Organic Farming And Biodiversity: Status Quo And Acceptance For Improving Options

Summary

Intensive discussions are ongoing with regard to the negative impacts of intensive farming practices on wild flora and fauna and their habitats. Our systematic literature review compiled from 75 sources from 1990 to 2017 showed that organic farming has clear positive effects on the species richness and abundance of selected flora and fauna groups. The results underline the high potential of organic farming for the preservation and promotion of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. At the same time, however, there is a need to develop and improve organic management systems to better meet biodiversity goals for certain species. A survey of organic farmers in north-eastern Germany showed that besides the costs, other factors, such as overcoming bureaucratic constraints, are very important for the acceptance of conservation measures.