1. By Katherine Martin

2. What is organic farming? Organic farming is a method of crop and livestock production which is more complex than simply not using chemical pesticides and fertilizers, Organic farming means to: –protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, and promote a sound state of health –maintain soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil –maintain biological diversity within the system –recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within the enterprise

3. Origin of organic farming Organic farming is the oldest method of farming, used by farmers until post world War II The war brought technologies that were useful for agricultural production Ex: ammonium nitrate used for munitions during World War II evolved into ammonium nitrate fertilizer; organophosphate nerve gas led to the development of powerful insecticides.

4. Positive aspects Organic farming has several positive aspects about it, some of which are: –Minimizes waste and environment damages –Improves soil conditions –and promote agro ecosystem flexibility, and continuous production for the nourishment and best development of all

5. Negative aspects Some say that organic farming cannot keep up with today’s demand for products and may not be able to feed everyone within the world. The price of organic products is much higher than that of chemically grown products.

6. bibliography http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/06-103.htm#define Publication Date: November 2006 page last updated: November 2006 Written by: Hugh Martin - Organic Crop Production Program Lead/OMAFRA Date viewed: December 21 st 2009 http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/organicag/history.html Publication Date: November 2002 Page last updated: November,19 2009 Written by: Dr. Kathleen Delate, Associate Professor Organic SpecialistDr. Kathleen Delate Date Viewed: December 21 st 2009 http://organic.lovetoknow.com/Negative_Effects_of_Organic_Farming Publication Date: April 2002 Page last updated: 29 April 2008 Written by: LoveToKnow Corp Date viewed: December 21 st 2009

7. Bibliography continued….. http://eap.mcgill.ca/publications/eap104a.htm Publication date: July 2001 Page last updated: July 17, 2003. Written by: McGill University Date viewed: December 27 th 2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lexXYzLQwDo