What is organic agriculture?




Organic farming is a production system that tries to make maximum use of farm resources, emphasizing the soil fertility and biological activity and at the same time, minimize the use of nonrenewable resources and do not use fertilizers and synthetic pesticides to protect the environment and human health. Organic agriculture involves much more than not using chemicals. In Central America is producing a variety of organic agricultural products for export.
What are the major requirements? There are specific requirements to certify the organic production of most crops, livestock, fish farming, beekeeping, forestry and harvesting of wild products. The rules for organic production include requirements related to the transition of the farm (time that the farm must use organic production methods before they can be certified, which is usually 2 to 3 years). Among the requirements are the selection of seeds and plant materials, the method of plant breeding, maintenance of soil fertility and recycling of used organic materials, the method of tillage, water conservation, and pest control , diseases and weeds. In addition, criteria have been established on the use of organic fertilizers and inputs to control pests and diseases. With regard to the production of animals, usually no requirements on animal health, nutrition, reproduction, living conditions, transport and slaughter procedures.
How do I get certified? The standards for organic agriculture are created mainly by private certifiers, but many countries have established national standards. In Central America, Costa Rica's government has set its own rules and other countries are in the process of creating and implementing their own, to support the organic agriculture sector. Europe, U.S. and Japan have national standards and if the producers want to export their products to these markets must meet the organic labeling requirements of importing countries.
The selection of the certification is very important. The agency chosen by the producer must be officially recognized and trusted to the buyer in the importing country. National certification agencies are often less expensive than international agencies, but may not be as known in some foreign markets. The period of transition from farm to organic certification often costly for the manufacturer as 2-3 years while passing the product is sold at conventional price, but the producer has to comply with the principles of production organic, which can increase production costs and reduce productivity, at least initially. To lower the cost of certification, producers can come together and create a system of internal control, provided they meet certain requirements. In doing so, it is important that producers take into account that they trust and work together as they largely depend on each other.
What are the main advantages and limitations?


Producers switching to organic agriculture for several reasons. Some believe that the use of synthetic chemicals is bad for your health and the environment, others are attracted by higher prices and the rapidly growing market for many organic products in recent years. Organic agriculture can be an interesting opportunity for many American producers and can become an important tool to improve their quality of life and income.
The shift to organic agriculture can be easier and more profitable for some producers, depending on factors such as, for example, if the farmer uses synthetic agrochemicals intensively or not, if you have access to labor (organic production usually requires more labor) if you have access to organic fertilizers and other inputs allowed, and if you own your land, etc.
In general, Central organic products sold in the farmers' market and, more recently, supermarkets. Despite the growing domestic demand, the main markets for organic products are North American, Europe and Japan. At first, organic farming was interested mostly small farmers, men and women, but with the growth of the market, some large producers have started to produce organically. This has created greater competitive pressure on prices and quality products.
There are technical limitations with some organic products in some situations where there is not good alternatives for the use of agrochemicals. Most organic products receive a higher price compared with conventional products. However, although it is difficult to generalize, it is expected that in future this price difference is reduced due to an increase in organic production of some products, which can meet market demand. On the other hand, although there is a risk of diminishing the premium received for organic products and, in some cases, even disappear, certified organic products are well recognized in most markets and, as such, may be preferred over conventional products GUILLERMO