The Role of Organic Farming in Sustainable Food Systems

Abstract

Organic agriculture has emerged as one of the focal means of confronting the pressing problem of world food security, ecological degradation, as well as human health. Although the conventional agriculture continues to require synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and monocultures, it is a significant contributor to the loss of biodiversity, degradation of soil and global warming. Organic agriculture, which is founded on ecological concepts, is concerned with natural health of soil, crop diversity, and reduced use of chemicals, therefore, it is very important in sustainable food systems. The article talks of the history of evolution, principles, environmental implications and economic factors and policy backgrounds of organic agriculture. It also brushes over the issues of the scaling of organic agriculture including yield gaps, certification barriers, and market restrictions. By integrating case studies and current literature, the article reveals the significance of organic farming to the achievement of ecological balance, safeguarding of human health and long-term food security. The findings show that organic farming alone will not be able to fully substitute conventional systems but it is important to include it in the overall agricultural policy and practices to reshape towards sustainability in the world food production.