Why study organic farming?
public demand for organic food is increasing
significant industry growth predicted in the next decade
increasing demand for knowledgeable workers across the entire supply chain, from production to marketing
excellent job opportunities
work in an industry that makes a substantial difference to climate change
Global statistics
77.3 million hectares of the world’s farmland is organic (1.6%)
organic farmland is growing at a rate of 5% every year
3.4 million organic farmers in 190 countries
expanding organic food market worth €120.6 billion
Farming principles
protect the environment and conserve natural resources
cultivate plants without the use of synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides or genetically modified organisms
maintain and develop biodiversity
minimise pollution and recycle organic waste
crop rotation to improve soil regeneration
growing techniques that support wildlife
pest control by biological means
Environmental benefits
reduces pollution from pesticides and toxic chemicals
reduces soil and land erosion
facilitates fertile and healthy soil formation
encourages biodiversity above and below ground
lower carbon and greenhouse gas emissions
more energy efficient so reduces carbon footprint
growing techniques which combat the effects of global warming
Course content
organic farming as an agricultural system
business and quality assurance requirements
integrated farm management systems
science underpinning organic farming
organic management issues
sustainable soil management
soil standards and biodynamics
marketing your farm and produce
Career options
organic farmer
project manager
crop certification inspector
agricultural inspector
crop marketer
organic farming consultant
purchasing agent or wholesale representative
jobs in academia or industrial research