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== Methods == [[File:Organic-vegetable-cultivation.jpeg|thumb|Organic cultivation of mixed vegetables in [[Capay, California]]]] [[File:Organic farming in Richmond, Virginia (9284).jpg|alt=A woman kneels amongst vegetables in a greenhouse.|thumb|Organic farming in Virginia, USA.]] {{blockquote|"Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, [[ecosystems]] and people. It relies on ecological processes, [[biodiversity]] and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved..."|[[International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifoam.org/en/organic-landmarks/definition-organic-agriculture |title=Definition of Organic Agriculture |access-date=30 September 2008 |publisher=IFOAM}}</ref>}} Organic farming methods combine scientific knowledge of ecology and some modern [[technology]] with [[Traditional agriculture|traditional farming]] practices based on naturally occurring biological processes. Organic farming methods are studied in the field of [[agroecology]]. While conventional agriculture uses synthetic pesticides and water-soluble synthetically purified fertilizers, organic farmers are restricted by regulations to using natural pesticides and fertilizers. An example of a natural pesticide is [[pyrethrin]], which is found naturally in the [[Chrysanthemum]] flower. The principal methods of organic farming include [[crop rotation]], [[green manure]]s and [[compost]], [[biological pest control]], and mechanical [[Tillage|cultivation]]. These measures use the natural environment to enhance agricultural productivity: [[legumes]] are planted to fix [[nitrogen]] into the soil, [[predation|natural insect predators]] are encouraged, crops are rotated to confuse pests and renew soil, and natural materials such as [[potassium bicarbonate]]<ref>FiBL (2006) [http://www.betriebsmittelliste.ch/fileadmin/documents/de/hifu/stellungnahmen/potassium_bicarbonate_organic.pdf Use of potassium bicarbonate as a fungicide in organic farming] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111033236/http://www.betriebsmittelliste.ch/fileadmin/documents/de/hifu/stellungnahmen/potassium_bicarbonate_organic.pdf |date=11 January 2014 }}</ref> and [[mulch]]es are used to control disease and [[weed]]s. [[Genetically modified organism|Genetically modified]] seeds and animals are excluded. While organic is fundamentally different from conventional because of the use of carbon-based fertilizers compared with highly soluble synthetic based fertilizers and [[biological pest control]] instead of synthetic pesticides, organic farming and large-scale conventional farming are not entirely mutually exclusive. Many of the methods developed for organic agriculture have been borrowed by more conventional agriculture. For example, [[Integrated Pest Management]] is a multifaceted strategy that uses various organic methods of pest control whenever possible, but in conventional farming could include synthetic [[pesticides]] only as a last resort.<ref name="EPA">{{cite web | title =Integrated Pest Management | publisher =U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | url =http://www.epa.gov/oecaagct/tipm.html | access-date =1 January 2013 }}</ref> Examples of beneficial insects that are used in organic farming include ladybugs and lacewings, both of which feed on aphids. The use of IPM lowers the possibility of pest developing resistance to pesticides that are applied to crops. === Crop diversity === Organic farming encourages [[crop diversity]] by promoting [[polyculture]] (multiple crops in the same space). Planting a variety of [[vegetable]] crops supports a wider range of beneficial insects, soil microorganisms, and other factors that add up to overall farm health. [[Crop]] diversity helps the environment to thrive and protects species from going extinct.<ref>Fargione J, and D Tilman. 2002. "[http://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/biblio/fulltext/t1868.pdf Competition and coexistence in terrestrial plants] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225153237/https://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/biblio/fulltext/t1868.pdf |date=25 February 2021 }}". Pages 156-206 In U. Sommer and B Worm editors, ''Competition and Coexistence''. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany.</ref><ref>[http://www.wunderground.com/blog/organicfarmingblog/crop-diversity-a-distinctive-characteristic-of-an-organic-farming-met Crop diversity: A Distinctive Characteristic of an Organic Farming Method] - Organic Farming; 15 April 2013</ref> The science of [[Agroecology]] has revealed the benefits of polyculture, which is often employed in organic farming. Agroecology is a scientific discipline that uses ecological theory to study, design, manage, and evaluate [[Agriculture|agricultural]] systems that are productive and resource-conserving, and that are also culturally sensitive, socially just, and economically viable.<ref>{{cite web |title=Diversity: diversification is key to agroecological transitions to ensure food security and nutrition while conserving, protecting and enhancing natural resources |url=https://www.fao.org/agroecology/knowledge/10-elements/diversity/en/ |website=Fao |publisher=Food and organization of the united nations |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> Incorporating crop diversity into organic farming practices can have several benefits. For instance, it can help to increase [[soil]] fertility by promoting the growth of beneficial soil [[microorganism]]s. It can also help to reduce pest and disease pressure by creating a more diverse and resilient [[agroecosystem]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Why Diversify? |url=https://www.sare.org/publications/diversifying-cropping-systems/why-diversify/ |website=SARE |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> Furthermore, crop diversity can help to improve the nutritional quality of food by providing a wider range of essential [[nutrient]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Organic agriculture and its benefits for climate and biodiversity |url=https://www.organicseurope.bio/content/uploads/2022/04/IFOAMEU_advocacy_organic-benefits-for-climate-and-biodiversity_2022.pdf?dd |website=Organics Europe |access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> === Soil management === Organic farming relies more heavily on the natural breakdown of organic matter than the average conventional farm, using techniques like [[green manure]] and [[composting]], to replace nutrients taken from the soil by previous crops. This biological process, driven by [[microorganism]]s such as [[mycorrhiza]] and [[earthworms]], releases nutrients available to plants throughout the growing season. Farmers use a variety of methods to improve soil fertility, including crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and application of compost. By reducing fuel-intensive tillage, less soil organic matter is lost to the atmosphere. This has an added benefit of [[carbon sequestration]], which reduces greenhouse gases and helps reverse climate change. Reducing tillage may also improve soil structure and reduce the potential for soil erosion. [[Plant nutrition|Plants need]] a large number of nutrients in various quantities to flourish. Supplying enough [[nitrogen]] and particularly synchronization, so that plants get enough nitrogen at the time when they need it most, is a challenge for organic farmers.<ref name=SoilFertility>{{Cite journal|vauthors=Watson CA, Atkinson D, Gosling P, Jackson LR, Rayns FW | title = Managing soil fertility in organic farming systems | year = 2002 | journal = Soil Use and Management | pages = 239β247| volume = 18 | doi = 10.1111/j.1475-2743.2002.tb00265.x | bibcode = 2002SUMan..18S.239W | s2cid = 36782412 | url = http://orgprints.org/8060/2/Watson_orgprints_8060.pdf }} [http://orgprints.org/8060/ Preprint with free full-text].</ref> [[Crop rotation]] and green manure ("[[cover crop]]s") help to provide nitrogen through [[legume]]s (more precisely, the family [[Fabaceae]]), which fix nitrogen from the atmosphere through symbiosis with [[rhizobia]]l [[bacteria]]. [[Intercropping]], which is sometimes used for insect and disease control, can also increase soil nutrients, but the competition between the legume and the crop can be problematic and wider spacing between crop rows is required. [[Crop residue]]s can be [[plough]]ed back into the soil, and different plants leave different amounts of nitrogen, potentially aiding synchronization.<ref name=SoilFertility/> Organic farmers also use animal [[manure]]and certain processed fertilizers, such as seed meal and various [[mineral]] powders such as [[rock phosphate]] and [[Greensand (geology)|green sand]], a naturally occurring form of [[potash]] that provides potassium. In some cases, [[pH]] may need to be amended. Natural pH amendments include [[Agricultural lime|lime]] and [[sulfur]], but in the U.S. some compounds, such as [[Iron(II) sulfate|iron sulfate]], [[aluminum sulfate]], [[magnesium sulfate]], and soluble [[boron]] products are allowed in organic farming.<ref name=Gillman2008/>{{Rp|43}} Mixed farms with both [[livestock]] and [[Tillage|crops]] can operate as [[ley farming|ley farms]], whereby the land gathers fertility through growing nitrogen-fixing [[forage]] grasses, such as [[white clover]] or [[alfalfa]], and grows [[cash crop]]s or [[cereal]]s when fertility is established. Farms without livestock ("stockless") may find it more difficult to maintain soil fertility and may rely more on external inputs, such as imported [[manure]], as well as grain legumes and green manures, although grain legumes may fix limited nitrogen because they are harvested. [[Horticulture|Horticultural]] farms that grow fruits and vegetables in protected conditions often rely even more on external inputs.<ref name=SoilFertility/> Manure is very bulky and is often not cost-effective to transport more than a short distance from the source. Manure for organic farms may become scarce if a sizable number of farms become organically managed. === Weed management === Organic [[weed]] management promotes weed suppression, rather than weed elimination, by enhancing crop competition and [[phytotoxic]] effects on weeds.<ref name="extension.iastate.edu">Kathleen Delate and Daksh Bhavsar. 2013. [http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1883.pdf Weed Management for Organic Farmers]. Iowa State University Extension Bulletin 1883.</ref> Organic farmers integrate cultural, biological, mechanical, physical and chemical tactics to manage weeds without synthetic [[herbicide]]s. Organic standards require [[Crop rotation|rotation]] of annual crops,<ref>Staff, India's Conference on Trade and Development. [http://193.194.138.42/en/Sustainability-Claims-Portal/Discussion-Forum/Organic-Standards/ Organic Standards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606214740/http://193.194.138.42/en/Sustainability-Claims-Portal/Discussion-Forum/Organic-Standards/ |date=6 June 2015 }}</ref> meaning that a single crop cannot be grown in the same location without a different, intervening crop. Organic crop rotations frequently include weed-suppressive [[cover crop]]s and crops with dissimilar life cycles to discourage weeds associated with a particular person.<ref name="extension.iastate.edu"/> Research is ongoing to develop organic methods to promote the growth of natural microorganisms that suppress the growth or germination of common weeds.<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Kremer | first1 = Robert J. | last2 = Li | first2 = Jianmei | year = 2003 | title = Developing weed-suppressive soils through improved soil quality management | url = http://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/11123/PDF | journal = Soil & Tillage Research | volume = 72 | issue = 2 | pages = 193β202 | doi = 10.1016/s0167-1987(03)00088-6 | bibcode = 2003STilR..72..193K | access-date = 3 February 2013 | archive-date = 3 March 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303172306/http://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/11123/PDF | url-status = dead }}</ref> Other cultural practices used to enhance crop competitiveness and reduce weed pressure include selection of competitive crop varieties, high-density planting, tight row spacing, and late planting into warm soil to encourage rapid crop [[germination]].<ref name="extension.iastate.edu"/> Mechanical and chemical weed control practices used on organic farms can be broadly grouped as:<ref name="extension.org">Mark Schonbeck, Virginia Association for Biological Farming. Last Updated: 23 March 2010. [http://www.extension.org/article/18532 An Organic Weed Control Toolbox] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828064035/http://www.extension.org/article/18532 |date=28 August 2010 }}.</ref> * [[Tillage]] - Turning the soil between crops to incorporate crop residues and soil amendments; remove existing weed growth and prepare a seedbed for planting; turning soil after seeding to kill weeds, including [[cultivator|cultivation]] of row crops. * Mowing and cutting - Removing top growth of weeds. * Flame weeding and thermal weeding - Using heat to kill weeds. * [[Mulch]]ing - Blocking weed emergence with organic materials, plastic films, or [[landscape fabric]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Szykitka, Walter|title=The Big Book of Self-Reliant Living: Advice and Information on Just About Everything You Need to Know to Live on Planet Earth|publisher=Globe-Pequot|year=2004|isbn=978-1-59228-043-8|page=343|url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=E0bb14gPCZsC|page=343}}}}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Some naturally sourced chemicals are allowed for herbicidal use. These include certain formulations of [[acetic acid]] (concentrated vinegar), [[corn gluten meal]], and [[essential oils]]. A few selective [[bioherbicide]]s based on fungal [[pathogen]]s have also been developed. At this time, however, organic herbicides and [[bioherbicide]]s play a minor role in the organic weed control toolbox.<ref name="extension.org"/> Weeds can be controlled by grazing. For example, geese have been used successfully to weed a range of organic crops including cotton, strawberries, tobacco, and corn,<ref>Glenn Geiger and Harold Biellier. 1993. [http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G8922 Weeding With Geese] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923222023/http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G8922 |date=23 September 2010 }}. University of Missouri Extension Bulletin G8922.</ref> reviving the practice of keeping [[Cotton Patch Goose|cotton patch geese]], common in the southern U.S. before the 1950s. Similarly, some rice farmers introduce ducks and fish to wet [[paddy field]]s to eat both weeds and insects.<ref name="csmonitor.com">[http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0220/p11s01-sten.html?s=widep How to feed the world] By Laurent Belsie (edition of 20 February 2003) The Christian Science Monitor</ref> === Controlling other organisms === [[File:Chloroxylon from India.JPG|thumb|[[Chloroxylon]] is used for pest management in organic rice cultivation in Chhattisgarh, India.]] {{See also|Biological pest control|Integrated Pest Management}} Organisms aside from weeds that cause problems on farms include [[arthropod]]s (e.g., insects, [[mite]]s), [[nematode]]s, [[fungus|fungi]] and [[bacteria]]. Practices include, but are not limited to: Examples of predatory beneficial insects include [[Orius (bug)|minute pirate bugs]], [[Geocoris|big-eyed bugs]], and to a lesser extent [[Coccinellidae|ladybugs]] (which tend to fly away), all of which eat a wide range of pests. [[Neuroptera|Lacewings]] are also effective, but tend to fly away. [[Praying mantis]] tend to move more slowly and eat less heavily. [[Parasitoid wasp]]s tend to be effective for their selected prey, but like all small insects can be less effective outdoors because the wind controls their movement. Predatory mites are effective for controlling other mites.<ref name=Gillman2008/>{{Rp|66β90}} Naturally derived [[insecticide]]s allowed for use on organic farms include ''[[Bacillus thuringiensis]]'' (a bacterial toxin), [[pyrethrum]] (a chrysanthemum extract), [[spinosad]] (a bacterial metabolite), [[neem]] (a tree extract) and [[rotenone]] (a legume root extract). Fewer than 10% of organic farmers use these pesticides regularly; a 2003 survey found that only 5.3% of vegetable growers in California use rotenone while 1.7% use pyrethrum.<ref name=Lotter2003>{{Cite journal |last1=Lotter |first1=D. |year=2003 |url=http://donlotter.net/lotter_organicag.pdf |title=Organic Agriculture |journal=Journal of Sustainable Agriculture |volume=21 |issue=4 |doi=10.1300/J064v21n04_06 |page=59 |bibcode=2003JSusA..21d..59L |s2cid=216090323 |access-date=13 February 2008 |archive-date=8 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708123123/http://donlotter.net/lotter_organicag.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{rp|26}} These pesticides are not always more safe or environmentally friendly than synthetic pesticides and can cause harm.<ref name=Gillman2008>Gillman J. (2008). ''The Truth About Organic Farming''.</ref>{{rp|92}} The main criterion for organic pesticides is that they are naturally derived, and some naturally derived substances have been controversial. Controversial natural pesticides include rotenone, [[copper]], [[nicotine sulfate]], and pyrethrums<ref name=Misconcept>IFOAM. [http://infohub.ifoam.org/sites/default/files/page/files/misconceptions_compiled.pdf Criticisms and Frequent Misconceptions about Organic Agriculture: The Counter-Arguments] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124115746/http://infohub.ifoam.org/sites/default/files/page/files/misconceptions_compiled.pdf |date=24 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>Pottorff LP. [http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4DMG/VegFruit/organic.htm Some Pesticides Permitted in Organic Gardening]. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.</ref> Rotenone and pyrethrum are particularly controversial because they work by attacking the nervous system, like most conventional insecticides. Rotenone is extremely toxic to fish<ref>Marking, L. L. and T. D. Bills. 1976. Toxicity of rotenone to fish in standardized laboratory tests. U. S. Dept. Interior, No. 72. 11 pp.</ref> and can induce symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease in mammals.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1074/jbc.M508628200 |title=Rotenone Model of Parkinson Disease: MULTIPLE BRAIN MITOCHONDRIA DYSFUNCTIONS AFTER SHORT TERM SYSTEMIC ROTENONE INTOXICATION |year=2005 |last1=Panov |first1=A. |journal=Journal of Biological Chemistry |volume=280 |issue=51 |pages=42026β35 |pmid=16243845 |last2=Dikalov |first2=S |last3=Shalbuyeva |first3=N |last4=Taylor |first4=G |last5=Sherer |first5=T |last6=Greenamyre |first6=JT|doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |pmid=14645467 |pmc=6740985 |year=2003 |last1=Sherer |first1=TB |last2=Betarbet |first2=R |last3=Testa |first3=CM |last4=Seo |first4=BB |last5=Richardson |first5=JR |last6=Kim |first6=JH |last7=Miller |first7=GW |last8=Yagi |first8=T |last9=Matsuno-Yagi |first9=A |last10=Greenamyre |first10=JT |title=Mechanism of toxicity in rotenone models of Parkinson's disease |volume=23 |issue=34 |pages=10756β64 |journal=The Journal of Neuroscience|doi=10.1523/JNEUROSCI.23-34-10756.2003 }}</ref> Although pyrethrum (natural pyrethrins) is more effective against insects when used with piperonyl butoxide (which retards degradation of the pyrethrins),<ref>Jones, D. 1998. Piperonyl butoxide: the insecticide synergist. Academic Press, London. 323 pp.</ref> organic standards generally do not permit use of the latter substance.<ref name=CGSB2006b>Canadian General Standards Board. CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006.</ref><ref name=OGA2004>OGA. 2004. OGA standard. Organic Growers of Australia. Inc. 32 pp.</ref><ref name=7CFR205>7 CFR, part 205. U.S. Code of Federal Regulations</ref> Naturally derived [[fungicide]]s allowed for use on organic farms include the bacteria ''[[Bacillus subtilis]]'' and ''Bacillus pumilus''; and the fungus ''[[Trichoderma harzianum]]''. These are mainly effective for diseases affecting roots. [[Compost tea]] contains a mix of beneficial microbes, which may attack or out-compete certain plant pathogens,<ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1094/PHYTO.2004.94.11.1156 | title = Compost tea as a container medium drench for suppressing seedling damping-off caused by Pythium | year = 2004 | journal = Phytopathology | pages = 1156β1163 | volume = 94 | issue = 11 |vauthors=Scheuerell SJ, Mahaffee WF | pmid = 18944450| doi-access = free }}</ref> but variability among formulations and preparation methods may contribute to inconsistent results or even dangerous growth of toxic microbes in compost teas.<ref>{{Cite journal | url = http://www.woodsend.org/pdf-files/compost-tea-BD04R.pdf | title = Compost teas: Microbial hygiene and quality in relation to method of preparation | year = 2004 | journal = Biodynamics | pages = 36β45 | access-date = 15 April 2009 | vauthors = Brinton W, etal | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080511212120/http://woodsend.org/pdf-files/compost-tea-BD04R.pdf | archive-date = 11 May 2008 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Some naturally derived pesticides are not allowed for use on organic farms. These include nicotine sulfate, [[arsenic]], and [[strychnine]].<ref name=USDAlist>{{cite web|url=https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-7/part-205/subpart-g|title=USDA National Organic Program, Subpart G. The National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances.|access-date=2 April 2022}}</ref> Synthetic pesticides allowed for use on organic farms include [[insecticidal soap]]s and [[horticultural oil]]s for insect management; and [[Bordeaux mixture]], [[copper hydroxide]] and [[sodium bicarbonate]] for managing fungi.<ref name=USDAlist/> Copper sulfate and Bordeaux mixture (copper sulfate plus lime), approved for organic use in various jurisdictions,<ref name=CGSB2006b/><ref name=OGA2004/><ref name=USDAlist/> can be more environmentally problematic than some synthetic fungicides disallowed in organic farming.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/S0308-521X(00)00045-7 |title=The origin and hazard of inputs to crop protection in organic farming systems: Are they sustainable? |year=2001 |last1=Edwards-Jones |first1=G |last2=Howells |first2=O |journal=Agricultural Systems |volume=67 |issue=1 |page=31|bibcode=2001AgSys..67...31E }}</ref><ref>Leake, A. R. 1999. House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities. Session 1998-99, 16th Report. Organic Farming and the European Union. p. 81. Cited by {{cite journal | last1 = Trewavas | first1 = A | year = 2004 | title = A critical assessment of organic farming-and-food assertions with particular respect to the UK and the potential environmental benefits of no-till agriculture | journal = Crop Protection | volume = 23 | issue = 9| pages = 757β781 | doi=10.1016/j.cropro.2004.01.009| bibcode = 2004CrPro..23..757T }}</ref> Similar concerns apply to copper hydroxide. Repeated application of copper sulfate or copper hydroxide as a fungicide may eventually result in copper accumulation to toxic levels in soil,<ref>Caldwell, B., E. B. Rosen, E. Sideman, A. M. Shelton and C. D. Smart. 2005. Resource guide for organic insect and disease management. Cornell Univ.</ref> and admonitions to avoid excessive accumulations of copper in soil appear in various organic standards and elsewhere. Environmental concerns for several kinds of biota arise at average rates of use of such substances for some crops.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2009/arla-pmra/H113-27-2009-4E.pdf|publisher=Health Canada |year=2009 |title=Consultation document on copper pesticides - proposed re-evaluation decision - PRVD2009-04}}</ref> In the European Union, where replacement of copper-based fungicides in organic agriculture is a policy priority,<ref>Cooper, J., U. Niggli and C. Leifert (eds.). 2007. Handbook of organic food safety and quality. CRC Press, Boca Raton. 544 pp.</ref> research is seeking alternatives for organic production.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.organic-research.net/european-projects.html |title=European organic farming research projects |publisher=Organic Research |access-date=10 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110074736/http://www.organic-research.net/european-projects.html |archive-date=10 January 2014}}</ref> === Livestock === [[File:Organic cattle in Ohio, United States.jpg|thumb|right|For livestock vaccines play an important part in animal health since antibiotic therapy is prohibited in organic farming.]] Raising livestock and poultry, for meat, dairy and eggs, is another traditional farming activity that complements growing. Organic farms attempt to provide animals with natural living conditions and feed. Organic certification verifies that livestock are raised according to the USDA organic regulations throughout their lives.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ams.usda.gov/?dDocName=STELPRDC5102526|title=Agricultural Marketing Service|website=www.ams.usda.gov|access-date=2018-12-17}}</ref> These regulations include the requirement that all animal feed must be certified organic. Organic livestock may be, and must be, treated with medicine when they are sick, but drugs cannot be used to promote growth, their feed must be organic, and they must be pastured.<ref>FAO [http://www.fao.org/docs/eims/upload/230124/CXg_032e.pdf Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods (Gl 32 β 1999, Rev. 1 β 2001)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224181750/http://www.fao.org/docs/eims/upload/230124/CXg_032e.pdf |date=24 February 2021 }}</ref>{{rp|19ff}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ams.usda.gov/?acct=nopgeninfo&leftNav=NationalOrganicProgram&navID=OrganicStandardslinkNOPConsumers&page=NOPOrganicStandards&resultType=&rightNav1=OrganicStandardslinkNOPConsumers&template=TemplateN&topNav=|title=Home | Agricultural Marketing Service|website=www.ams.usda.gov}}</ref> Also, horses and cattle were once a basic farm feature that provided labour, for hauling and plowing, fertility, through recycling of manure, and fuel, in the form of food for farmers and other animals. While today, small growing operations often do not include livestock, domesticated animals are a desirable part of the organic farming equation, especially for true sustainability, the ability of a farm to function as a self-renewing unit. === Genetic modification === {{Main|Genetically modified crops|Genetically modified food|Genetically modified food controversies}} A key characteristic of organic farming is the exclusion of genetically engineered plants and animals. On 19 October 1998, participants at IFOAM's 12th Scientific Conference issued the [[International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements#IFOAM and GMOs|Mar del Plata Declaration]], where more than 600 delegates from over 60 countries voted unanimously to exclude the use of genetically modified organisms in organic food production and agriculture. Although opposition to the use of any transgenic technologies in organic farming is strong, agricultural researchers Luis Herrera-Estrella and Ariel Alvarez-Morales continue to advocate integration of [[transgenic]] technologies into organic farming as the optimal means to sustainable agriculture, particularly in the developing world.<ref>{{Cite journal| volume=2 |date=April 2001 |author1=Luis Herrera-Estrella |author2=Ariel Alvarez-Morales |title=Genetically modified crops: hope for developing countries? |pages=256β258| doi= 10.1093/embo-reports/kve075 |journal=EMBO Reports |pmid=11306538 |issue=4 |pmc=1083872}}</ref> Organic farmer Raoul Adamchak and geneticist [[Pamela Ronald]] write that many agricultural applications of [[biotechnology]] are consistent with organic principles and have significantly advanced sustainable agriculture.<ref>{{Cite book|publisher=Oxford University Press |date=April 2018 |author1=Pamela Ronald |author2=Raoul Adamchak |title=Tomorrow's Table: Organic Farming, Genetics and the Future of Food|isbn=978-0199342082 }}</ref> Although GMOs are excluded from organic farming, there is concern that the pollen from genetically modified crops is increasingly penetrating organic and [[Heirloom plant|heirloom seed stocks]], making it difficult, if not impossible, to keep these genomes from entering the organic food supply. Differing regulations among countries limits the availability of GMOs to certain countries, as described in the article on [[regulation of the release of genetic modified organisms]]. === Tools === Organic farmers use a number of traditional [[Garden tool|farm tools]] to do farming, and may make use of [[agricultural machinery]] in similar ways to conventional farming. In the developing world, on small organic farms, tools are normally constrained to hand tools and [[diesel fuel|diesel]] powered water pumps.
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