Ecology in agriculture
Organic Farming (organic, biological) is a system of management, excluding the use of synthetic mineral fertilisers, pesticides, growth regulators and synthetic fodder additives. The above-mentioned type of farming is characterised by a production in a closed cycle soil – plant – animal, while maintaining a high level of self-sufficiency. It is perceives as a way of living in a symbiosis with nature and organic objectives outweigh economic goals.
The cultivation of plants consists in crop rotation, with the inclusion of structure-forming plants and plants that amplify the content of organic matter in the soil (e.g., papilionaceous plants), coverage of soil surface with vegetation for a maximum period during the entire year by under-sowing, sowing intercrops and catch crops, fertilizing with self-derived organic fertilizers (compost, manure, green fertilizers) that help maintain soil fertility, limited mineral fertilizer use limited to stone meal (specified in Council Regulation 834/2007), mechanical weeding without the use of chemical plant protection products, relying on geotechnicznych methods of disease elimination, application of biological preparations and plant extracts, use of organic sowing and planting material.
Animal breeding is maintaining adequately sized farming facilities and providing access to open-air runs and pastures. Do not exceed the maximum livestock density 1.5 LU/ha (170 kg of nitrogen/ha) and use nutrition based on organically produced feeds. The use of allopathic veterinary medicinal products or antibiotics for prevention purposes is prohibited; In specific cases, with the approval of a certification body, it is acceptable treat animals using the above measures at the veterinarian’s discretion.
Derogations from organic production conditions may be made only in the event of the acquisition of a relevant permit upon application.
Only use certified raw materials originating from organic farms can be used in processing.
Do not use synthetic plant protection products and fertilizers, seed dressings, artificial concentrates, genetically modified organisms (GMOS), industrial feeds, ionizing radiation.
How to become an organic farmer? How to obtain certification?
A producer wishing to alter the production mode to organic farming is obliged to submit the following to the competent certification body:
– application for organic farm certification along with the required attachments,
– completed form “Notification of the commencement of activity in organic farming” with a second copy enclosed in the application submitted to ARMA.
Once the documents are submitted, it is understood that the conversion of production to organic farming methods pursuant in the Act on organic farming of June 25, 2009 and Council Regulation 834/2007 has begun and that you shall make your farm available for inspection.
Adjustment period lasts at least 2 years, and in the case of perennial crops such as orchards and berry plantations – three (3) years.
At least once a year the farm shall be subject to inspection focusing on the adherence to the principles of organic farming. The date shall be agreed with the owner of the farm.
