Today, more and more people are turning to organic food as they become increasingly health- and environmentally-conscious. One may ask, ‘What is organic food?’ The term refers to the methods used to produce the food. Organic food is grown without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides. Instead, it is grown by the addiction of organic matter. As for animals, they are reared without the use antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic food is also free of organic modifications. The popularity of organic food is evident by the number of organic shops sprouting all over the Klang Valley, with supermarkets and hypermarkets selling a wide range of these products.

Growing consumer support for organic food has made organic farming a new business opportunity for those on the lookout for new ventures. One successful organic farm, Titi Eco Farm Resort, is located in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan. Its founder, Lim Mok Lai, left his job in the city and ventured into organic farming ten years ago despite advice from well-meaning friends to invest his money in the stock market. His decision was motivated by concern for the environment and concern about consuming tainted food. Today, more and more city dwellers, like Lim, are leaving the corporate world to start organic farms in the countryside. Some conventional farmers, who share the same beliefs, are also switching to organic farming.

The success of an organic farm is dependent on many factors. Anyone keen on starting an organic farm must first understand the concept of organic farming. Organic farming is not only about growing vegetables without chemicals or raising livestock without the use if growth-enhancing hormones or antibiotics. It is also about using farming practices that support this concept. Lack of sound farming practices that support this concept. Lack of sound farming practices often lead to the downfall of many new businesses.

Another important concept in organic farming is soil management and maintaining the fertility of the soil. Organic farmers should grow different vegetables at different times. This practice, known as crop-rotation, ensures that the land remains fertile. They should have sound knowledge of the minerals in the soil and the types of crops that can replenish the minerals in the soil. It is also vital for organic farmers to know how to make their own compost. They should also know where to obtain raw material for their compost as buying raw material for compost can be costly. They can use organic material such as leaves, used sugar cane husk and kitchen waste as raw material but the decay process can take several months before they obtain well-made compost. Organic farmers must also use environmentally-friendly practices to minimize pests, weeds and diseases.

Lim and other organic farmers have this advice for those who hope to venture into organic farming. Gain working experience on an organic or even a conventional farm. Having good in-depth knowledge of each of the crops they grow or type of livestock they rear is important so that they can recognize problems and solve the daily challenges on the farm. Newcomers to organic farming are also advised to volunteer at established organic farms to gain hands-on experience. Lim said, ‘When I first started this farm 10 years ago, organic farming was relatively new, so I learnt everything through trial and error.’ Although Lim’s farm has now grown to 30 acres, he says he is still learning. Newcomers can also gain knowledge through a local non-profit organisation, the Centre for Environment, Technology, Malaysia (CETDEM), which organizes seminars, farm visits and discussions on organic farming. Newcomers are also advices to form a support group with other organic farmers so that they can share their expertise in growing different vegetables. Networking is also important. Working together is always more beneficial than working alone as this improves marketing efforts.

‘Organic farming is not for those who think they can make big money,’ cautions Lim. ‘Even after 10 years, my business is only breaking even.’ Profit margins may seem to be higher for organic

products, but the production and processing costs are generally higher. This is due to intensive use labour and specialized equipment and substitutes for synthetic chemicals.

(Adapted from Personal Money, February 2007)