Organic farmers are encouraged to develop a holistic mindset to support ecosystem interactions. They may place a high priority on the environment according to the following principles:

a)Protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity and support a sound state of health.

b)Maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil.

c)Maintain biological diversity within the system.

d)Recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within the enterprise.

e)Provide attentive care that promotes the health and meets the behavioral needs of livestock.

f)Prepare organic products, emphasizing careful processing, and handling methods in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the products at all stages of production.

g)Rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems.

h)Organic farmers are not allowed to use most synthetic pesticides and biotechnology. However, organic farmers may use permitted natural sources of pesticides (i.e., copper, sulphur and botanical options) and fertilizers (manure, compost and minerals). [3]