The conservation of natural resources and biodiversity appears as definitions that are given special importance in the regulations and standards published on organic farming and are mentioned in some articles. Examples of these are presented below:
According to Article 8-Organic Plant Production Rules-1/a) of the Turkish Regulation on the Principles and Implementation of Organic Agriculture, published in the Official Gazette No. 27676, ‘Soil cultivation techniques that improve soil biodiversity, protect or increase soil organic matter, do not compact the soil, and prevent erosion are used in organic plant production. Production techniques used in organic farming should prevent or minimize environmental pollution.’
According to Article 9-Soil conservation, preparation, and fertilization-1; ‘In organic farming, soil fertility, sustainability, conservation and development of biodiversity, prevention of soil erosion and compaction, and feeding of plants through the soil ecosystem are essential.’
Regarding organic production and the labeling of organic products, the Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018, in many of its articles, places biodiversity and natural resources at the forefront of the general objectives and principles of organic farming.
‘Preventive measures’ added to its definitions as; measures that are to be taken by
operators at every stage of production, preparation and distribution in order to ensure the preservation of biodiversity and soil quality, measures for the prevention and control of pests and diseases and measures that are to be taken to avoid negative effects on the environment, animal health and plant health.
In Article 4 Objectives, the necessity of contributing to biodiversity is described twice:
c) contributing to a high level of biodiversity,
i) contributing to a high level of biodiversity, in particular by using diverse plant genetic material, such as organic heterogeneous material and organic varieties suitable for organic production.
In Article 5 General Principles-f; the appropriate design and management of biological processes, based on ecological systems and using natural resources which are internal to the management system, using methods that:
use living organisms and mechanical production methods;
practice soil-related crop cultivation and land-related livestock production, or practice aquaculture which complies with the principle of the sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources;
exclude the use of GMOs, products produced from GMOs, and products produced by GMOs, other than veterinary medicinal products;
are based on risk assessment and the use of precautionary measures and preventive measures, where appropriate.
Article 5 General Principles
b) the preservation of natural landscape elements, such as natural heritage sites,
c) the responsible use of energy and natural resources, such as water, soil, organic matter and air.
According to Article 6-a Special principles applicable to agricultural activities and aquaculture; Organic production is based on the principles of the maintenance and enhancement of soil life and natural soil fertility, soil stability, soil water retention and soil biodiversity, preventing and combating loss of soil organic matter, soil compaction and soil erosion, and the nourishing of plants primarily through the soil ecosystem.
According to Annex II Detailed Production Rules, Part I-Plant Production Rules, Soil Management and Fertilization, 1.9.1.; In organic plant production, tillage and cultivation practices shall be used that maintain or increase soil organic matter, enhance soil stability and soil biodiversity, and prevent soil compaction and soil erosion.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP),
§ 205.2 In definitions;
Natural resources of the operation: defined as ‘The physical, hydrological, and biological features of a production operation, including soil, water, wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife.’
In § 205.200 Organic production and handling requirements-General; states that ‘Production practices implemented in accordance with this subpart must maintain or improve the natural resources of the operation, including soil and water quality.’
The USDA NOP has prepared a detailed guidance document numbered NOP-5020 on the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.
In the guidance, it is stated that the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity is one of the fundamental principles of organic production, with numerous examples provided, and the responsibilities of control bodies and operations on this issue are explained step by step. Basically, in a certified organic operation, native vegetation interspersed throughout a certified organic operation provides
food, cover, and corridors for beneficial organisms such as pollinators, slows water down for
erosion control and groundwater recharge, and filters pollution. Using practices that attract or
introduce beneficial insects, provide habitat for birds and mammals, and provide conditions that increase soil biotic diversity serve to supply vital ecological services to organic production systems. Advantages to certified organic operations that implement these types of production practices include: 1) decreased dependence on outside fertility inputs; 2) reduced pest management costs; 3) more reliable sources of clean water; and 4) better pollination:
The USDA NOP also provides guidance to operations on the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity in the template Organic System Plan published on its website. You may access the sample OSP from the link provided. https://www.ams.usda.gov/reports/organic-system-plan-template
The conservation of natural resources and biodiversity is addressed in Turkish, European, and American organic farming regulations as presented above. In some important Organic Farming Standards, however, much greater importance is given specifically to biodiversity. These are presented below for your information.
The Bio Suisse Standard of the Swiss Association of Organic Farming Organizations differs from state regulations (e.g., EU regulations) in some fundamental areas. Particularly important in this context are the rules on the creation of areas supporting biodiversity. Areas dedicated to the enhancement of biodiversity on farming operations with soil-bound production must account for at least 7% of the total utilised agricultural area in addition to other cultivated operational acreage (e.g. undeveloped building land), including special crops. They must be situated in the operational acreage of the farming operation that is used for agricultural purposes and must be owned or leased by the producer.
One of the 7 fundamental principles of the Biodynamic Federation, established jointly by Demeter-International and the International Biodynamic Association (IBDA) with a history of 100 years, is ‘biodiversity’. Biodynamic farmers promote and preserve biodiversity through good practices like polycultures, crop rotations, virgin forests, long-term grassland, water bodies, insect and bird shelter, and wildlife protection. At least 10% of the farmland is left wild or dedicated to biodiversity.