Biodiversity

Scientists worldwide are warning of a dramatic decline in biodiversity, which could have serious consequences for the balance of nature and human well-being.

One third of the food we eat depends on pollination by bumblebees, bees, and other insects. The future of these pollinators—and the food they help produce — depends on how we manage the Earth’s resources. Organic farming can make a positive difference by supporting biodiversity: on average, organic farms host 50% more species of plants, and pollinators. By choosing KRAV-labelled food, you are helping to protect and enhance biodiversity.

Biodiversity means more than simply having many species of plants and animals. It also includes genetic diversity within species and a variety of habitats within an area. This diversity makes ecosystems more resilient, enabling them to stay in balance and provide the vital services that people rely on.

Some of Nature’s Essential Ecosystem Services

Green plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe.
Worms and many other organisms play key roles in nutrient cycles, creating fertile, living soil.
Insects pollinate plants, giving us fruits, berries, and vegetables.

some of the threats to biodiversity

Land exploitation that destroys habitats for plants and animals.
Large-scale, intensive agriculture with bigger fields and fewer crop varieties.
Use of artificial fertilisers, reducing the need for grazing animals on many farms.
Pesticides and other environmental toxins.
Climate change.

KRAV-certified cows help maintain biodiversity by grazing on large areas of grass and clover, creating open landscapes where more plant and animal species can thrive.

Greater Biodiversity on KRAV Farms

The foundation of organic production is care for nature’s essential features. One of the key goals of the KRAV Standards is to ensure that the biological and genetic diversity of the cultural landscape is protected and enhanced at every stage of food production. This is one reason why artificial chemical pesticides are banned in KRAV-certified farming. Such chemicals not only target weeds and pests but also harm beneficial insects and microorganisms.

KRAV-certified farmers are also prohibited from using genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as the consequences of their spread in nature remain uncertain.

Without artificial chemicals, KRAV farms support more flowers and plants, which in turn provide food for bumblebees, bees, and other pollinating insects—leading to better pollination of fruits and berries. More insects also mean more food for insect-eating birds.

Instead of artificial fertilisers, KRAV-certified farmers use manure and other organic fertilisers, benefiting earthworms and microorganisms that break down fertilisers and plant residues in the soil.

Varied crop rotations on KRAV farms create a greater diversity of plants that produce pollen and seeds for insects and birds. Additionally, KRAV-certified cows graze on large areas of grass and clover, helping to create open landscapes and natural pastures where more plant and animal species can thrive.

More Bees on Organic Farms

On organic farms, there are on average 30% more species of plants, birds, and pollinators than on conventional farms—and up to 50% more species if only plants and pollinators are counted. This leads to:

More spiders and predatory insects that feed on pest larvae, helping protect crops from damage.
More pollinators, such as bees and bumblebees, which can increase harvest yields.
The number of earthworms and their biomass were on average 78% and 94% higher, respectively, in organic farming compared to conventional farming. This is a sign of good soil structure and greater resilience to drought and flooding—key factors in adapting to climate change.
Greater variety of animals and plants, making nature more resilient to drought and disease.
Increased competition between animal species, which has been shown to reduce the risk of humans contracting Borrelia and other diseases spread by animals.