At the macro level there are many environmental benefits to organic agriculture. There is the aspect of sustainability over the long term. Many changes in the environment occur over time. Organic agriculture considers the medium and long-term effect of its interaction with the environment. Organic farmers aim to produce food that has ecological balance to prevent soil erosion, pest problems, as well as adapting a proactive approach as opposed to treating problems as they emerge. Many organic farmers and agricultural businesses consider the environment and the land that they farm on as a long-term asset that needs to be taken care of. Australia has limited areas available to agriculture and farming and are paying greater attention to the use of the land that is available. Organic farmers take this into consideration. Many farmers adapt crop rotations and inter-cropping to minimise soil erosion. The retentive abilities of the soil is preserved. Biodiversity is increased and nutrient losses are reduced.
Latest studies on organic foods have shown that they improve overall health when they are included as a regular part of a person’s diet. Studies have found in there are actually higher levels of antioxidants in organically grown berries when compared to berries that are traditionally and conventionally grown. The care that is implemented into organic farming shows in the nutritional value of the fruit and vegetables. Organic product has higher antioxidant activity and density of phenolic compounds. There’s also higher levels of carbon nitrogen and other antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body by nullifying free radicals. These free radicals can potentially cause cancer and other serious ailments. Antioxidant has also been known to help protect against early signs of aging.
Free range chicken is also part of the organic business. Conventional, mass-produced chickens are forced to live in small areas of land generally reared in cage farms. This does not facilitate any form of exercise. Many of the chickens will have deformities due to the extreme spaces that they are forced to live in. Free range chickens are grown in open spaces roaming freely with set numbers of chickens per land area. This is free range chicken farming. This rule is also implemented with other farm animals. Animals that are able to live on large areas of land are relatively healthier and can also yield quality meats.
Free range animals are also exposed to fewer chemicals. Animals that are raise organically are fed and organic feed. This feed is free of pesticides and chemical fertilisers – and they’re exposed to a balanced diet of carefully prepared natural and organic foods. Hormones and antibiotics are also not injected into the animals.