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With the global demand for organic food continuing to outstrip supply, it comes as no surprise that India is emerging as an important supplier of staple and commodity-based organic food items. However, with the dramatic increase in the number of farms coming under organic management in India, the country’s training systems are being stretched to the limit. This video looks at the increasingly important role India is playing in global organic markets and how, through the formation of large family-based partnerships, it intends to continue its growth. The video also addresses the often-overlooked reasons regarding why chemical intensive agriculture was becoming untenable (and unsustainable) in many regions within India.

Shade grown coffee requires higher levels of commitment to sustainable land management practices than conventional coffee growing. In this video, Gary Stenlin introduces us to La Patriana, the only certified bird friendly organic coffee plantation in Costa Rica. As Gary explains, shade grown coffee requires significantly higher labor inputs than conventionally grown coffee. This benefits the local community of San Ramon in a number of important ways, not the least of which is through its capacity to deliver employment and training opportunities to local people. If you’re someone who is contemplating a semester abroad, you might like to check out some of the experiential learning opportunities provided by Earth Education International.

So far this year, I have purchased approximately nine dozen bottles of organic wine. The number of those secured with traditional cork stoppers amount to only seven. That’s less than five percent, with the remainder sealed beneath screw cap devices. The move away from cork has caused some consternation among organic consumers who tend to prefer natural materials as opposed to plastic and manufactured components. On the other hand, there are experts who believe that new sealing technologies provide a safer and more dependable option for consumers. Despite careful selection and quality controls, natural cork is associated with the risk of structural weakness and mould contamination. Most wine consumers appreciate that cork stoppered bottles...

Within the organic sector, it remains important that innovation and enterprise be recognised and rewarded where appropriate. I have already commented on the importance and functionality of the producers cooperative, particularly in marginal economies where establishment costs of farming equipment and primary infrastructure might be shared amongst several members. The additional benefits of this model might include the ability to distribute practical agricultural knowledge and experience and to negotiate improved terms of trade. Producer Cooperatives in prosperous regions often have the additional resources which enable them to undertake more sophisticated operations. This might include capacity to engage specialist technical consultants, managerial...

Occasionally, I’m asked to explain the important factors which convince me to believe that organic agriculture will ultimately succeed against the major investment and technologies which have structured contemporary models of food production. While my response is based on evidence obtained from practical studies, it also appeals to the intuitive wisdom of agricultural traditions throughout history. There’s an old saying which suggests “..you won’t get more out of any field than the amount you’re prepared to put in..” Putting philosophy on hold for a moment, every farmer knows that a field requires work to maximise productivity. When there is no long-term strategy for soil replenishment, sooner or later the...

Sandra Slack is the head of Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library. Sandra, together with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, performs the important role of conserving, documenting, and making available a range of vegetable varieties that are no longer widely circulated. This is time-consuming work that requires significant attention to detail. The work undertaken by Sandra and her team ensures that crop genetic material can be retained for future generations. Organic Guide recently interviewed Sandra to find out more about her work and the crucial role played within the organic movement by Garden Organic. Q: How and when was Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library established? A: Through the mid 1970s legislation was introduced...

As a dedicated organic consumer I like to play my part in minimizing the impact our species has on the planet. There are numerous “big” environmental issues, which I don’t have direct control over, and then there are the smaller ones over which I enjoy at least a degree of control. Naturally enough, rather than depressing myself with my inability to alter the course of global issues, I tend to focus my efforts and attention on the day-to-day things I can do to contribute to a better, cleaner, greener society. That’s why I pay particular attention to the packaging of organic produce. I have an expectation – and I don’t believe it to be unreasonable – that organic products should be packaged in an environmentally responsible manner....

Large scale agriculturalists and primary producers have recently become interested in measuring their carbon profiles. This may be accounted for in terms of sound economic management, and the type of foresight which anticipates the introduction of government policy and other compliance imperatives. Within this analytical environment, there is renewed demand for comparative studies which measure the approximate carbon profiles of organic and conventional agricultural technologies. In a field-based trial organised through the University of Nottingham, researchers concluded that organic weed control required almost double the amount of energy per hectare of wheat production compared with conventional control methods. In terms of carbon dioxide...

Australia is currently experiencing a long and exhausting drought. Farmers are struggling. Many of them have been forced to sell their family farms. Those that remain face tough times ahead. During times of difficulty such as this, it’s often simpler to look for quick fix solutions rather than to focus on the more sustainable long-term options. Biological Farmers of Australia Standards Chairman, Dr. Andrew Monk warns against adopting quick fix solutions. Instead, he emphasises the importance of focusing on natural farming systems which emphasise biodiversity and encourage sustainable practices. Dr. Monk says biodiversity can reduce the vulnerability, and boost returns of crops, particularly during trying seasons. “Biodiversity makes...

The number of political and social movements seeking popularity through their advocacy of environmental or green causes has increased markedly over recent years. While their growth expands to encompass wider segments of the population, environmental awareness can easily become watered down to express positive sentiments while failing to address the complexity of genuine participation. The overall benefits of adopting a green perspective tend to be elaborated at the expense of balanced and honest accountancy. There are of course inherent deficits associated with the green approach and proper documentation of these is essential for growth and development into the future. A significant percentage of consumers have adopted various lifestyle measures...