Organic agriculture

Organic agriculture is sustainable agriculture, where the farming acts in accordance with the principles of ecology, and the relationships between organisms and their environment are balanced.

Organic agriculture includes the following activities
1. Organic grain production
2. Organic vegetable production
3. Organic horticultural production
4. Organic livestock production
5. Organic fertilisers and pesticides

The primary benefits of organic agriculture are:
1. To satisfy human proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber needs;
2. To enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the
     agricultural economy depends;
3. To make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and
   integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;
4. To sustain the economic viability of agricultural operations;
5. To enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.

The organic industry is rapidly becoming a significant player in the global agricultural production scene. In 2012 the total farm-gate value of the organic industry in Australia was estimated to be $300.6 million with a total farm turnover of $432.2 million (Australian Organic Market Report, 2012).

With estimated annual growth of up to 20 per cent per year, the industry is fast moving away from its 'niche' industry status and into the mainstream agriculture. NSW DPI supports the industry in its growth and development, through providing expert advice and support.
NSW has an organic industry that consists of over 1000 accredited producers, with a farm gate value of over $108 million. The key organic products are fruit, vegetables, dairy, wheat and other cereals, soybeans, rice, wool, sheep meat, beef, wine and herbs.