The discussion on sustainable agriculture is very interesting. The
following SCANDINAVIAN PLATFORM REGARDING ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE was
formulated in 1989 in Denmark. It was not ment to describe "what is",
rather it defines a common goal for the development of different "branches"
within the ecological ag movement.
The Scandinavian definition "=D8KOLOGISK JORDBRUK - F=C6LLES NORDISK
BESKRIVELSE" was adopted by the participants at a meeting of the
Scandinavian IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agricultural
Movements) in Haderslev, DENMARK, 23-24 September 1989.
Translated to Swedish on 27 October, 1989, and from Swedish to English on
9 May 1990.
Ecological Agriculture Research Staff at the Swedish University of
Agricultural Sciences.
Greetings Torben Haslund
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THE SCANDINAVIAN PLATFORM REGARDING ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE
DEFINITION
Ecological Agriculture refers to a self-sustaining, persevering, balanced
agro ecosystem. The system is, to the greatest degree possible, based on
local and renewable resources.
CONCEPTUAL BACKGROUND
Ecological agriculture is based on a holistic approach, at local as well as
global levels, that encompasses the ecological, economic and social aspects
of agricultural production. In Ecological Agriculture, nature is considered
to be an entity with its own value, and mankind is assumed to have a moral
obligation to conduct agriculture in a way ensuring that the cultural
landscape constributes positively to the natural surroundings.
GOALS
Ecological agriculture has the following goals.
1. Produce foods of high quality in sufficient quantity and ensure
that they are fairly distributed.
2. Provide the framer with a reasonable income, work satisfaction and
a secure working environment.
3. Create an environment tailored to the needs of domestic animals by
taking their natural behavior into account.
4. Create a cultural landscape rich in species and with high genetic
diversity within species, and where the growth and survival of living
organisms are unhindered by human influence.
5. Ensure the long-term preservation of soil fertility.
6. Conserve natural resources in order to minimize damaging impacts on
the environment.
7. Foster good contact between farmers and consumers.
8. Maximize the recirculation of nutrients by integrating the urban
community, the agroecosystem and the natural ecosystem.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Crop husbandry in horticulture, agriculture and forestry is based on a
regard for the structure and fertility of the soil, a large variety of
crops to choose from and a varied plant rotation.
Soil fertility is maintained mainly through the recirculation of organic
material. Cultivation measures are also designed to minimize insect,
disease and weed problems. Easily soluble artifical fertilizers and
synthetic pesticides are not used.
Within agriuclture a balance is sought between number of grazing stock and
acreage. The animals are provided with locally produced feed to the
greatest extent possible, and their manure is used to fertilize the soil,
thereby minimizing the risk for environmental pollution.
The Scandinavian definition "=D8KOLOGISK JORDBRUK - F=C6LLES NORDISK
BESKRIVELSE" was adopted by the participants at a meeting of the
Scandinavian IFOAM I Haderslev, DENMARK, 23-24 September 1989.
Translated to Swedish on 27 October, 1989, and from Swedish to English on
9 May 1990.
Ecological Agriculture Research Staff at the Swedish University of
Agricultural Sciences.
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Torben Haslund
Department of Plant Physiology
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
P.O. Box 7047
S - 750 07 Uppsala
phone +46 18 672387
fax +46 18 672930
e-mail Torben.Haslund@vfys.slu.se