scholarly journals Organic agriculture – importance and development

2021 ◽  
Vol 854 (1) ◽  
pp. 012102
Author(s):  
Slavica Veskovic Moracanin ◽  
Dragutin Djukic ◽  
Milinko Saponjić ◽  
Zoran Ostojic

Abstract Agriculture, as the most important strategic industry, is tasked with providing sufficient quantities of quality and safe food. Intensive and often excessive, uncontrolled, and unskilled use of the means for protection and nutrition of plants, as well as means for the prevention or treatment of animals, are carried out to increase yields in conventional production. This approach in food production has contributed to the increasingly common endangerment of the health of plants, animals and humans, as well as significant environmental endangerment. Unlike conventional production, organic food production is now increasingly attracting interest from modern consumers. However, organic agriculture involves not only producing without artificial fertilizers and other agrochemicals, but without antibiotics and hormones too. It is more of a holistic production system that functions as a sustainable unit, and unites interconnected and conditioned actors: plants, animals, microorganisms, insects, organic and mineral soil matter, and humans. In Serbia, organic agriculture has been developing for the last thirty years. However, the intensive development of organic agriculture has only happened in the last decade, with plant organic production being more developed than animal organic production.

2021 ◽  
Vol 70 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 85-94
Author(s):  
Jelena Golijan ◽  
Mile Sečanski

Summary Organic agriculture is a food production system that sustains the health of people, soils and ecosystems with no adverse consequences, combining tradition, innovation and science. The development of such type of agricultural production, from its beginnings to the present day, has encompassed a number of specific stages both in Serbia and worldwide. Accordingly, the purpose of this survey study is to present the developmental course of organic agricultural production in Serbia and worldwide. The paper also summarises the state of organic plant production across different regions of Serbia, arguing that the Serbian organic production has been increasing since the 1990s. Following the political changes in Serbia in 2000, foreign donations, investments and organisations have significantly enhanced the country’s organic production sector as a whole. The largest number of organic producers (1/3) and the largest areas devoted to organic farming are concentrated in Vojvodina.


2005 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-Shung Chang ◽  
Lydia Zepeda

AbstractIn Australia, the retail value of organic food production was estimated at A$250 million, with farm-gate value at around A$90 million and exports at around A$40 million, in 2002. The current share of organic sales in total food sales in Australia is about 1%. The growth rate in organic production was forecast to continue at 10–30% per annum. Despite the positive outlook, there are consumer concerns about product recognition and product integrity. To understand how demand for organic products is changing, it is important to investigate consumer attitudes and knowledge about these issues. The objective of this study was to identify issues that may hinder or promote demand. Given the qualitative nature of these issues, we used a focus group study to probe consumers. While focus group results are a qualitative approach and not intended to be generalizable, the results suggest directions for future research. The participants raised concerns about the use of chemicals, the treatment of farm animals and the environmental impact of food production. Organic food consumers were found to be more knowledgeable about organic foods, as well as being more tolerant of higher prices and inaccessibility. The results also suggest that increasing consumers' awareness of organic farming and certification, as well as the availability of organic foods, may be the most effective way of moving organic foods into mainstream.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 561-579
Author(s):  
A.A. Leksina ◽  
◽  
E.A. Aleshina ◽  

Organic agriculture is a promising and increasingly demanded direction of “greening” agricultural activity, which has a great potential due to natural production technologies. Significant segments of organic products have been formed in the food markets of the developed countries; various institutional systems of the industry have been functioning for decades. Russian agribusiness is globally lagging behind in these matters, but the development of the economic environment has led to the objective necessity of adopting a law and a state standard that would define the requirements for the organic agriculture. Research on the prospects of the Russian food market in the global organic production system is becoming relevant. This work is a two-sided quantitative and qualitative approach to the study of existing production systems of organic food from the standpoint of the results and dynamics, on the one hand, and their organizational and economic structure, on the other. The findings and results are confirmed by the presented and systematized absolute and relative indicators of land areas certified for organic agriculture, the number of market entities, the consumption of organic food per capita and retail sales in the domestic markets. The qualitative characteristic of organic agriculture systems was reflected in constructing a set of schemes that clearly illustrate national features of the conduct methods, state regulation of production and turnover, research support, regulatory and supervisory support of the business under study. As a result, a comparative analysis of the leading world markets for organic food (USA, Germany, Canada and Austria) in comparison with the emerging market of Russia. The study is addressed to the global business community operating in the organic food market and to special research institutions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (5-esp.) ◽  
pp. 496-503
Author(s):  
Larisse Medeiros Gonçalves ◽  
Caroline Viganó ◽  
Chaiane Renata Grigolo ◽  
Pedro Henrique da Silva Monteiro ◽  
Thiago de Oliveira Vargas ◽  
...  

Embora a produção sustentável e a agroecologia tenham relevância e vasta quantidade de artigos, há insuficiência de materiais sistemáticos que auxiliem no emprego operativo das características sustentáveis na produção. Esse trabalho traz uma base conceitual que direciona para a sistematização pragmática, no que diz respeito à produção orgânica, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica. A produção de alimentos em sistemas agroecológicos tem por princípios a adoção de práticas de uso saudável e consciente dos recursos naturais. A produção de orgânicos no Brasil vem apresentando crescimento significativo. Esse avanço está sendo possível devido ao modelo diversificado dos mecanismos de controle de qualidade para produtos de origem ecológica, uma vez que há maior acesso para o registro dos mesmos. Porém, o setor enfrenta várias dificuldades, como problemas de logística, processos burocráticos na certificação e déficit de insumos, além de carência de informações técnicas. Para que tais barreiras sejam superadas, investimentos em pesquisas científicas para aprimorar as técnicas de produção e estratégias de marketing para promoção dos alimentos orgânicos são recursos indispensáveis para o avanço do sistema. Além disso, o governo deve desenvolver políticas para ampliação da produção, oferta e consumo de produtos orgânicos para fortalecer e incentivar tal modelo produtivo.   Palavras-chaves: Alimentos Orgânicos. Certificação. Sistemas Agroecológicos, Desenvolvimento Rural Sustentável.  Abstract Although sustainable production and agroecology have relevance and a vast number of articles, there is a lack of systematic materials that assist in the operational use of sustainable characteristics in production. This work provides a conceptual basis that leads to pragmatic systematization, regarding organic production, through a bibliographic review. The food production in agroecological systems is based on the adoption of healthy and conscious use of natural resources practices. Organic production in Brazil has been showing significant growth. This progress is being made possible due to the diversified model of quality control mechanisms for ecological origin products, since there is greater access to their registration. However, the sector faces several difficulties, such as logistical problems, bureaucratic processes in certification and deficit of inputs, in addition to a lack of technical information. For these barriers to be overcome, investments in scientific research to improve production techniques and marketing strategies for promoting organic food are indispensable resources for the system advancement. In addition, the government must develop policies to expand the production, supply and consumption of organic products to strengthen and encourage such a productive model.    Keywords: Organic Food. Certification. Agroecological Systems. Sustainable Rural Development.  


Author(s):  
Bilge Ozturk Goktuna ◽  
Nazife Merve Hamzaoğlu

Conventional agriculture has long been criticized about its negative externalities on issues like public health, environment, biodiversity, and all ecological systems on the planet such as environmental pollution, soil erosion, reduction of animal welfare, and negative impacts of GMOs. As an alternative production system to address these problems, organic agriculture has been developed worldwide since the 1970s. In this chapter, an overview of organic agriculture and food market is given and a comparative analysis between organic agricultural markets in EU, US, and Turkey is made after an outlook on the world organic food market. It is seen that EU and US are forthcoming leaders in the organic food market, whilst Turkey remains behind many developed countries in terms of organic production, per capita consumption, and retail sales.


2020 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 1130-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boban Melović ◽  
Marina Dabić ◽  
Sunčica Rogić ◽  
Vladimir Đurišić ◽  
Vesna Prorok

PurposeThis paper seeks to identify the factors that influence the perceptions and attitudes of young people in Montenegro toward organic products.Design/methodology/approachThe results of the research, obtained using the multivariate factor analysis, showed that the vast majority of young consumers identify organic food as healthy and natural and that its higher price is a significant barrier inhibiting their likelihood of purchasing it, along with inaccessibility and the limited options offered.FindingsThe data obtained provides valuable information for managers and decision-makers working in organic food production and sales in Montenegro – a country with the potential to develop in this field.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was carried out in the CEE transition country of Montenegro, with 300 young consumers. Further research is needed to validate the results through longitudinal study.Practical implicationsThe data obtained represents a meaningful contribution to the field of organic food production and sale in Montenegro (which is a country with a lot of potential in this area) and will assist managers and decision-makers in the field.Social implicationUnlike most research that has previously examined issues concerning organic production – such as its standardization, financing, environmental impact, and even its promotion – this paper provides a better understanding of the behavior of young consumers toward organic products in Montenegro by outlining their perceptions and attitudes toward this product category.Originality/valueThis research represents the first academic study of customers' attitudes and perceptions in this area, alongside the main factors affecting the young consumer's choice to purchase organic food in Montenegro.


Author(s):  
Mahmut Keskin ◽  
Sabri Gül ◽  
Osman Biçer ◽  
Zuhal Gündüz

Although the intensification of agricultural production is the reason for feeding of increasing human population the demand for organic or ecological products is increasing in parallel with the social consciousness in recent years. Hair goat breeding is made in a large part of Turkey that is suitable or may become suitable for organic production system with a few arrangements. In this study, Hair goat breeding was evaluated together with the Regulation on the Principles and Implementation of Organic Agriculture. The study is important in terms of ensuring sustainability of hair goats under the threat of crossbreeding by assessing it within organic production.


Author(s):  
José Miguel Mulet

Although the consumption of organic food is increasing in Europe and other parts of the world, it is still a minor option. The total agriculture land used for organic production in Europe is less than 6% and less than 1% worldwide. Contrary to what most consumers think there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that organic food has better nutritional value or that its production is more sustainable. In addition, productivity is very low and concomitantly the price is higher. This report reviews the presence of pseudoscience and the exclusion of technology from the European organic regulations and proposes some improvements that would help to make organic food production a real alternative and attain its objectives of providing healthier and sustainable food production.


2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 39-42
Author(s):  
Gordana Tomić ◽  
Maja Đuricaa ◽  
Nenad Đokić

Organic agriculture provides good quality products, the development of sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and economic efficiency. To develop a habit of consuming organic food, as is case with all habits, it is necessary to educate the younger population, so that they can become accustomed to the fact that organic food is a source of both human health and a healthy environment. Therefore, educational institutions should initiate actions in order to develop awareness of the importance of healthy and safe food (especially fresh fruits and vegetables) among youth. This action has already been carried out in some countries.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 849
Author(s):  
Lisa Mølgaard Lehmann ◽  
Magdalena Borzęcka ◽  
Katarzyna Żyłowska ◽  
Andrea Pisanelli ◽  
Giuseppe Russo ◽  
...  

Given the environmental footprints of the conventional agriculture, it is imperative to test and validate alternative production systems, with lower environmental impacts to mitigate and adapt our production systems. In this study, we identified six production systems, four in Italy and two in Denmark, to assess the environmental footprint for comparison among the production systems and additionally with conventional production systems. SimaPro 8.4 software was used to carry out the life cycle impact assessment. Among other indicators, three significantly important indicators, namely global warming potential, acidification, and eutrophication, were used as the proxy for life cycle impact assessment. In Italy, the production systems compared were silvopastoral, organic, traditional, and conventional olive production systems, whereas in Denmark, combined food and energy production system was compared with the conventional wheat production system. Among the six production systems, conventional wheat production system in Denmark accounted for highest global warming potential, acidification, and eutrophication. In Italy, global warming potential was highest in traditional agroforestry and lowest in the silvopastoral system whereas acidification and eutrophication were lowest in the traditional production system with high acidification effects from the silvopastoral system. In Italy, machinery use contributed the highest greenhouse gas emissions in silvopastoral and organic production systems, while the large contribution to greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer was recorded in the traditional and conventional production systems. In Denmark, the combined food and energy system had lower environmental impacts compared to the conventional wheat production system according to the three indicators. For both systems in Denmark, the main contribution to greenhouse gas emission was due to fertilizer and manure application. The study showed that integrated food and non-food systems are more environmentally friendly and less polluting compared to the conventional wheat production system in Denmark with use of chemical fertilizers and irrigation. The study can contribute to informed decision making by the land managers and policy makers for promotion of environmentally friendly food and non-food production practices, to meet the European Union targets of providing biomass-based materials and energy to contribute to the bio-based economy in Europe and beyond.


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