Organic farming is considered one of the most important sustainable alternatives to conventional agricultural systems. It aims to produce healthy and safe food without the use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. It is based on the principle of a natural balance between humans and the environment, making it an ideal choice for human health and ecosystem preservation.<br /><br />First: The Concept of Organic Agriculture<br /><br />Organic farming is an agricultural system that relies on the use of renewable natural resources, such as compost, green manure, crop rotations, and biological pest control, without the use of chemicals. Sustainable agricultural practices that preserve soil fertility and protect biodiversity are observed.<br /><br />Second: Organic Agriculture as a Safe Food Source<br /><br />Products are free of chemical pesticides:<br />Organic products do not contain pesticide residues or synthetic fertilizers, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer or liver and kidney disease.<br /><br />No Use of Hormones and Antibiotics:<br />Organic animal production prohibits the excessive use of hormones and antibiotics, which contributes to reducing bacterial resistance to antibiotics in humans.<br /><br />Higher Nutritional Quality:<br />Some studies indicate that organic produce may contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than conventional produce.<br /><br />Third: Organic Agriculture as an Environmentally Sustainable Option<br /><br />Maintaining Soil Fertility:<br />Organic agriculture relies on naturally improving soil through organic fertilization and crop rotation, which prevents soil degradation and increases long-term productivity.<br /><br />Reducing Water and Soil Pollution:<br />By avoiding synthetic chemicals, organic agriculture reduces chemical pollution of groundwater and surface water.<br /><br />Protecting Biodiversity:<br />Organic agriculture promotes beneficial insects, birds, and beneficial microorganisms, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.<br /><br />Reducing Carbon Emissions:<br />Because organic agriculture consumes less energy and does not rely on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, it contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.<br /><br />Fourth: Challenges Facing Organic Agriculture<br /><br />High Production Costs: Due to its reliance on manual labor and natural methods, organic agriculture is more expensive to produce.<br /><br />Lower productivity compared to conventional agriculture, especially in the early years.<br /><br />Lack of community awareness: Many consumers are still unaware of the importance and benefits of organic agriculture.<br /><br />Fifth: The Future of Organic Agriculture<br /><br />With growing environmental and health awareness globally, organic agriculture is experiencing steady growth. Many governments are supporting this type of agriculture through legislation and incentives for farmers, which heralds increased reliance on organic agriculture as a primary source of food in the future.<br /><br />Organic agriculture is a strategic option for achieving sustainable food security. It provides healthy and safe food, preserves the environment, and contributes to promoting the green economy. Therefore, supporting and expanding it is a necessary step toward a better future for people and the planet.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University is the first university in Iraq.<br/><br/><a href=https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/biodiversity/ target=_blank>Goal 15 - life on land</a>