Organic Farming in Australia And South Africa

An alternative agricultural system called organic farming is practised by most countries worldwide. Every country in every continent has their own ways of making profits for itself. Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations, based in large part on the standards set by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), an international umbrella organization for organic farming organizations established in 1972. Vegetable farming is one of the popular ways that is commonly practiced. South Africa and Australia both have their own ways and style of producing their own crops because of its land structure. Australia is the smallest of the continents and the world’s largest island – with climates ranging from tropical to temperate and Mediterranean-style usually are well-watered, with regular rainfall. These areas have become the main agricultural regions, although Australia also has developed techniques for farming in drier areas. Irrigation has offered opportunities for agricultural intensification, greatly enhanced yields and the substitution of low-value crops with higher value enterprises. Without irrigation, a significant proportion of Australia’s agricultural industries would either not exist or be greatly diminished. On the other hand, in South Africa, organic farming involves producing food crops and livestock in harmony with nature. Seen in the light of water shortages and deterioration of soil quality in South Africa, it becomes vitally important to preserve our natural resources. This means using water-wise crops, improving soil quality, the economic use of water as well as ensuring the humane management of animals.

First and foremost, both Australia and South Africa differs in their agricultural practice major farming system. One of the major farming systems practice by Australia is the Horticulture Farming System which produces a diverse range of annual and perennial horticultural crops, including vegetables and has a well established and expanding viticulture industry. The products are mostly used as fresh vegetables such as (beans & peas, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and carrots). Most horticultural products are aimed towards the domestic markets, with less than 20% being exported. Major production areas are concentrated in fertile regions with high annual rainfall or abundant water for irrigation. Vegetable production is highly concentrated close to major towns and cities (urban-based), where domestic water supplies are used. In contrast, farming system in South Africa mainly for sorghum and wheat, they use dry land farming system which covers 15% land area of the country, practiced in regions where lack of moisture limits crop and pasture production. Dryland farming systems combine crops, pasture and fallow periods based on rotations for the fundamental purpose of making efficient use of the limited water. Meanwhile, in South Africa, sorghum and wheat were planted using the cereal-root crop mixed system which covers 13% of the land area. This system was practised at a lower altitude, higher temperatures, lower density place. In conclusion, both countries have different farming systems applicated in their country and based on their environment and land structure.

However, there is one similarity in the way they manage vegetable crops during long dry periods. Australian and South African farmers have their own way of managing this complication or botheration. The first way is to ensure their irrigation system is operating at its most efficient by checking the system while it is operating and look for leak or worn sprinkler heads. A leaking sprinkler could lead to numerous lawn problems. Water may pool in lower areas to form mould and mildew that kills their lawn. The nozzles on sprinkler heads may spray in an uneven pattern due to debris inside and not provide complete coverage. This can leave dry spots in your lawn that turn brown in the heat of summer. They will also observe their lawn after a complete cycle of watering. They will look for areas that have pooling water or are much greener above the water lines. This indicates leak or worn sprinkler heads. The worst case scenario is to develop a contingency plan which farmers have to decide and consider a few numbers of things to ensure they will get the maximum return from their crops. They might have to sacrifice some low-end crops which denoting the cheaper products of a range if there is insufficient water supply. They will start to question themselves, which crops are higher in value? Are there lower value crops, which could be sacrificed for those of higher value? Is it important to retain markets and contracts? Because some of the crops are likely to be in short supply because of the drought and these may end up them being of high value. The farmers will also observe whether which crop could stand in reducing irrigation or showing high-end yields.