contribute to global warming such as carbon dioxide.

Animals are organically raised are fed with certified organic feeds, hormone-free and GMO-free. Organic farmers prevent disease on livestock by ensuring that they have are healthy, fed right, and have given comfortable shelters. One of the outcomes is some certified organic milk cows have a life expectancy 3 or 4 times the life expectancy of their conventional counterparts.

Organic foods

It is however that many in the industry are not convinced that organic foods are more nutritious than the conventionally grown food as there are no conclusive evidences shown.  Even though USDA certifies organic food, it does not claim that these are safer and more nutritious.

Some people prefer to choose organic food to avoid their exposure to the pesticide residues from conventional farming. But since organic foods tend to have more farming practices, they are more expensive than conventional foods.

Organic farming is very much debated topic and its environmental benefits will continue to be studied which in turn will find a better understanding on how it will cure or help in reducing the effects of environmental hazards brought by the modern agricultural practices.

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The incredible edible egg is a protein packed gift of nature. Whether starting off our day, binding our baked goods or enjoying a late night omelet that hits the spot, eggs are a very important part of our daily lives. They are considered the source for an all-in-one edible thing.

Organic eggs are eggs produced by the hens which are fed with all natural diets. There are no pesticides and the synthetic hormones in their diet. This means that these hens are not fed on the man made diet. The human body will not have to process hormones and pesticides which the hen has metabolized. The all natural diet ensures no harmful effects and perfect balance of the proteins, vitamins and the other essential minerals.

Cage free eggs are the most humane option as their living conditions have been kept as nature intended free roaming and not stuffed in cages with many others. These hens are given exposure to the nature. They are exposed to the sun light and the outdoors is in their reach thus producing better eggs for human consumption.

Cage free certified organic eggs may cost you a little more but they are definitely much better than the artificially enhanced eggs. These eggs are produced by the hens which are brought up in the ‘close to nature’ surroundings. These hens are provided natural food and they are not treated with any enhancers and growth catalysts at all. You can find the organic cage free eggs at your local store. You will find many different brands selling different varieties of the eggs. Just make sure that you pick organic and cage free eggs to make sure that you are getting the best and the all natural product.

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Organic milk is a little more expensive than regular milk.  This is because cows that produce organic milk do it the normal way.  They are fed with grass and are free to roam vast farmlands.  They are not given any hormone injections to boost milk production and their feeds are not sprayed with chemical fertilizers.  In short, they live easy stress-free lives, grazing and eating whenever they feel like it.

Regular milk producing cows on the other hand are given bovine growth hormones (BGH) to increase milk production.  They live in crowded pens where they eat feeds laced with ingredients that may have been genetically modified.  They live their lives in crowded barns with little exercise.  Their milk is cheaper to buy because of all the tricks used to increase milk production.

Studies have found that organic milk contains a higher quantity of vitamins and nutrients.  Organic milk contains 50% more Vitamin E, 75% more Beta Carotene and three times more antioxidants compared to normal milk.  Aside from this organic milk contains more Omega 3 essential fatty acids that help the body, specifically the heart function properly.  Organic milk is also easier for the body to break down and metabolize.  This property makes it easier for the body to fight of diseases and boost the immune system.

However, organic milk producers are still small in numbers compared to regular milk producers.  This is because of the price differential between the two.  Unless studies and advocates for organic milk take their case to the public, this disparity will continue and the number of organic milk farmers will not increase.  It is very clear that organic milk is more beneficial to humans than regular milk and the time is ripe for a change in milk.

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Buckwheat is not a native crop of America but due to its high demand and adaptability, it has become a major crop for millions of farm acres in the US. It can also be used for crop rotation, planted next to wheat harvest. Buckwheat is a great choice for double cropping in spring and it improves the quality of soil immensely.

The beauty of buckwheat farming is that it has a very high demand nowadays, even for the 100% organic ones. The high demand is called for due to buckwheat’s many uses, one of which is for flour production. Buckwheat is categorized along with other food grains such as wheat and oats. It also makes a great alternative and supplement for feeding the farm’s livestock although it must be dehulled first as it can induce allergic reactions if not. Buckwheat is also a favorite for bee keepers since the crop tends to produce flowers profusely.

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Green house farming has become necessary because of the shortage of land in some areas.  In greenhouses, farmers can grow vegetables, fruits and some crops all year round.  A company in Canada has found a way to make green houses produce 20 times more fruit using renewable energy to fuel the greenhouse.

These types of green houses are essentially a small world of their own.  It is powered by solar panels that provide power to the green house and a pond for irrigation.  Plants, vegetables or fruits are grown without herbicides with the use of pesticides to the minimum.   Plants are fed due special tubing and there is a restricted use of fertilizer as well due to absence of dust in the green house. Fertilizer use is decreased by half.

As a commitment to sustainable ecosystems and energy use, bumblebees are used for pollination.  The water collected, condensed, filtered from the pond goes back to the green houses to ensure fruitful crops.   This type of technology allows saving more than one-fifth of what is needed in terms of water during regular farming.

With these eco friendly types of green houses, it is possible to harvest 482 tons of tomatoes from one acre.  It is also proving to be profitable with all the expenses covered after 10 years of green house exploitation.  The power generated by the green house can power up to 1500 homes.   Another interesting fact is that plants stay alive for a longer period inside the green house compared to the field, so they are being replaced every six months. With more than 300 days of sunshine every year, the green houses seem to be a perfect facility for all-year crops at the same time being a sustainable farming facility.

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Organic farmers believe that a free range chicken is one happy chicken and therefore is not oozing with harmful toxins. Not only will it help your energy levels and staying power last longer but also it was said to delay the aging process when introduced along with overall healthy lifestyle.

Most free range chickens are kept organic, since then it became so popular to health buffs the world over causing a shortage in supply. This alone makes it a very lucrative business for farmers worldwide especially in times like these when people are beginning to make a conscious effort in living a healthy lifestyle. Organically raised chickens are grass fed and they are encouraged to live a stress free life of clean air and water. As much as possible, no chemicals are introduced to the chicken’s system, whether directly to the chicken or to its surrounding areas.

Free range chickens are a great source of protein. Aside from that, it offers many benefits to humans when consumed. It is healthy and very delicious too unlike those that are raised in coops which tend to be less tasty. Be warned though, since free range chickens require special care, it tends to cost more than its supermarket counterparts.

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Organic farming is a form of agricultural method wherein farm communities relies on crop rotation, green manure, compost fertilizer, biological methods of pest control and cultivation of fertile soil to make it more productive thus yielding better produce. It also strictly limits the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, chemical-based plant grower, feed additives and GMO. Organic farming is closely based on the standards set by IFOAM or International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement and it is also regulated and enforced by most nations worldwide.

This core value is very similar to what sustainable living is all about. That same basic principle applies to all organic farm communities and it affects everyone that is working together for this common goal of lessening the human impact to the environment. By following organic farming methods, our soil is protected from erosion and it strongly promotes biodiversity among plant, animal and smaller organisms as well.

Some farmers would not adapt this kind of farming methods since organic farming is known to have lower yields. But since the population is getting more and more conscious of food safety due to health risks that some chemically contaminated produce can cause them, the demand is much stronger and people are willing to pay higher prices of organic ones. Because of this, along with the decreased cost of production since no synthetic fertilizers are used, it creates higher profit for organic farmers. This also called the attention of some farmers to join and manage their own organic farmlands.

Sustainable living is a lifestyle in which a person reduces his or her impact to the environment by limiting their usage of the Earth’s natural resources and avoids further damaging it. Sustainable agriculture works the same and provides better organic food which is not only good for human consumption but also great for maintaining balanced ecosystem.

Janice Hunter Creative Director for 11 Lions Media Group is raising awareness and spreading knowledge through creative content projects throughout the web. Learn more about organic farming visit 11Lions.com to reach higher levels of consciousness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_Hunter
http://EzineArticles.com/?Organic-Farming—The-Sustainable-Way-to-Farm-and-Eat&id=2006856

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Bee farms are cheap and easy. In fact, they are most recommended for small scale farmers with no resources to start their own businesses with. Many organizations are working on introducing this kind of activity for developing countries like Africa and Asia. So far, may farmers have responded and bee farms are faring well.

There’s no better time to start your own bee farm than today since the demand is very high and the supply is somewhat lacking. It opens a door for poor farmers to somehow generate enough income to support his or her family. It can even be a family business since beekeeping can be done by everyone in the family including kids. Best of all, it can blend perfectly with your crops, assuming you’re also growing them. As we all know, bees pollinate, making your crops all the more healthy therefore increasing their productivity level.

Bees produce honey while honey has high value when sold. They are very easy to harvest and won’t require any additional technology to do so. All it takes is a simple know-how which most free seminars will teach you. Furthermore, its byproduct is well sought-after by manufacturing companies and even health conscious individuals so there’s no need to fret where to sell your goods after each harvest.

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Forest farming involves trimming down, albeit cautiously, some certain genus to reestablish balance and equilibrium of a particular forest. Forest farming is encouraged in areas wherein there is an existing issue of overabundance of certain species which restrict growth of other living organisms essential in the biological cycle. Some of the most popular harvests are exotic mushrooms such as Shiitake and other medicinal, edible fungi. This method of farming is not only about harvesting but also it involves planning and cultivating to ensure that the biocycle is not destroyed in any way. Forest farming proves to be a fun and profitable venture that anyone could explore.

Several government funded seminars are conducted to teach locals residing near forest areas about forest farming methods and techniques, as well as the kinds of mushrooms that could be grown in the area. These seminars go as far as how and where to sell your produce after harvests. Aside from mushrooms, there are other crops you can find, grow and harvest in forests since they have rich and very fertile soil that could grow practically anything you can think of. These crops include, but not limited to:  ginseng and ferns which are used for medicinal and ornamental purposes.

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