Adolescence (from Latin adolescere, meaning "to grow up")] is a

transitional stage of physicaland psychological human development that

generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood (age of
majority). The period of adolescence is most closely associated with the
teenage years, though its physical, psychological and cultural expressions
may begin earlier and end later. For example, although puberty has been
historically associated with the onset of adolescent development, it now
typically begins prior to the teenage years and there has been a normative
shift of it occurring in preadolescence, particularly in females
(seeprecocious puberty). Physical growth, as distinct from puberty
(particularly in males), and cognitive development generally seen in
adolescence, can also extend into the early twenties. Thus chronological
age provides only a rough marker of adolescence, and scholars have found
it difficult to agree upon a precise definition of adolescence.

WHAT IS SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

A:
Social development is defined as prioritizing human needs in the growth
and progression of society. Social development also governs the norms
and conventions that govern human interaction. The focus is on improving
the lives of regular citizens, especially the poor, to make society a better
place for everyone.

Social development works best when it influences social institutions. This

can be done by creating a more inclusive society where everyone gets a
say. Social cohesion ensures that a safe and peaceful environment is
created for local communities. The role of social development can be
evidenced by five measures: civic activism, clubs and associations,
intergroup cohesion, interpersonal safety and trust and gender equality.

WHAT IS SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE

A:
Social intelligence is a person's ability to understand and get along with other people. It is often
colloquially referred to as people skills, and it often involves the ability to act differently in
various social situations.

Social intelligence is primarily a learned skill, although some people may take to it more
easily than others. A person with high social intelligence understands subtle etiquette
and knows how to listen to people. This person can typically motivate others to
cooperate, and people generally enjoy being around her. Socially intelligent people
know how to present themselves well while still being genuine and authentic.
Social intelligence is often linked with emotional intelligence, although they are two
separate concepts. Emotional intelligence is a person's ability to analyze his thoughts
and feelings, as well as control those reactions. Low emotional intelligence can affect a
person's social intelligence, however. Social intelligence requires self-control and an
ability to understand what other people are feeling, and people with low emotional
intelligence are often unable to do that.
Social intelligence is not an inherent part of a person's personality. While many think of
an outgoing, energetic person as someone with high social intelligence, that level of
energy is not essential. People can be quiet, calm and introverted while still being
socially intelligent, while someone who is outgoing but too loud or rude has low social
intelligence.

What causes social problems?

A:
A failure within a society to provide a means to achieve goals can cause social
problems, according to About.com. If a system of society is structured in such a way
that it favors a specific group of society members, those outside of that group are
unable to achieve the goals established by society as the norm.

If those groups are unable to achieve expected societal goals through socially
acceptable means, then they find other means to achieve goals, and this can cause
further social unrest. Some groups within a society make a conscious choice not to
follow social norms, which can cause further social problems. Using Robert K. Merton's
structural strain theory, as explained by About.com, as a guiding theory, groups that
choose not to follow established social norms all have different motivations, methods or
goals that do not line up with the general society's structured path to achieve socially
desired goals. Those who choose to follow unconventional means to achieve socially
acceptable goals are usually those that are considered criminals, such as a thief
achieving wealth through larceny. Those who are the victims of the theft demand
restitution for their loss of wealth and goods obtained through socially acceptable
means, while the thief views his ill-gotten wealth as the fruit of his labor, which causes
friction. This is only one example of the effect of deviant behavior on social problems.

What is subjective nature of social

problems?
A:
The subjective nature of social problems is derived from the personal, situational, and
ever-changing aspects of social issues. The timing and location of social problems may
not always be rigid, and therefore may change in definition or relevance.

Objective perception of social problems is typically not possible due to the varied ways
that the issues are perceived. Social issues are constantly changing throughout history,
as certain issues take precedence over others, depending on time frame and
importance to specific groups in society. Personal bias and viewpoints also greatly affect
the perception and reaction to social problems and have an effect on the importance of
the issue to an individual.
Some individuals may put far less energy and attention into solving or speaking in
reference to social problems than others, and may be influenced greatly by whether or
not the issue specifically pertains to them. Issues including racism and sexism may
have a divided group based on importance to those giving them attention, and may be
given less attention by those who are not negatively affected by their existence in
society, causing the effect of the problems to be subjective to those experiencing the
issue at hand. Some may view social issues as pertaining more to an individual than a
group in society as well, viewing certain social issues as isolated incidents rather than
larger and more widespread issues.

What causes social problems?

A:
A failure within a society to provide a means to achieve goals can cause social
problems, according to About.com. If a system of society is structured in such a way
that it favors a specific group of society members, those outside of that group are
unable to achieve the goals established by society as the norm.

If those groups are unable to achieve expected societal goals through socially
acceptable means, then they find other means to achieve goals, and this can cause
further social unrest. Some groups within a society make a conscious choice not to
follow social norms, which can cause further social problems. Using Robert K. Merton's
structural strain theory, as explained by About.com, as a guiding theory, groups that
choose not to follow established social norms all have different motivations, methods or
goals that do not line up with the general society's structured path to achieve socially
desired goals. Those who choose to follow unconventional means to achieve socially
acceptable goals are usually those that are considered criminals, such as a thief
achieving wealth through larceny. Those who are the victims of the theft demand
restitution for their loss of wealth and goods obtained through socially acceptable
means, while the thief views his ill-gotten wealth as the fruit of his labor, which causes
friction. This is only one example of the effect of deviant behavior on social problems.

Social Development: Why It Is Important and What To Do About It

Developing social competencies enhances a persons ability to succeed in
school and work, improves mental health, and makes people better
citizens.
Social Intelligence, according to Albrecht (2006:3) is the ability to get along
well with others and to get them to cooperate with you. (Goleman 2006)
says this involves being
socially aware = empathy, attunement, empathetic accuracy, and social
cognition, and
social skill = synchrony*, self-preservation, influence, and concern.
*Simultaneous action, development, or occurrence

Social Competence includes a persons knowledge, attitudes, and skills,

including
being aware of ones own and others emotions,
managing impulses and behaving appropriately,
communicating effectively,

 forming healthy and meaningful relationships,

working well with others, and
resolving conflict.

Children who need particular support:

About 1/3 of children do not form a secure attachment as infants. This puts them at risk of later
behavioral problems, including aggressive conduct. These children need opportunities to repair
the original attachment relationship or construct some form of attachment outside the home,
perhaps through interaction with a teacher or mentor.

What young children need to learn

According to Erikson, very young children can develop an inability to take action on their own
and/or developing a sense of inferiority, unproductiveness, and feelings of incompetence in
regards to their peers and their social roles and abilities if not supported adequately to be
trusting, autonomous and to take initiative.
Vygotsky (1978) says children learn in a systematic and logical way as a result of dialogue and
interaction with a skilled helper within a zone of proximal development (ZPD). The lower
boundary of the ZPD are activities the learner can do on his or her own without the assistance
of a teacher or mentor. Similarly, the upper limit of the ZPD are those learning outcomes that the
learner could not achieve at this time even with the assistance of a competent teacher or
mentor.

 Vygotskys concept of scaffolding - the process by which the teacher constantly changes the
level of assistance given to the learner as the learning needs change is also vital in helping a
child become socially competent.
Bronfenbrenners work identifies the importance of communication and collaboration between
the family and school in a childs social development.

Social Competence and Academic Achievement

The single best predictor of adult adaptation is not academic achievement or intelligence, but
rather the ability of the child to get along with other children (Hartup, 1992). When this skill is not
learnt in early childhood, numerous difficulties arise for the child in their later schooling.
As the infant becomes a toddler and then moves into early childhood, Baumrind (1989, 1993)
found that parental warmth (e.g., being aware and responsive to a childs needs) and
demandingness (e.g. limiting inappropriate behaviours and reinforcing socially acceptable
behaviours) are what shapes the childs social development. Brooks-Gunn, Berlin, and Fuligni
(2000) suggested that these skills neither come naturally nor are developed automatically by all
parents and, therefore, it is necessary to include the education of the family in any effective
early childhood development program.
Much of the current research on the importance of social-emotional learning points to the preschool years as the sensitive period for social development. Not only are young brains still
developing rapidly during these years (Sigelman & Rider, 2006), but normally children are
having their first social interactions outside of the home. Brooks-Gunn, et al. (2000) found that
one of the most important factors in successful social development is a strong, healthy
relationship between home and school.

How to positively influence social development

Build positive relationships with children, families
and colleagues
Design supportive and engaging environments
Teach social and emotional awareness and skills

 Develop individualised interventions for children

with the most challenging behaviour, such as
children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
or Autism Spectrum Disorders

Organic farming is an alternative agricultural system which originated early in the 20th
Century in reaction to rapidly changing farming practices. Organic agriculture continues to be
developed by various Organic Agriculture organizations today. It relies on fertilizers of organic origin
such as compost, manure, green manure, and bone meal and places emphasis on techniques such
ascrop rotation, companion planting. Biological pest control, mixed cropping and the fostering of
insect predators are encouraged. Generally, although there are exceptions, organic standards are
designed to allow the use of naturally occurring substances while prohibiting or strictly limiting
synthetic substances. For instance, naturally occurring pesticides such
as pyrethrin and rotenone are permitted, while synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are generally
prohibited. Synthetic substances that are allowed include, for example, copper sulfate,
elemental sulfur and Ivermectin. Genetically modified organisms, nanomaterials, human

sewage sludge,plant growth regulators, hormones, and antibiotic use in livestock husbandry are
prohibited. Reasons for advocation of organic farming include real or perceived advantages
in sustainability, openness, independence, health, food security, and food safety, although the match
between perception and reality is continually challenged.
Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations,
based in large part on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture
Movements (IFOAM) an international umbrella organization for organic farming organizations
established in 1972. Organic agriculture can be defined as:
an integrated farming system that strives for sustainability, the enhancement of soil fertility and
biological diversity whilst, with rare exceptions, prohibiting synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic
fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, and growth hormones.

HISTORY OF ORGANIC FARMING

Agriculture was practiced for thousands of years without the use of artificial chemicals. Artificial
fertilizers were first created during the mid-19th century. These early fertilizers were cheap,
powerful, and easy to transport in bulk. Similar advances occurred in chemical pesticides in the
1940s, leading to the decade being referred to as the 'pesticide era'.These new agricultural
techniques, while beneficial in the short term, had serious longer term side effects such as soil

compaction, erosion, and declines in overall soil fertility, along with health concerns about toxic
chemicals entering the food supply. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, soil biology scientists
began to seek ways to remedy these side effects while still maintaining higher production.
Biodynamic agriculture was the first modern system of agriculture to focus exclusively on
organic methods: Its development began in 1924 with a series of eight lectures on agriculture
given by Rudolf Steiner These lectures, the first known presentation of what later came to be
known as organic agriculture, were held in response to a request by farmers who noticed
degraded soil conditions and a deterioration in the health and quality of crops and livestock
resulting from the use of chemical fertilizers.The one hundred eleven attendees, less than half
of whom were farmers, came from six countries, primarily Germany and Poland. The lectures
were published in November 1924; the first English translation appeared in 1928 as The
Agriculture Course.
In 1921, Albert Howard and his wife Gabrielle Howard, accomplished botanists, founded an
Institute of Plant Industry to improve traditional farming methods in India. Among other things,
they brought improved implements and improved animal husbandry methods from their
scientific training; then by incorporating aspects of the local traditional methods, developed
protocalls for the rotation of crops, erosion prevention techniques, and the systematic use of
composts and manures. Stimulated by these experiences of traditional farming, when Albert
Howard returned to Britain in the early 1930s he began to promulgate a system of natural
agriculture.
In July 1939, Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, the author of the standard work on biodynamic agriculture
(Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening),came to the UK at the invitation of Walter James, 4th
Baron Northbourne as a presenter at the Betteshanger Summer School and Conference on
Biodynamic Farming at Northbourne's farm in Kent. One of the chief purposes of the conference
was to bring together the proponents of various approaches to organic agriculture in order that
they might cooperate within a larger movement. Howard attended the conference, where he met
Pfeiffer.In the following year, Northbourne published his manifesto of organic farming, Look to
the Land, in which he coined the term "organic farming." The Betteshanger conference has
been described as the 'missing link' between biodynamic agriculture and other forms of organic
farming.
In 1940 Howard published his An Agricultural Testament. In this book he adopted Northbourne's
terminology of "organic farming.Howard's work spread widely, and he became known as the
"father of organic farming" for his work in applying scientific knowledge and principles to various
traditional and natural methods. In the United States J.I. Rodale, who was keenly interested
both in Howard's ideas and in biodynamics, founded in the 1940s both a working organic farm

for trials and experimentation, The Rodale Institute, and the Rodale Press to teach and
advocate organic methods to the wider public. These became important influences on the
spread of organic agriculture. Further work was done by Lady Eve Balfour in the United
Kingdom, and many others across the world.
Increasing environmental awareness in the general population in modern times has transformed
the originally supply-driven organic movement to a demand-driven one. Premium prices and
some government subsidies attracted farmers. In the developing world, many
producers farm according to traditional methods that are comparable to organic farming, but not
certified, and that may not include the latest scientific advancements in organic agriculture. In
other cases, farmers in the developing world have converted to modern organic methods for
economic reasons.

"Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people.
It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the
use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to
benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all
involved..."
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements[32]
Organic farming methods combine scientific knowledge of ecology and
modern technology with traditional farming practices based on naturally occurring biological
processes. Organic farming methods are studied in the field of agroecology. While conventional
agriculture uses synthetic pesticides and water-soluble synthetically purified fertilizers, organic
farmers are restricted by regulations to using natural pesticides and fertilizers. An example of a
natural pesticide is pyrethrin, which is found naturally in the Chrysanthemum flower. The principal
methods of organic farming include crop rotation, green manures and compost, biological pest
control, and mechanical cultivation. These measures use the natural environment to enhance
agricultural productivity: legumes are planted to fix nitrogen into the soil, natural insect predators are
encouraged, crops are rotated to confuse pests and renew soil, and natural materials such
as potassium bicarbonate] and mulches are used to control disease and weeds. Genetically
modified seeds and animals are excluded.
While organic is fundamentally different from conventional because of the use of carbon based
fertilizers compared with highly soluble synthetic based fertilizers and biological pest control instead
of synthetic pesticides, organic farming and large-scale conventional farming are not entirely
mutually exclusive. Many of the methods developed for organic agriculture have been borrowed by

more conventional agriculture. For example, Integrated Pest Management is a multifaceted strategy
that uses various organic methods of pest control whenever possible, but in conventional farming
could include synthetic pesticides only as a last resort.[34]

Crop diversiTY
Organic farming encourages Crop diversity. The science of agroecology has revealed the benefits
of polyculture (multiple crops in the same space), which is often employed in organic farming
Planting a variety of vegetable crops supports a wider range of beneficial insects, soil
microorganisms, and other factors that add up to overall farm health. Crop diversity helps
environments thrive and protects species from going extinct. [36]

Soil management
Organic farming relies heavily on the natural breakdown of organic matter, using techniques
like green manure and composting, to replace nutrients taken from the soil by previous crops. This
biological process, driven by microorganisms such as mycorrhiza, allows the natural production of
nutrients in the soil throughout the growing season, and has been referred to as feeding the soil to
feed the plant. Organic farming uses a variety of methods to improve soil fertility, including crop
rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and application of compost. By reducing tillage, soil is not
inverted and exposed to air; less carbon is lost to the atmosphere resulting in more soil organic
carbon. This has an added benefit of carbon sequestration, which can reduce green house gases
and help reverse climate change.
Plants need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients and symbiotic
relationships with fungi and other organisms to flourish, but getting enough nitrogen, and particularly
synchronization so that plants get enough nitrogen at the right time (when plants need it most), is a
challenge for organic farmerS Crop rotation and green manure ("cover crops") help to provide
nitrogen through legumes (more precisely, the Fabaceae family), which fix nitrogen from the
atmosphere through symbiosis with rhizobialbacteria. Intercropping, which is sometimes used for
insect and disease control, can also increase soil nutrients, but the competition between the legume
and the crop can be problematic and wider spacing between crop rows is required. Crop
residues can be ploughed back into the soil, and different plants leave different amounts of nitrogen,
potentially aiding synchronizatioNOrganic farmers also use animal manure, certain processed
fertilizers such as seed meal and various mineral powders such as rock phosphate and green sand,
a naturally occurring form of potash that provides potassium. Together these methods help to
control erosion. In some cases pH may need to be amended. Natural pH amendments
include lime and sulfur, but in the U.S. some compounds such as iron sulfate, aluminum
sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and soluble boron products are allowed in organic farming.[38]:43
Mixed farms with both livestock and crops can operate as ley farms, whereby the land gathers
fertility through growing nitrogen-fixing forage grasses such as white clover or alfalfaand grows cash

crops or cereals when fertility is established. Farms without livestock ("stockless") may find it more
difficult to maintain soil fertility, and may rely more on external inputs such as imported manure as
well as grain legumes and green manures, although grain legumes may fix limited nitrogen because
they are harvested. Horticultural farms that grow fruits and vegetables in protected conditions often
relay even more on external inputs
Biological research into soil and soil organisms has proven beneficial to organic farming. Varieties of
bacteria and fungi break down chemicals, plant matter and animal waste into productive soil
nutrients. In turn, they produce benefits of healthier yields and more productive soil for future
crops. Fields with less or no manure display significantly lower yields, due to decreased soil microbe
community. Increased manure improves biological activity, providing a healthier, more arable soil
system and higher yields.

Weed managemenT
Organic weed management promotes weed suppression, rather than weed elimination, by
enhancing crop competition and phytotoxic effects on weeds.[41] Organic farmers integrate cultural,
biological, mechanical, physical and chemical tactics to manage weeds without synthetic herbicides.
Organic standards require rotation of annual crops, meaning that a single crop cannot be grown in
the same location without a different, intervening crop. Organic crop rotations frequently include
weed-suppressive cover crops and crops with dissimilar life cycles to discourage weeds associated
with a particular crop.Research is ongoing to develop organic methods to promote the growth of
natural microorganisms that suppress the growth or germination of common weeds
Other cultural practices used to enhance crop competitiveness and reduce weed pressure include
selection of competitive crop varieties, high-density planting, tight row spacing, and late planting into
warm soil to encourage rapid crop germination
Mechanical and physical weed control practices used on organic farms can be broadly grouped as: [44]

Tillage - Turning the soil between crops to incorporate crop residues and soil amendments;
remove existing weed growth and prepare a seedbed for planting; turning soil after seeding to
kill weeds, including cultivation of row crops;

Mowing and cutting - Removing top growth of weeds;

Flame weeding and thermal weeding - Using heat to kill weeds; and

Mulching - Blocking weed emergence with organic materials, plastic films, or landscape
fabric.[45]

Some critics, citing work published in 1997 by David Pimentel of Cornell University,[46] which
described an epidemic of soil erosion worldwide, have raised concerned that tillage contribute to the
erosion epidemic.[47] The FAO and other organizations have advocated a 'no-till' approach to both
conventional and organic farming, and point out in particular that crop rotation techniques used in
organic farming are excellent no-till approaches.[47][48] A study published in 2005 by Pimentel and
colleagues[49] confirmed that 'Crop rotations and cover cropping (green manure) typical of organic
agriculture reduce soil erosion, pest problems, and pesticide use.' Some naturally sourced chemicals
are allowed for herbicidal use. These include certain formulations of acetic acid (concentrated
vinegar), corn gluten meal, and essential oils. A few selective bioherbicides based on
fungalpathogens have also been developed. At this time, however, organic herbicides and
bioherbicides play a minor role in the organic weed control toolbox.[44]
Weeds can be controlled by grazing. For example, geese have been used successfully to weed a
range of organic crops including cotton, strawberries, tobacco, and corn, [50]reviving the practice of
keeping cotton patch geese, common in the southern U.S. before the 1950s. Similarly, some rice
farmers introduce ducks and fish to wet paddy fields to eat both weeds and insects.[51]

Organic agriculture
Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes
and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. It is based on
minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain
and enhance ecological harmony. The primary goal of organic agriculture is to
optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life,
plants, animals and people.

What are the environmental benefits of organic agriculture?

Sustainability over the long term. Many changes observed in the environment are long term, occurring slowly over
time. Organic agriculture considers the medium- and long-term effect of agricultural interventions on the agroecosystem. It aims to produce food while establishing an ecological balance to prevent soil fertility or pest problems.
Organic agriculture takes a proactive approach as opposed to treating problems after they emerge.
Soil. Soil building practices such as crop rotations, inter-cropping, symbiotic associations, cover crops, organic
fertilizers and minimum tillage are central to organic practices. These encourage soil fauna and flora, improving soil
formation and structure and creating more stable systems. In turn, nutrient and energy cycling is increased and the
retentive abilities of the soil for nutrients and water are enhanced, compensating for the non-use of mineral fertilizers.

Such management techniques also play an important role in soil erosion control. The length of time that the soil is
exposed to erosive forces is decreased, soil biodiversity is increased, and nutrient losses are reduced, helping to
maintain and enhance soil productivity. Crop export of nutrients is usually compensated by farm-derived renewable
resources but it is sometimes necessary to supplement organic soils with potassium, phosphate, calcium, magnesium
and trace elements from external sources.
Water. In many agriculture areas, pollution of groundwater courses with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides is a major
problem. As the use of these is prohibited in organic agriculture, they are replaced by organic fertilizers (e.g. compost,
animal manure, green manure) and through the use of greater biodiversity (in terms of species cultivated and
permanent vegetation), enhancing soil structure and water infiltration. Well managed organic systems with better
nutrient retentive abilities, greatly reduce the risk of groundwater pollution. In some areas where pollution is a real
problem, conversion to organic agriculture is highly encouraged as a restorative measure (e.g. by the Governments
of France and Germany).
Air and climate change. Organic agriculture reduces non-renewable energy use by decreasing agrochemical needs
(these require high quantities of fossil fuel to be produced). Organic agriculture contributes to mitigating the
greenhouse effect and global warming through its ability to sequester carbon in the soil. Many management practices
used by organic agriculture (e.g. minimum tillage, returning crop residues to the soil, the use of cover crops and
rotations, and the greater integration of nitrogen-fixing legumes), increase the return of carbon to the soil, raising
productivity and favouring carbon storage. A number of studies revealed that soil organic carbon contents under
organic farming are considerably higher. The more organic carbon is retained in the soil, the more the mitigation
potential of agriculture against climate change is higher. However, there is much research needed in this field, yet.
There is a lack of data on soil organic carbon for developing countries, with no farm system comparison data from
Africa and Latin America, and only limited data on soil organic carbon stocks, which is crucial for determining carbon
sequestration rates for farming practices.
Biodiversity. Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at all levels. At the gene level, traditional
and adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater resistance to diseases and their resilience to climatic
stress. At the species level, diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize nutrient and energy cycling for
agricultural production. At the ecosystem level, the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic fields and
absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife. The frequent use of under-utilized species (often as
rotation crops to build soil fertility) reduces erosion of agro-biodiversity, creating a healthier gene pool - the basis for
future adaptation. The provision of structures providing food and shelter, and the lack of pesticide use, attract new or
re-colonizing species to the organic area (both permanent and migratory), including wild flora and fauna (e.g. birds)
and organisms beneficial to the organic system such as pollinators and pest predators. The number of studies on
organic farming and biodiversity increased significantly within the last years. A Recent Study Reporting On A MetaAnalysis Of 766 Scientific Papers concluded that organic farming produces more biodiversity than other farming
systems.
Genetically modified organisms. The use of GMOs within organic systems is not permitted during any stage of
organic food production, processing or handling. As the potential impact of GMOs to both the environment and health
is not entirely understood, organic agriculture is taking the precautionary approach and choosing to encourage
natural biodiversity. The organic label therefore provides an assurance that GMOs have not been used intentionally in
the production and processing of the organic products. This is something which cannot be guaranteed in conventional
products as labelling the presence of GMOs in food products has not yet come into force in most countries. However,
with increasing GMO use in conventional agriculture and due to the method of transmission of GMOs in the
environment (e.g. through pollen), organic agriculture will not be able to ensure that organic products are completely

GMO free in the future. A detailed discussion on GMOs can be found in the FAO publication "Genetically Modified
Organisms, Consumers, Food Safety And The Environment".
Ecological services. The impact of organic agriculture on natural resources favours interactions within the agroecosystem that are vital for both agricultural production and nature conservation. Ecological services derived include
soil forming and conditioning, soil stabilization, waste recycling, carbon sequestration, nutrients cycling, predation,
pollination and habitats. By opting for organic products, the consumer through his/her purchasing power promotes a
less polluting agricultural system. The hidden costs of agriculture to the environment in terms of natural resource
degradation are reduced.
A critical review of the relationships between organic agriculture and the environment as well as other
aspects is provided by IFOAM and is presented under the shape of a list of Criticisms And Frequent
Misconceptions About Organic Agriculture With Corresponding Counter-Arguments.

REPORTE BY: GROUP 4