Although there could be many attempts to define the principles of organic agriculture, but the most welknown and accepted is those of the IFOAM – Organic International.
These Principles were developed after over 2 years of discussion among organic practioners from different parts of the world based on their experiences engaging in organic agricultures. The Principles were discussed and approved by the IFOAM General Assembly on September 25, 2005.
The four principles of organic agriculture are as follows:
Principle of Health: organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal and human as one and indivisible.
Principle of Ecology: organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them with the help of it.
Principle of Fairness: organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities.
Principle of Care: organic agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well being of current and future generations and the environment.
You can read more about these principles at the IFOAM’s website. Translation to different language is also available.
