Organic Food in Singapore

B) Main approaches – Eco-friendly

and

other

ecosystems,

affecting

both

freshwater

and

marine

environments.

4) Organic

o Saves energy compared to conventional farms: organic farms do not use synthetic fertilizers, the manufacture of which requires a lot of energy.

The definition

o Offsets carbon-dioxide emissions : organic farming increases the

The definition, according to the International Federation of Organic

amount of organic matter in the soil – matter that would otherwise rot

Agriculture Movements, goes: “Organic agriculture is an agricultual system

above ground and produce carbon that would go into the atmosphere

that promotes environmentally sound production of food, fibre, timber, etc. In this system, soil fertility is seen as the key to successful production. Working with the natural properties of plants, animals, and the landscape, organic farmers aim to optimise quality in all aspects of agriculture and the environment.”

A few reasons why you should go organic o Health: organic products avoid the heavy pesticide and herbicide use typical of conventional farming: organic farmers are permitted to use only a very limited range of insecticides, selected because they are natural products or their safety is well-established.

o Maintains the quality of the soil : organic farmers enrich the soil by adding organic matter. That increases the number of worms and microorganisms. Soil rich in organic matter needs less irrigation because the soil holds moisture better. It is also less likely to blow away in the wind, or wash off with every storm.

o Fosters biodiversity: rare plants are indiscriminately sprayed with herbicides, along with more common weeds.

o Reduces pollution from nitrogen run-off: the Gulf of Mexico dead zone is caused by too much nitrogen, which makes its way into rivers

(Source: The Ethics of What We Eat, Peter Singer & Jim Mason, 2006.)

The various organic schemes Scheme

United States Department of Agriculture o

Description BDIH o