What is Organic Farming ?

This is a method of crop and livestock production that uses natural methods of farming. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers cannot be used in organic farming along with any other substance that may be harmful to the environment. Also, the use of genetically modified organisms, antibiotics and growth hormones are prohibited in organic farming. An example of organic farming is Boissierre Greens Earthworm Farm that uses vermiculture to produce high quality, organic fertilizers that sustain plant growth. This farm also promotes recycling efforts across Trinidad and Tobago.

Advantages of Organic Farming

• Organic fertilizers are cheaper since they include materials that are considered waste material and it's recycled.
• Organic fertilizers are slow realizing slow acting and long-lasting because they release nutrients only when it decomposes.
• Organic fertilizers improve soil structure by adding humus which increases the water retention capacity as well as the soil microflora.
• Organic farming is more sustainable economically and environmentally in the long term.

Disadvantages of Organic Farming

• Organically grown food tends to be more expensive for the consumer as of the farmers have to incur more cost than regular farmers.
• There is normally a lengthy process to have organic produce certified uncertain standards must be adhered to.
• Marketing and distribution is not as efficient as organic producers normally in smaller quantities .
• Crop rotation can prevent produce from being produced year-round as compared to a singular crop that is grown all year round.