Organic farming is a farming method that is done without applying any chemical when growing and cultivating agricultural products with the general definition and the products obtained with this method are organic products. Organic agriculture protects the structure of the soil, supports biodiversity, prevents erosion, minimizes environmental pollution, and allows to grow crops without disrupting the organic structure of the soil.
There are various criteria for a product to be called organic product. At least two years must pass in annual plants from the date of planting for organic herbal products. In pasture and forage crops, it is necessary to apply a two-year transition period before using the product as forage, but a three-year transition period before harvesting in perennial plants. These transition processes and all information regarding the process are determined by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock.
The way to find out if the organic product is really organic is the certificate that the product has. In fact, this certificate is one of the most important distinguishing features that distinguish organic product from other products. The organic product necessarily includes the first planting date, harvest date, origin, content of the product, the methods used when growing the product, and many other things.
Are Organic Products More Nutritional Value than Other Non-Organic Products?
Although there is no clear information on this subject, according to some researches, organically grown fruits and vegetables contain more vitamin C, trace elements and antioxidant substances compared to other products grown with other traditional farming methods. In many scientific studies, it has been determined that there is no difference in nutritional value between organic and non-organic products.
How is the Certificate of Organic Product?
In order for an organic product to be certified, it must contain the following conditions according to European Union standards and according to the Organic Products Regulation of Food, Agriculture and Livestock:
- Must have field inspection certificate.
- The farmer must have a certificate that he has knowledge about organic crop farming.
- The natural fertilizer and pesticide used in the product should be checked.
- The seed used should be examined.
- Exact controls of the growing product should be carried out.
- It is essential to examine whether the people who process the product are suitable for organic agriculture.
- Those who market the product and present it to the consumer should be audited.
Why Are Organic Products Expensive Than Other Products?
When growing organic products, natural seeds and artificial fertilizers are used. For this reason, the cost increases and is reflected in the product price based on the calculated cost. Compared to other chemicals, organic fertilizers and drugs, the price difference is quite high. In addition, the number of products obtained from drugs used in organic agriculture is low because it is not as effective as chemicals. For this reason, there are times when waste is lost in production. This number of wastage causes both time and product loss. Therefore, the cost is increasing. Therefore, the price of organic products is also affected by them.
Since tractors and similar agricultural vehicles cannot enter the field in organic farming, only workers take part in organic product collection and distribution. Therefore, labor cost of organic product production is high. In addition, the purchase rate of other products is higher than organic products. Firms selling organic products are small companies and their unit costs are high. These reasons are reflected in the retail and wholesale prices of organic products.
Why Organic Product Should Be Preferred?
- Organic products are extremely delicious and healthy.
- While growing organic products, no chemical drugs, fertilizers and synthetic vitamins are used.
- Organic farming maintains natural balance.
- Product variety is guaranteed in organic products.
- Organic products do not contain GMO and similar artificial additives.
- Since there is no environmentally hazardous process in organic product breeding, animal health is protected.
