DEFINITION OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
In September 2005 in Adelaide, Australia, the General Assembly of IFOAM - Organics International passed a motion to establish a succinct Definition of Organic Agriculture. After almost three years of work by a designated task force, a definition reflecting the four Principles of Organic Agriculture in a succint way was adopted in Vignola, Italy as follows:
| "Organic Agriculture is 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 Agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved." ---------유기농업의 정의 ” 유기농업은 토양과 생태계, 그리고 주민의 건강을 지켜주는 생산 시스템입니다. 이는 역효과가 있는 투입자재의 사용을제한하고 생태학적인 절차를 존중하는 생산 방법입니다. 또한 생물학적 다양성을 지키며 현지의 여건에 적합한 주기로농작물을 생산합니다. 유기농업은 환경을 이롭게 하고 관련된 모든 사람들과 공정한 관계를 맺으며 그들의 삶의 질을개선시키는 것을 추구합니다. 이를 위해 유기농업은 전통, 혁신 그리고 과학을 결합하여 유기농 원칙을 준수하면서도매우 효과적인 결과를 만들어냅니다” 有機農業は、土壌・自然生態系・人々の健康を持続させ る農業生産システムである。それは、地域の自然生態系 の営み、生物多様性と循環に根差すものであり、これに 悪影響を及ぼす投入物の使用を避けて行われる。有機農 業は、伝統と革新と科学を結び付け、自然環境と共生し てその恵みを分かち合い、そして、関係するすべての生 物と人間の間に公正な関係を築くと共に生命（いのち） ・生活（くらし）の質を高める。 ========= PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
These principles are the roots from which Organic Agriculture grows and develops. They express the contribution that Organic Agriculture can make to the world. Composed as inter-connected ethical principles to inspire the organic movement -- in its full diversity, they guide our development of positions, programs and standards.
=========== THE PRINCIPLE OF HEALTH
Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible.
 
This principle points out that the health of individuals and communities cannot be separated from the health of ecosystems - healthy soils produce healthy crops that foster the health of animals and people.
Health is the wholeness and integrity of living systems. It is not simply the absence of illness, but the maintenance of physical, mental, social and ecological well-being. Immunity, resilience and regeneration are key characteristics of health.
The role of Organic Agriculture, whether in farming, processing, distribution, or consumption, is to sustain and enhance the health of ecosystems and organisms from the smallest in the soil to human beings. In particular, organic agriculture is intended to produce high quality, nutritious food that contributes to preventive health care and well-being. In view of this it should avoid the use of fertilizers, pesticides, animal drugs and food additives that may have adverse health effects.
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THE PRINCIPLE OF ECOLOGY
Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them.
This principle roots Organic Agriculture within living ecological systems. It states that production is to be based on ecological processes, and recycling. Nourishment and well-being are achieved through the ecology of the specific production environment. For example, in the case of crops this is the living soil; for animals it is the farm ecosystem; for fish and marine organisms, the aquatic environment.
Organic farming, pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit the cycles and ecological balances in nature. These cycles are universal but their operation is site-specific. Organic management must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture and scale. Inputs should be reduced by reuse, recycling and efficient management of materials and energy in order to maintain and improve environmental quality and conserve resources.
Organic Agriculture should attain ecological balance through the design of farming systems, establishment of habitats and maintenance of genetic and agricultural diversity. Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect and benefit the common environment including landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water.
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THE PRINCIPLE OF FAIRNESS
Organic Agriculture should build on relationships
that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities. 
Fairness is characterized by equity, respect, justice and stewardship of the shared world, both among people and in their relations to other living beings.
This principle emphasizes that those involved in Organic Agriculture should conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties - farmers, workers, processors, distributors, traders and consumers. Organic Agriculture should provide everyone involved with a good quality of life, and contribute to food sovereignty and reduction of poverty. It aims to produce a sufficient supply of good quality food and other products.
This principle insists that animals should be provided with the conditions and opportunities of life that accord with their physiology, natural behavior and well-being.
Natural and environmental resources that are used for production and consumption should be managed in a way that is socially and ecologically just and should be held in trust for future generations. Fairness requires systems of production, distribution and trade that are open and equitable and account for real environmental and social costs.
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THE PRINCIPLE OF CARE
Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment.
Organic Agriculture is a living and dynamic system that responds to internal and external demands and conditions.
Practitioners of Organic Agriculture can enhance efficiency and increase productivity, but this should not be at the risk of jeopardizing health and well-being. Consequently, new technologies need to be assessed and existing methods reviewed. Given the incomplete understanding of ecosystems and agriculture, care must be taken.
This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in management, development and technology choices in Organic Agriculture.
Science is necessary to ensure that Organic Agriculture is healthy, safe and ecologically sound. However, scientific knowledge alone is not sufficient. Practical experience, accumulated wisdom and traditional and indigenous knowledge offer valid solutions, tested by time.
Organic Agriculture should prevent significant risks by adopting appropriate technologies and rejecting unpredictable ones, such as genetic engineering. Decisions should reflect the values and needs of all who might be affected, through transparent and participatory processes.
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