"Having great potential in growing organic crops, the presence of knowledgeable farmers in these provinces and the technical support lent by agricultural unions to them are the three reasons why these provinces were selected for the pilot production of organic food," Saeed Saadat was also quoted as saying by IRNA.
According to unofficial estimates, more than 40,000 hectares of agricultural land have been dedicated to the production of organic food in Iran.
Farmers who grow organic produce don’t use conventional methods to fertilize and control weeds, according to Financial Tribune.
Examples of organic farming practices include using natural fertilizers to feed soil and plants, and using crop rotation or mulch to manage weeds.
Iran produces many organic products, including but not limited to nuts, barberry, raisins, pomegranate, olive oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, rice, lentil, grains, honey and meat.
Head of Iran Organic Association Reza Nourani told Financial Tribune in an earlier interview that Iran is the 43rd producer of organic food among 176 countries.