Agricultural Production Systems Emphasizing Natural Processes

Principles and Objectives

A system of farming that prioritizes ecological balance, biodiversity conservation, and the use of renewable resources. The objective is to produce food with minimal reliance on synthetic inputs, fostering soil health and overall environmental sustainability.

Core Practices

• Soil Management: Focus on building and maintaining healthy soil through techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, composting, and reduced tillage.
• Pest and Disease Management: Employs biological control, beneficial insects, traps, and natural pesticides. Prohibits or severely restricts the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
• Weed Control: Relies on mechanical cultivation, mulching, cover crops, and hand-weeding. Synthetic herbicides are generally prohibited.
• Livestock Management: Animals are raised with access to pasture, fed certified sustenance, and treated humanely. Restrictions exist on the use of antibiotics and growth hormones.
• Seed and Planting Stock: Preference is given to using seeds and planting stock produced. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are prohibited.

Certification and Standards

Certification is often required to ensure compliance with established norms. Third-party certifiers verify that farms and processing facilities adhere to these standards. These standards typically cover aspects such as land use, production practices, handling, and labeling.

Key Elements Assessed During Certification

• Soil and water quality
• Pest and weed management practices
• Livestock living conditions and feeding
• Prohibited substances and practices
• Record-keeping and traceability

Prohibited Substances and Practices

Generally prohibits or severely restricts the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. GMOs, irradiation, and sewage sludge are also typically forbidden. Specific lists of allowed and prohibited substances are maintained by certification agencies.

Labeling and Marketing Regulations

Labeling regulations vary by country. Regulations typically require that a certain percentage of ingredients are produced under prescribed methods to be labeled and marketed as such. Strict guidelines govern the use of terminology and logos.