Sustainable development is a broad concept, to be coupled with organic agriculture. Sustainable agriculture may be more appropriate.

In my opinion, unfortunately organic agriculture can not fully contribute to global sustainable agriculture, and hence sustainable development. On a local basis, and isolated instances, it may provide the need for food in certain regions. For example, it may work in a small to medium, low populated country in Europe (the green continent), where mostly there is sufficient rainfall and abundant good quality water supplies. But in an arid region, with high population, and the demand for economic and urbanization growth (for example UAE), i don't think organic farming would be enough. In general, I believe at this time, organic farming is not sustainable. To me at 21st century, the rigid, and restrictive rules of Organic farming, is like a hardliner religious society that opposes any advancement in human technologies and wants to live according to the culture and needs of several hundred centuries ago. BUT, I always grow organic vegetables and chickens in my small garden and yard. I love it, but I don't believe that it could be the solution to global human hunger.

Good luck.

I agree with your thoughts!

Overall I agree as well. However, I would like that although organic agriculture is adopted with the most benign thoughts to conserve environmental quality, agrobiodiversity and the natural resources (e.g.: soil, water, air, germplasm, energy) to produce healthy and quality foods, it is not completely free from biases and paradoxes. I am attaching a paper I co-authored over a decade ago, where an analysis of these paradoxes is made. In order to continue securing food to an increasing world population the restoration of the environment should become a top priority to achieve. In addition to this, world population size should be stabilized. Land access should be available to small-family farmers, which contribute to local economies, whereas limits should be put upon the further expansion of industrial agriculture. In my opinion, agroecology is the approach and the science that can assist with anchievement of these goals.

To me both are different issues.

Organic can be done if resource constraints persist at a place.However, for anything to be sustainable, judiciously all inputs need to be applied which may include fertilizers and pesticides.However for organic both are prohibited.

Sustainable development is a broad concept, to be coupled with organic agriculture. Sustainable agriculture may be more appropriate.

In my opinion, unfortunately organic agriculture can not fully contribute to global sustainable agriculture, and hence sustainable development. On a local basis, and isolated instances, it may provide the need for food in certain regions. For example, it may work in a small to medium, low populated country in Europe (the green continent), where mostly there is sufficient rainfall and abundant good quality water supplies. But in an arid region, with high population, and the demand for economic and urbanization growth (for example UAE), i don't think organic farming would be enough. In general, I believe at this time, organic farming is not sustainable. To me at 21st century, the rigid, and restrictive rules of Organic farming, is like a hardliner religious society that opposes any advancement in human technologies and wants to live according to the culture and needs of several hundred centuries ago. BUT, I always grow organic vegetables and chickens in my small garden and yard. I love it, but I don't believe that it could be the solution to global human hunger.

Good luck.

agree with you almost. The main problem is that in organic agriculture, the economic aspect is high compared with the social and environmental aspects.Therefore, the improvement of the social and environmental aspects of organic farming will bring about the sustainability of this system.

I agree with Mr Khorsandi. Because sustainable development encompasses a lot of fields. Organic farming is only one of them.

Organic farming and sustainable development may not necessarily mean sustainable farming

For example if forests are converted into organic farms or if man power is exploited especially child labour .

sustainable farming conserves ecosystems, is especially viable and socially just.

Sustainable agricultural development seems to be area and region specific. If you look into the statistics of organic development, yes it's taking place. But, as such it's not feasible. Partly the yield parity which is not there with conventional agriculture due to non availability of scientific inputs including technologies including crop varieties. As such niche area organic development may be priority, instead recommending organic agriculture in totality for long term sustainable development and science to develop the alternatives to conventional agriculture. Organic agriculture needs commercial production systems to over power the conventional systems in every sphere of agriculture for sustainability to achieve.

The concept Sustainable development is broad. However, the Theme "Sustainable Agriculture; the role of Organic Farming in Sustainable Pro-ecological and Economic Development" may be more appropriate.

In my opinion, organic agriculture needs a commercial scale feasibility and approach if it will propel sustainable development in the African region.

Organic agriculture must also put into consideration affordability, high yield, effective and efficient pests and diseases control, for it to be attractive to the farmers in the region and for the consumers.

There's a high demand for food (quality and quantity) here which calls for an increase in sustainable commercial farming schemes. There's much to be done also with regards to Healthy eating= Healthy living sensitization and education(Food Quality).

We the discussion of farming of the day is raised, I personally, don't think organic farming would be enough in itself to be referred to as sustainable but that in itself is the solution.

In general, It is time to find solutions to the age-long rigid, and restrictive rules of Organic farming, by introducing or proffering bio-diversify solutions and promote the use of human technologies in achieving the Organic farming system goals. This is closely related to the hydroponics system which is the farming system of now and the future.

I believe that organic farming could be the solution to global hunger, and healthy living but with a commercialized practice or approach.

Great concept you have there, Best of luck!

I agree and it is time to keep informing that organic farming supports the sustainable development. The impact is not only for the sustainable organic farming, but more than that, it saves our earth, for the future, for our next generation and it will be a worthy and the best decision for the earth

Excellent time demanding issue I think. I am interested to do research in such area but to conduct research on organic farming is very tough job. Though I have a plan to pursue my phd on organic farming.

sustainable development + Organic farming + other sustainable concepts = sustainable life

Broadly , there are always Interconnection between Organic Farming and Sustainable Development.

To meet the world’s future food security and sustainability needs, food production must grow substantially, while at the same time, agriculture’s environmental footprint must shrink dramatically. An international team of experts has settled on five steps that, if pursued together, could double food production while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity losses, water use, and water pollution (Foley et al., 2011). These five solutions are: (1) stop expanding agriculture’s footprint, (2) close the world’s yield gaps, (3) shift diets away from meat, (4) use resources much more efficiently, and (5) reduce food waste. If we want to double global food production without expanding agriculture’s footprint, we must significantly improve yields from unit farmlands. At the same time, the limited natural resources of soil and water must be carefully used to avoid wasteful usage.

Just because a farm is following organic or alternative farming practices, it may not be sustainable. Most people believe that there will be a gradual amalgamation of organic and conventional farming to produce a system appropriate to different situations – that employ the best aspects of each form of farming to allow adequate and sustainable food production with minimum disruption to the environment.

Ref: Foley, J.A., Ramankutty, N., Brauman, K.A., Cassidy, E.S., Gerber, J.S., Johnston, M., Mueller, N.D., O’Connell, C., Ray, D.K., West, C. et al. 2011. Solutions for a cultivated planet. Nature 478: 337–342.

In my opinion, the development of Sustainable organic farming is one of the most important elements of the integrated system implementation process for economic and production processes of sustainable pro-ecological development implemented in accordance with the concept of green economy.

What is your opinion on this topic?

Do you agree with me on the above matter?

Please reply

Dear Colleagues and Friends from RG,

Joining the above discussion I would like to add a few words. The problem is very important, so it requires clarification and investigation. The discussion on the Research Gate portal shows that in the context of current global problems related to climate change, with the progressing global warmin process, agriculture should be developed in accordance with the concept of sustainable organic farming.

The progressing global warming process is a great threat to life on Earth, including man. This threat will become globally real in a few decades if the temperature rise at the Earth's surface diagnosed by climatologists continues to progress faster. Therefore, in the next period max. For several years, there should be a total reduction and elimination of man-made greenhouse gas emissions. One of the sources of greenhouse gas emissions is intensive, livestock farming. Therefore, it is necessary to increase financial outlays from state budgets for the implementation of these pro-ecological reforms. These reforms should also be carried out in the agricultural sector. It is necessary to increase international cooperation and coordination in these activities because the problem is global. In connection with the above, systemic, governmental activation of the development of agriculture conducted according to the concept of pro-ecological sustainable organic farming is necessary.

In the context of the above considerations, the following key questions arise:

- Is agriculture developed in your countries according to the concept of pro-ecological sustainable organic farming?

- How should government programs for activating the development of agriculture conducted according to the concept of pro-ecological sustainable organic farming be conducted?

What is your opinion on this topic?

Do you agree with me on the above matter?

Please reply

Space saving farming: vertical farming or water based farming are also needed.

Dear Colleagues and Friends from RG, In my opinion, the development of organic farming is one of the most important elements of implementing the principles of sustainable pro-ecological economic development. The development of organic farming is as important as the development of renewable energy sources, waste sorting, recycling, development of electromobility, conversion of plastic into organic biodegradable materials, etc. In some countries with many small, low-area farms there are good conditions for the development of organic farming. However, the development of organic farming requires a change in the model of factors used in agricultural production. Organic farming requires greater financial outlays related to the use of only organic, neutral, natural, organic, ecological crops and the environment, and plant protection products. However, if this form of agricultural production were to spread, then the prices of organic products would fall and organic food products would become more affordable for citizens.

Do you agree with me on the above matter?

In connection with the above, I am asking you the following questions:

- What are the main determinants of the development of organic farming?

- What are the main barriers to the development of organic farming?

- Is too low demand on the part of citizens for organic products one of the significant barriers to the development of organic farming?

- Is there a growing demand from citizens for organic products in your countries?

What do you think about this topic?

What is your opinion on this topic?

Please reply

I invite you to discussion

Thank you very much

Best wishes

Dariusz Prokopowicz