The IFOAM Principal Aims of Organic Production and Processing
August, 2002

Organic Production and Processing is based on a number of principles and ideas. All are important and this list does not seek to establish any priority of importance. The principles include:

1. To produce sufficient quantities of high quality food, fiber and other products.
2. To work compatibly with natural cycles and living systems through the soil, plants and animals in the entire production system.
3. To recognize the wider social and ecological impact of and within the organic production and processing system.
4. To maintain and increase long-term fertility and biological activity of soils using locally adapted cultural, biological and mechanical methods as opposed to reliance on inputs.
5. To maintain and encourage agricultural and natural biodiversity on the farm and surrounds through the use of sustainable production systems and the protection of plant and wildlife habitats.
6. To maintain and conserve genetic diversity through attention to on-farm management of genetic resources.
7. To promote the responsible use and conservation of water and all life therein.
8. To use, as far as possible, renewable resources in production and processing systems and avoid pollution and waste.
9. To foster local and regional production and distribution.
10. To create a harmonious balance between crop production and animal husbandry.
11. To provide living conditions that allow animals to express the basic aspects of their innate behavior.
12. To utilize biodegradable, recyclable and recycled packaging materials.
13. To provide everyone involved in organic farming and processing with a quality of life that satisfies their basic needs, within a safe, secure and healthy working environment.
14. To support the establishment of an entire production, processing and distribution chain which is both socially just and ecologically responsible.
15. To recognize the importance of, and protect and learn from, indigenous knowledge and traditional farming systems.