Organic agriculture has grown fast
In land area, farm numbers and sales, organic has grown impressively over recent decades, driven by consumers wanting healthier, more environmentally friendly choices. Certified organic farms now occupy around 1% of global agricultural land.
Worldwide organic product sales
Hectares managed organically worldwide
Organic producers globally
Certified organic commercial farms in South Africa
South Africa has the third-largest area under organic farming in Africa, roughly 50 000 hectares, behind Tunisia and Uganda, and about 20% of the continent’s certified organic area. Unlike many Sub-Saharan neighbours, we also have a substantial domestic market plus access to export markets in Europe and the USA, alongside hundreds of non-certified smallholders who farm to organic principles.
What is organic farming?
Organic farming produces food crops and livestock in a way that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. Rather than relying on inputs with harmful effects, it leans on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, combining tradition, innovation and science.
“A production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects.”
Organic vs regenerative
Regenerative agriculture is defined by ecological outcomes, whereas organic is defined by a set of rules set by governments. IFOAM’s definition speaks to sustaining the system, in line with regenerative goals, but regenerative goes further: it aims not just to sustain but to actively rehabilitate agricultural systems.
Why we need organic farming in South Africa
With degrading soils, a changing climate and water shortages, preserving our natural resources has become urgent, alongside the challenge of feeding current and future generations well.
Conventional, chemical-industrial practices contribute to warming, pollution, biodiversity loss and land degradation, and on their own cannot lift people out of hunger and poverty. That is why alternatives like organic and regenerative agriculture matter.
cases of unintentional acute pesticide poisoning worldwide each year.
greater species richness found under organic systems.
What organic farming delivers
Rather than expensive, harmful inputs with diminishing returns, organic methods harness scientific knowledge and natural processes, benefiting soil, water, climate, farmers and eaters.
Healthier produce
Organic produce tends to carry higher vitamin and mineral content, is free of chemical residues, and is often more flavoursome. A meta-analysis of 343 studies found meaningful differences in composition between organic and non-organic crops.
Environmental gains
Organic methods promote:
- Improved soil and water quality
- Natural pest regulation
- Lower exposure to pesticides
- Protected biodiversity
- Better nutrient recycling and organic matter
Feeding the future
Diversified production is a core organic principle, which can improve food security and nutrition in rural communities, while a growing global organic market opens new opportunities for smallholders.
Accessibility
Organic methods adapt readily to emerging farmers who cannot easily access costly external inputs and high-tech training, and being more labour-intensive, they can create jobs and community impact.
The honest challenges
Organic farming is not without trade-offs. Being clear-eyed about them helps you plan a transition that works.
How to start farming organically
A sensible first step is to get a copy of the current South African organic regulations. From there you can decide whether to farm organically without certification, or to become a certified producer through an IFOAM-accredited body, paying an annual inspection fee and receiving a registration number to market under their logo.
- What is expected of an organic farmer
- Which products are allowed or prohibited
- Which methods organic farming uses
- How to register and certify as a producer
- How and where to market organic products
Do I need to certify the whole farm?
No. You do not have to certify your entire farm or all your crops, but there must be a clear separation between certified organic and conventional crops.
How long does certification take?
The transition period is set by the regulations: typically two years for annual crops like vegetables, and three years for perennials like fruit trees and vineyards.