To first understand the reasons as to why it is critical to farm organically one must know and understand the definition of organics.

Having said that the government defines organic food as: "Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.
It is based on minimal use of off farm inputs and on farm management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.

In other words and certainly more simplistic - farmers work in harmony with nature, respecting natural ecological balances as well as maintaining the health of the soil and the ecosystems in which both crops and livestock are raised.

The end result is a better and balanced ecosystem creating enriched, drought resistant soil, less soil erosion, less ground water pollution and improved farm biodiversity. Healthy and organically built soils produce healthy plants with their own natural defenses against disease and other harmful perils.

Organic farmers maintain the long term fertility of the soil by allowing worms, insects and other organisms to flourish. Healthy soils mean healthy plants. The rotation of annual crops is also beneficial in organic farming. Crop rotation helps to maintain soil fertility and to prevent the buildup of weeds, pests and diseases.