These are the organic farming methods that we stand for (this might not go according to organisations that certify farms, especially those in developed countries):

SOIL HEALTH

Managing and building the health of the soil is the most critical element for organic farmers. The structure, organic matter, insects and microbes of healthy soil retain water, deliver nutrients to roots and keep plants healthier and more resilient under stress than those fed with chemical fertilizer

A teaspoon of healthy soil contains as many as one billion bacteria. They break down organic matter, pull nitrogen from the air and make it available to plant roots and much more.

Use of organic fertilizers and soil enhancers such as manure, compost, liquid fertilizer made from plants, mulching, green manure
Minimal tillage of soil (ensures that the nature soil structure stays intact)
Crop Rotation (cultivation of different crops on the same plot to improve soil health, optimize nutrients in the soil and combat pests)

Compacted soil vs healthy soil

left shows compacted soil, right shows the same soil after one year of bio-dynamic organic farming.

PLANT PROPAGATION

Selecting the right variety for crops is an important key to success. Additonally to be mentioned is that the locally available seeds are often not of best quality. Organic seeds may not be available for many varieties. Conventional seeds are mostly chemically treated.
Farmers keep whenever possible their own seeds (ie for Dhania/Coriander, Rocket, Tomatoes) which over time also adapt to the local conditions.

PEST & DISEASES

Organic farmers aim at preventing of pests and diseases – number one factor here is the soil health – healthy soil = healty plant. Other then this there is a range of methods:

Crop Rotation

cultivation of different crops on the same plot to improve soil health and combat pests

Biodiversity

growing of many different varieties, encourage beneficial insects to keep pests minimal

Companion Planting or Intercropping

planting of mutually beneficial plants next to each other for pest prevention, weed control, shade regulation etc

Physical Methods

such as insect netting, traps, mechanical weed control, mulching as soil cover

Cultural Methods

choose resistant seeds, disease free seedlings, timely planting, wide plant spacing etc.

Naturally-Derived Substances

such as neem oil, soaps, vinegar, plant teas for prevention and treatment. For any treatment there is a simple formula to be applied: is the expected damage higher then the cost to apply any kind of substance

INFO GREENHOUSE VEGETABLES / BERRIES We do not have purely organic working farmers here as its much more difficult due to weather conditions.
Our farmers mainly apply fungizides when neccessary AND very important – they keep the waiting periods and do not harvest/sell before this. Every chemical that is applied comes with clear instructions – the main issue is the farmers might not follow those instruction and apply wrongly or dont wait until the product is broken down and no residues are remaining.

Animal Husbandry

Organic animal husbandry is not only the avoidance of antibiotics, growth hormones etc but also focussing on satisfying the needs of the farm animals. Good health and welfare of the animals are the top priorities.

The farmers might not feed their animals with 100% organic feeds from the farm but they ensure safe food
Living conditions are safe and clean, cage free with aircirculation and enough space, animals are not isolated but live in groups. Free roaming access to outdoors is not everywhere suitable ie chickens are prone to predators in the Tigoni area (mongoose and gennets).
The handling and slaughter/killing of the animals is done in humane way and as stressfree as possible

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Organic Farming MEthods

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