Benefits when using sodium formate in organic farming
• Pure sodium formate (ProPhorce™ AC 299) - improves the dietary electrolyte balance and helps to control the pathogenic load.
• Formic acid buffered with sodium formate (ProPhorce™ AC 600) - the most commonly used organic acid for the acidification of piglet diets can now also be used in organic farming in its buffered, non-corrosive form.
• Silage additives (ProMyr™) with a high formic acid content are commonly used to ensile substances with a high protein content such as legumes. These products can now also be used in sodium formate buffered, non-corrosive versions.
What's next for organic farming?
Organic agriculture is defined as a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved (IFOAM, 2008).
Approving sodium formate is a big step for organic farming in the EU. In order for organic farming to obtain a competitive position in the market, it needs tools to optimize production within the organic farming philosophy. There are yet big strides to be made so the question remains: what is next?