Organic Agriculture and Soil

Soil is a precious resource where 90% of the biodiversity on the planet (in terms of living organisms) is concentrated and on which 95% of food production depends. In organ- ic farming, the preservation and enhance- ment of the fertility of the soil is a vital pre- requisite in order to provide healthier, more balanced environments for crops and is achieved by avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals and recycling organic matter. Healthy soil is crucial if we want to produce resilient crops and preserve our ecosys- tems, because it helps retain water, sustain a variety of essential living organisms and conserve carbon stores, all factors which help mitigate climate change. Safeguarding the fertility of the soil is the only way to meet the growing demand for human foods, animal feeds and fibres now and in the future.