What does organic mean?

Organic food is produced using methods, practices, and inputs that complywhat does organic mean
to a set of standards and principles concerning such issues as chemical pesticides/herbicides/insecticides etc; food additives; animal welfare; and sustainability. Organic growers aim to produce food as 'naturally' as possible, free from trans-fats, GMOs, and most additives. Biodynamic farming is a form of organic farming that actively works with the health-giving forces of nature.

For food to be organic it needs to be produced in an organic farming system without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms. Emphasis is placed on the whole ecosystem of the farm and emphasises a holistic farm management approach, using rotations and ruminant animals as an integral part of the system. Organic systems recognise that our health is directly connected o the health of the food we eat and, ultimately, the health of the soil.

In the organic farming system soil is central with soil health critical in producing wholesome products without the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides / herbicides /what is organic
 fungicides etc. Organic farmers aim to produce high quality food from a balanced, living soil.

Animals often play a key role in an organic farming system. In the production of animal products, animal welfare is also an important issue with only free-range animals allowed – under the New Zealand Organic Standards cages are not permitted. Parasite problems in farm animals are controlled through regularly moving the animals to fresh pasture or areas and other preventative methods, unlike conventional farming where animals are routinely dosed with drugs.