The Absence of Genetic Modification
Genetically modified products have a role in global agriculture, but one critical attribute of organic farming is the denial of genetic engineering in flora and fauna. Even the use of transgenic technologies is strongly opposed for farming organically. GMOs are banned entirely from organic farming practices, although it is near impossible to keep the pollen from GMO crops from cross-pollinating with organic crops. Laws and regulations curtail the availability of GMOs differ between certain countries, but it is universally understood that GMOs cannot be used in organic agriculture.
Principles of Organic Production
- guard the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity, and promote a sound state of health,
- maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil,
- maintain biological diversity within the system,
- recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within the enterprise,
- provide attentive care that promotes the health and meets the behavioral needs of livestock,
- prepare organic products, emphasizing careful processing, and handling methods to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the products at all stages of production,
- rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems
