Organic Fruit Production: Technologies and Strategies

Abstract

Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It emphasizes the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account the regional conditions. This is accomplished by using, wherever possible, agronomic, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfil any specific function within the system (FAO, 1999). In other words, organic agriculture is an integrated approach that begins with good soil management for nutrient cycling, productivity, and tilth. It involves an integrated preventative approach for pest management to protect the health and productivity of crops.