The Australian organic industry has defended organic farming after claims that it is not as sustainable as other farming methods.

Organic industry group Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) denied recent claims by Dr Holger Kirchmann of the Swedish University of Agriculture that organic farming was potentially less sustainable and driven not by science but by “nature philosophy”.

“These views possibly arise from reaction to the anti GMO stance of organic consumers, as well as ignorance in large segments of the research community as to the potential and nature of scientifically based organic principles,” said Dr Andrew Monk, CEO of BFA.

Monk also said that Australia’s organic industry lacks support for scientific research, which would help dissociate myth from reality, as well as assist producers to continue to ensure resilient agricultural practices, via supportive policies and regulatory arrangements.

“Australia has need of water conservation, of protecting organic carbon in the soil, and promoting soil life. Organic production is inherently about this,” Monk said.

just-food.com