There are many definitions of organic farming. Schofield (1986) points out that the concept of “completeness” in organic farming presupposes “systemic connection” and coordination of parts as a whole. Nortborn (1940), the man who was credited with being the first to use the term organic farming, promoted a society created by small, just enough parts (wholes) versus large impersonal ones. He still has great significance in what environmental activist movements do to preserve the environment and propagate around the world as a goal and a value.
According to Lampkin (1994), the goal of organic farming is to create an integrated, humane, sustainable system for the environment, an economy that increases connectivity to energy sources from the farm itself, and environmental and biological processes and connectivity management in order to provide acceptable yields, meet human nutritional needs and protect against pests and diseases.
Principles of organic production and processing according to IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Farming Movements)
Organic farming:
• Produce food in sufficient quantities of good quality
• Constructively connect with natural cycles and systems forcing life.
• Support and increase the biological cycles of farms, including microorganisms, soil, fauna, plants and animals.
• Develop a valuable and sustainable aqua ecosystem.
• Maintain and improve soil fertility in the long run.
• Maintain the genetic diversity of the environment, including plant and animal protection.
• Promote healthy use of water, water resources and all life in it.
• Use, as much as possible, renewable sources of locally organized production systems and create a harmonious balance between the production of plants and animals.
• Provide all the necessary living conditions for the animals with due respect for their basic internal needs.
• Reduce all sources of pollution.
• Process organic food using renewable resources. Produce completely bio-starving organic products.
• Produce materials that have a long shelf life and good quality.
• Progress towards complete production, processing and distribution chain that is equally fair and environmentally responsible.