Integrated organic farming system for true-value accounting of ecosystem services and SDGs

Abstract

Conventional farming mainly measures crop production, input costs and income, while many environmental, social and nutritional benefits remain outside the farm account. Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) offers a practical approach to capture these wider benefits by integrating organic crop production with livestock, fishery, horticulture, water harvesting and recycling of farm wastes. Such integration promotes efficient use of farm resources, nutrient recycling, soil health, water conservation, biodiversity and diversification of farm production. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Agriculture and Food framework provides a broader approach to assess these benefits through four forms of capital: natural, produced, human and social capital. Using this framework, IOFS can be assessed not only for production and income but also for its contribution to ecosystem services, food and nutritional security, farmer knowledge, employment, livelihoods and collective action. Linking these outcomes with the Sustainable Development Goals provides a comprehensive way to demonstrate the wider environmental, economic and social value of IOFS and its potential to support sustainable, resilient and resource-efficient farming systems.