He korero whakarapopoto
What is organic farming?
Organic farming produces crops or meat without using synthetic chemicals or pesticides, with the aim of ensuring there are no harmful residues in these foods.
Methods
There are a number of organic farming methods:
- Compost and animal manures are added to the soil as fertilisers.
- Non chemical sprays, including boiling water, are sprayed on weeds to kill them.
- Biological methods are used to control pests and diseases (for example, insect predators of a pest are introduced to kill it).
- Stock are grazed in ways that makes them less likely to get internal parasites.
Beginnings and development
Organic farming started about the 1940s, mostly in small gardens and orchards. Gradually, more farmers changed to organic methods. From the 1960s, people became concerned about harmful agricultural chemicals such as DDT, and organics became more popular. In the 1990s, concern about the genetic modification of crops made organic food much more popular. However, most New Zealand farmers still use non-organic methods.
Types of organic produce
In New Zealand, peas and corn are the main organic crops. Kiwifruit are the most popular organic fruit. Apples are difficult to grow organically because insect pests and black spot fungus are hard to control without sprays. Organic dairying produces milk, yoghurts and cheeses. A small amount of organic meat is produced, and organic wool is made into baby clothes and blankets.
Certification
There are strict standards for the production of organic products, leading to certification. Organic products are usually more expensive to produce and buy.
