Organic Farming: Methods, Economics & Structure

Organic farming is a form of agriculture relying on such processes like crop rotation, green manure and biological pest control. Organic farming is gaining world-wide acceptance and has been expanding at an annual rate of 20% in the last decade, accounting for over 24 million hectares world-wide. This book discusses the agricultural practices in organic farming which cause changes in soil organic matter and microbial biomass content. This book also explains the concept of scientific paradigms and draws parallels with paradigms in agriculture, and in particular focuses upon organic farming and genetic engineering. An overview of the evolution of global market demand for organic meat and factors affecting it are also described. Future prospects for development of organic meat consumption and possible problems concerning trade are analysed as well.