What is the difference between Natural Farming and Organic farming?

If you are like me, you may be overwhelmed or maybe even a little annoyed with the words you see in the grocery store and on food products. What exactly is “natural” and how does it apply to Natural farming? How is organic farming any different than natural farming? Is organic better or the same as natural? Question after question seems to float around the grocery store aisles as consumers seek to answer what is best for them and the food they purchase.

The goal of this blog is not to argue one form of farming is better than the other but to inform consumers clearly what these types of agriculture are and how they are different. This way, they can make educated decisions when buying food. The secondary goal is to assist you to think critically about each type of farming and not just buy food because it has a label on it, claiming it to be “organic” or “natural.” Lastly, to give consumers the power to drive the food system, like they should, instead of large multinational food companies whose sole goal is making a profit.

As more and more terms appear in food marketing, consumers seem to have more confusion and need to be better equipped to understand the marketing and claims made. Some are ready to give up as they desire a transparent food system that is easy and simple to figure out, but it doesn’t seem like food companies are wanting to play along.

Natural Farming Vs Organic Farming

To start, let’s define both terms, so we have a clear understanding of natural and organic farming principals.

“Natural Farming is a farming practice that imitates the way of nature,” it was created in Japan by Masanobu Fukuoka and Mokichi Okada. It is described as “the natural way of farming” or “do-nothing farming.” Source: Maunakeatea

“Organic farming is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock and people. The principal goal of organic production is to develop enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.” Source: Omafra

Similarly, I have heard many people speak highly of organic farming/foods because they don’t use pesticides, fertilizers, growth hormones, antibiotics or GMO’s and their reason for supporting this form of agriculture is because of the elimination of these items.

I believe the one commonality both these forms of agriculture have is that they are perceived or understood to be more sustainable than commodity farming, which we explored last month. Do consumers feel they are doing their part to care for the environment and their bodies, but are these correct assumptions?

Natural Farming and Organic Farming

What is Natural Farming?

In principle, practitioners of natural farming maintain that it is not a technique but a view, or a way of seeing ourselves as a part of nature, rather than separate from or above it. Accordingly, the methods themselves vary widely depending on culture and local conditions.

Principles of Natural Farming

Fukuoka boiled natural farming down into a mindset consisting of five principles that include: no weeding, no-tillage, no pesticides or herbicides, no fertilizer, and lastly no pruning of the plant.

What is Organic Farming?

The principles of organic farming are intended to refocus our minds on how farmers take care of the soil and manage the biological life of the earth. Organic agriculture includes not only the management of the soil but also the water, plants and animals used in farming. Yearly third party audits authenticate that farmers are required to prove what they used on their land and host an annual inspection.

Principles of Organic Farming

The four Principles of Organic Farming are:

It should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plants, animals and humans as one and indivisible.

Should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.

It should build on relationships that ensure fairness about the familiar environment and life processes.

Should be managed in a prudent and responsible manner to protect the health and well being of current and future generations and the environment.