François Le Lagadec
Director of Biomas -MAS SA
François Le Lagadec is involved in organic farming issues, in particular as the Vice-President of Inter Bio Bretagne.
"Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains and improves the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved"
Agriculture is one of humankind's most basic activities, because all people need to nourish themselves daily. History, culture and community values are embedded in agriculture. The principles apply to agriculture in the boradest sense, including the way people tend soils, water, plants and animals in order to produce, prepare and distribute food and other goods. They concern the way people interact with living landscapes, relate to one another and stage the legacy of future generations.
The IFOAM principles of Organic Agriculture serve the organic movement in its full diversity. They guide IFOAM's development of positions, programs and standards. Furthermore, they are presented with a vision of their worldwide adoption.
Organic agriculture is based on:
- The principle of health
- The principle of ecology
- The princple of fairness
- The principle of care
These princiles are to be used as a whole. They are composed as ethical principles to inspire action.
These principles provide an orientation. Specifications are drawn from these fundamental principles and are imposed on parties working in the sector in the form of reliable systems of certification and control.
The principles of health
Organic agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soils, plants, animals, humans and planet as one and indivisible.
This principle points out that the health of individuals and communities cannot be seperated form the health of ecosystems - healthy soils produce healthy crops that foster the health of animals and people. Health is the wholeness and integrity of living systems. It is not simply the absence of illness, but the maintenance of physical, mental, social and ecological well-being. Immunity, resilience and regeneration are key characteristcis of health.
The role of organic agriculture, wether in farming, processing, transformation, distribution or consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms from the smallest in the soil to human beings. In particular, organic agriculture is intended to produce high quality, nutritious food that contributes to preventive health care and well-being. In light of this, it should avoid the use of fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may adverse health effects.
The principle of Ecology
Organic agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.
This principle roots organic agriculture with living ecological systems. It states that production is to be based on ecological processes, and recycling. Nourishment and well-being are achieved through the ecology of the specific production environment. For example, in the case of crops this is the living soil; for animals it is the farm ecosystem; for fish and marine organisms, the aquatic environment.
Organic farming, pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit the cycles and ecological balances in nature. These cycles are universal but their operation is site-specific. Organic management must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture and scale. Inputs should be reduced by reuse, recycling and efficient management of materiels and energy in order to maintain and improve environmental quality and conserve resources.
Organic agriculture should attain ecological balance through the design of farming systems, establishment of habitats and maintenance of genetic and agricultural diveristy. Those who produce, process, trade or consume organic products should protect and benefit the common environment including lanscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water.
The principle of Fariness
Organic agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regards to the common environment and life opportunities.
Fairness is characterized by equity, respect, justice and stewardship of the shared world, both among people and in their relations to other living beings.
This principle emphasizes that those involved in organic agriculture should conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties - farmers, workers, processors, distributors, traders and consumers. Organic agriculture should provide everyone involved with a good quality life, and contirbute to food sovereignty and reduciton of poverty. It aims to produce a sufficient supply of good and other products.
This principle insists that animals should be provided with the conditions and opportunities of life that accord with their physiology, natural behaviour and well-being. Natural and environmental resources that are used for production and consumption should be managed in a way that is socially and ecologically just and should be held in trust for future generations. Fairness requires systems of production, distribution and trade that are open and equitable and account for real environmental and social costs.
The 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.
Organic agriculture is a living and dynaminc system that responds to internal and external demands and conditions. Practioners of organic agriculture can enhance efficiency and increase productivity, but this should not be at the risk of jeaopardizing health and well-being. Consequently, new technologies need to be assessed and existing methods reviewed. Given the incomplete understanding of ecosystms and agriculture, care must be taken.
This principle states that precaution and responsability are the key concerns in management, development and technology choices in organic agriculture. Science is necessary to ensure that organic agriculture is healthy, safe and ecologically sound. However, scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practical experience, accumulated wisdom and traditional and indigenous knowledge offer valid solutions, tested by time. Organic agriculture should prevent significant risks by adopting appropriate technologies and rejecting unpredictable ones, such as genetic engineering. Decisions should reflect the values and needs of all who might be affected, through transparent and participatory processes.