Organic farming is based on the idea that a healthy environment significantly benefits crops and the health of those consuming them. It’s about respecting natural ecological balances and maintaining the health of the soil and the ecosystems in which crops and livestock are raised.
Here are some of organic farming's main features:

• Organic farming severely restricts the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides
• Instead, organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops
• Animals are reared without the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers common in intensive livestock farming.

Soil fertility - organic farmers maintain the long term fertility of the soil by helping worms, insects and other organisms to flourish. Healthy soil means healthy plants.

Rotating crops - organic farmers rotate the types of crops and animals in a field each year. This helps to keep the soil fertile and to prevent the build up of weeds, pests and diseases, which can occur if the same crop is planted in the same field each year.

Animal husbandry - organic farmers have high standards of animal welfare, which take into consideration the natural behaviour patterns of the animals. The animals range freely outdoors. They are fed on a natural diet and given proper veterinary treatment. Animals are also an important part of an integrated organic farming system as their manure fertilises the fields whose crops they feed on.

Protecting the environment - by avoiding the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides, organic farmers reduce pollution in the soil, waterways and the food chain. Organic farmers encourage natural predators to help control pests rather than using chemicals. No genetically modified (GM) crops or animal feed are permitted.

Promoting wildlife - organic farmers maintain hedgerows, meadows, ponds and other natural habitats on which our wildlife depends. According to the Soil Association, scientific studies show that the number and variety of bird, butterfly and wild plant species tend to be greater on farms that have been organic for some time.

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