Assignment last semester part 3...

Dr.Magsino

1 What is OA as you understand it from the general and commonly used definition cited in the IFOAM and FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius?

It is the maintaining or enhancing soil fertility and bringing back the vitality and plant health by utilizing crop rotation, green manuring, cover cropping, natural based products and opposing the usage of agro-chemicals.

2 What are the four principles of OA based on IFOAM norms and standards? Provide brief description and examples.

·         The principle of health

Ü  This principle points out that the health of individuals and community cannot be separated from the health of the ecosystem - healthy soils produce healthy crops that foster he health of animals and people.

·         Principle of ecology

Ü  It states that production is to be based on ecological processes and nutrient recycling. Nourishment and well being are achieved through the ecology of the specific production environment. For example. In the case of crops it is the living soil: for animal it is the farm ecosystem: for fish and marine organisms , the  aquatic environment

·         Principle of fairness

Ü  This principle emphasizes that those involved in OA should conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties- farmers, workers, consumers.

·         Principle of care

Ü  This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concern in the management, development, and technology choice in OA.

5 List at least five requirements in OA based on the major concepts and principles. Differentiate it from conventional agriculture

Organic Agriculture.                                       Conventional Agriculture       

Maintain long-term soil fertility	The constant use of artificial fertilizer, together with a lack of crop rotation, reduces the soil's fertility year by year.
Promote the healthy use of soil, water and air as well as minimize all forms of pollution that may result from agricultural practices	About half of the nitrate in the artificial fertilizer used on crops is dissolved by rain. The dissolved nitrate runs off the fields to contaminate water courses.
Enhance biological diversity within the whole system	Large and other chemical farms tend to be monocultures growing the same crop and crop variety
Recycle plant and animal wastes to return nutrients to the land, thus minimizing the use of non renewable resources	applying large quantities of artificial fertilizers, instead of by maintaining the natural fertility of the soil.
Rely on renewable resources in locally organized agriculture system	Many farms are not self-sufficient in animal feed; instead they rely on feed brought into the farm. This often comes from countries which can ill afford to part with it.

4 Give your own examples of benefits derived from OA, from the perspectives of environmental protection, consumer’s protection, industry perspective, and farmer producers.

·         Environmental protection

Ü  Reduces the pollution

Ü  Enhances the soil condition

Ü  By not using gmo it can prevent arise of unwanted species.

·         Consumer’s protection

Ü  Provide healthy and safe food

Ü   

·         Industry prospective

Ü  High income

Ü  High demand

·         Farmer producer

Ü  Safety of farmers

Ü  High demand/ high income

5 OA is location-specific and knowledge-intensive. How can you emphasize this in your own promotion activities for OA?  What specific strategy would you adopt?

Location is a must to start your OA. The location should have the specific needs to maintain your OA.

Knowledge is the key to success in OA if you have the knowledge you can give solution in any problem in any given time.

Knowledge + intensive care = more success!!

#Strategy for promotion?

            I much preferred to conduct a seminar, in that way the farmers, consumers, society will further understand what OA is.