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Book of Abstracts

11th IFOAM
Scientific Conference
11-15 August 1996
Copenhagen, Denmark


Abstract front page
Subject index
Athor index

Symposia

Humane Sustainable Organic Agriculture S16

Valen, Gary; Fox, Michael

The Humane Society of the United States, Washington, D.C. 20037

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Organic.dk

The bioethical criteria that farmers, ranchers, agribusiness corporations, policy makers and the consumer-public need to implement in order to achieve sustainable profits, improved nutrition, and protection of farm animals, wildlife and the environment, are identified; and their interdependence, which mandates cooperative action.

Humane sustainable organic agriculture (HSOA) entails the production of domestic animal protein and fiber on the economically prudent basis of an ecologically sound animal husbandry and the wise and appropriate use of natural resources. HSOA is socially just, respecting human rights, especially those of indigenous peoples and nature, family-farm cultures and traditions, since the preservation of cultural diversity has inherent value just as does the preservation and enhancement of natural biodiversity.

HSOA respects the right of consumers of animal protein to wholesome and healthful produce derived from animals whose basic physiological, behavioral, and social needs, which are integral to their overall health, are fully satisfied by the methods of husbandry that are practiced.

HSOA is bioregionally appropriate, if not autonomous, linking livestock and poultry production with ecologically sound, organic crop and forage production systems and environmentally sound rangeland management, as the case may be.

HSOA does not engage in the import or export of any agricultural commodities, especially meat, wool, hides and animal feedstuffs, that have been produced at the expense of natural biodiversity and nonrenewable resources.

HSOA entails respect for all life, its philosophy being Creation or Earth-centered. It therefore embraces concern for the rights and interests of people, animals, and the environment. By so doing, it reconciles conflicting claims and concerns with the absolute right of all life to a whole and healthy environment.

HSOA provides the foundation for a community of hope and of a planetary democracy, whereby world peace, justice, and the integrity of Creation may be better assured.