The origins of organic farming can be traced back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s, a group of farmers in Great Britain formed the first organic farming organization, known as the Soil Association, which promoted the use of natural fertilizers and crop rotation to improve soil health and fertility.
The term “Organic Farming” became more widely used in the 1940s, and in the 1960s and 1970s, it gained popularity as part of the broader environmental movement.
Organic farming became associated with sustainable and holistic approaches to agriculture, which emphasized the interconnectedness of soil health, plant health, and animal health.
The organic farming movement has also grown to include not only small-scale farmers, but also larger-scale operations and mainstream agricultural companies.
Organic farming has roots that trace back to ancient times, with traditional agricultural practices relying on natural inputs and avoiding synthetic chemicals.
However, the modern organic farming movement as we know it began in the early 20th century, with the work of several pioneers.
Sir Albert Howard:
One of the key figures in the development of organic farming was Sir Albert Howard, a British agricultural scientist who worked in India in the early 1900s.
Howard’s research focused on improving soil health and fertility through the use of compost and other natural methods.
His book “An Agricultural Testament,” published in 1940, became a seminal work in the organic farming movement.
Rudolf Steiner:
Another important figure in the development of organic farming was Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and educator who founded the biodynamic farming movement in the 1920s.
Biodynamic farming emphasizes a holistic approach to agriculture, incorporating spiritual and mystical elements along with natural farming practices.
J.I. Rodale:
In the United States, J.I. Rodale was a key figure in promoting organic farming practices in the mid-20th century. Rodale founded the Rodale Institute in 1947, which has since become a leading research and advocacy organization for organic farming.
Today, organic farming is practiced all over the world, with many different organizations and standards governing its practices and certifications.