br Excessive use of chemicals and modern farming methods have led to a decline in soil fertility and an increase in salinity and blue-green algae in waterways over many years. Organic farmers try to minimise damage to the environment by using physical weed control and animal and green manure. br br Where to get helpbr Some supermarketsbr Some greengrocersbr Organic food retailersbr Organic Federation of Australia Tel. (02) 9299 8016br Things to rememberbr Organic farming is the production of food without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified components.br Organic foods are not necessarily completely chemical free, but the pesticide residues will be considerably lower than those found in produce manufactured with synthetic chemicals.br Choose foods with the label ‘certified organic’ from one of the seven AQIS accredited certifying organisations.br Organic farming is better for the environment and more likely to be sustainable.