What Is Organic Agriculture? - A definition by The Organic Guy

If you were to Google "what is organic agriculture," you'd likely find a common answer: it's a farming system that avoids using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs. Organizations such as IFOAM Organics define it as a production system that "sustains the health of soils, ecosystems, and people," focusing on ecological processes, biodiversity, and cycles adapted to local conditions. While accurate, these definitions emphasize the technical details—what farmers can’t use or do—rather than the deeper purpose behind organic farming.

Most definitions of organic agriculture are transactional. They explain what organic farmers do (avoid synthetic inputs) but not why they do it. They focus on the absence of harmful chemicals and external inputs but don’t articulate the positive impact organic farming has on ecosystems, communities, and future generations. Organic farming isn’t just a method of growing food without synthetic chemicals—it's about cultivating ecosystems where life can thrive.

These definitions emphasize the technical details—what farmers can’t use or do—rather than the deeper purpose behind organic farming.

To truly capture the essence of organic agriculture, it helps to break down the words themselves. “Agriculture” comes from the Latin words ager (field) and cultura (cultivation), which translates to "field cultivation." Essentially, agriculture is about working the land to grow food. From high school, we learned that agriculture is the art and science of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and rearing livestock. The “art” refers to the time-tested, intuitive practices that farmers have used for generations and passed down through generations.

The “science” on the other hand, reflects modern advancements that make it possible to farm sustainably in today’s world. Organic farmers use scientific research and technology to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and develop systems that work with, rather than against, nature. It’s the combination of these two elements—art and science—that makes organic farming both dynamic and effective.

Adding the term “organic” transforms this concept into something much deeper. The word “organic” originates from the Greek organikos, meaning “pertaining to life.” Across various languages, this root remains consistent. In French, it’s Biologique; in Kiswahili, it’s Hai (life); in Italian, it’s Biologico; and in Dutch, it’s Biologisch. In all cases, the core idea is life.

Organic Agriculture is the art and science of cultivating life.

So when you combine the words "Organic" and "Agriculture," You get my definition of Organic Agriculture. And that is; Organic Agriculture is the art and science of cultivating life.

Defining organic agriculture as “the art and science of cultivating life” I think elevates its purpose beyond food production. It emphasizes the nurturing role organic farming plays in fostering life at every level, from the smallest microorganisms in the soil to the surrounding communities and ecosystems. Organic farming doesn’t just produce food; it helps regenerate the earth’s resources, enrich biodiversity, and build healthier ecosystems.

For example, organic farmers avoid synthetic fertilizers not merely because they’re prohibited but because these chemicals destroy life in the soil, disrupting the complex web of organisms that make healthy soil possible. Organic farmers also avoid synthetic pesticides not just because they’re harmful to humans but because they disrupt the life cycle of countless other organisms, from insects to birds and small mammals. This definition allows us to see Organic Agriculture for what it is, a farming system that fosters life in all its forms—in the soil, plants, animals, and humans.

Next time someone asks you, “What is organic agriculture?” you can confidently say that it’s not just about what farmers avoid; it’s about what they cultivate. And they cultivate the most important thing only found on planet Earth. LIFE.

Podcasts Episodes You Might Have Missed!

The Organic Guy Podcast is the leading agricultural podcast across East and Central Africa dedicated to fostering organic conversations towards sustainable food system transformation.

- Brace yourself to hear thought-provoking conversations from diverse personalities on how we can make our food systems work for us and NOT against us. Check out the latest podcast episode:

My Organic Product Of The Week Series!

This is a weekly series that I will be sharing with you my organic product of the week. I hope that by the end of the year, you will be inspired by the amazing variety of organic products that there is to choose from!

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Organic Science

Organic and Science is a series of posts I release every Monday to highlight?peer-reviewed science?that supports organic some of which most scholars probably don't want you to see. Always be on the lookout for that.

Till the NEXT one, Be Organic.