throughout the provinces but in all
cases requires the farmer to commit
labour and planning to such activities. Integrated Farming goes beyond simple compliance with current farming regulations, reinforces
the positive impact of farming practices on the environment and reduces their negative effects, without
losing sight of the profitability for
the farm.
Integrated Farming is geared towards the optimal and sustainable
use of all farm resources such as
farm workers, livestock, soil, energy,
water, air, machinery, landscape
and wildlife. This is achieved
through the integration of natural
regulatory processes, on-farm alternatives and management skills, to
ensure the maximum replacement
of off-farm inputs, maintain species
and landscape diversity, minimise
losses and pollution, provide a safe
and wholesome food supply and
sustain income. If external resources
are needed, there is a clear focus on
using local resources first.
Integrated Farming methods involve
the implementation of technical
expertise in an overall approach to
the farming activities. Above and
beyond food safety regulations,
which are applicable to all systems
of production, Integrated Farming
can facilitate the control of health
risks and contribute to improving
the health and safety of people at
work and livestock on the farm.
Integrated Farming requires considered management and a balanced
approach of every farm decision.
Free Range Hens
IPPSN Program
The following eleven points cover
essential elements of Integrated
Farming as a whole farm management approach:
Organisation & planning
Human & Social Capital
Energy Efficiency
Water Use & Water Protection
Climate Change & Air Quality
Soil Management
Crop Nutrition
Crop Health & Crop Protection
Animal Husbandry, Health &
Welfare
Landscape & Nature Conservation
Waste Management & Pollution
control
Free Range Farm Eggs
Examples of Farming System
Types for Improving Sustainability:
“System” is interpreted in a broad
sense, from the individual farm
agro-ecosystem to the wider ecological system or biome. The systems approach recognizes the importance of interconnections and
functional relationships between
different components of the farming system (for example; plants,
soils, insects, fungi, animals, and
water). It also stresses the significance of the linkages between
farming components and other aspects of the environment and economy. Understanding how the components function individually and
the outcomes each produces becomes the foundation of systems
Freerange Chickens