Review on Status of Organic Farming

Organic agriculture started much more recently in thousands of years ago, Agriculture almost equal share of the farming systems of crop production and characterizes the key issues of Ethiopian economy. The quality of organic resources and their fertilizer equivalence are the main criteria to be judged for effective utilization of the organic resources for soil fertility improvement and promotion of agricultural products both in quantity and quality.Organic agriculture is production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. The evaluation of organic matter in soils depends on type and nature of organic source. Organic agriculture in the extent to which African farmers certified yields (more than 50% higher than local yield averages). The export main products produced are cotton, sesame and coffee, followed by cocoa, dried fruits, frozen fruit/pulp, fresh mainly tropical fruit and spices. Ethiopia is famous as the origin of coffee and is the largest producer in Africa. Forest coffee has the advantage that it originates from an organic and shaded production area - a quality increasingly important for coffee drinkers worldwide coffee cultivation systems, superior quality and organic in nature. Certified-organic farmers will generally require a higher price to compensate for the costs of inspection, certification and the major source of foreign exchange and thus account more than half of the value of total export. Total number of 12 forest coffee cooperatives in remote areas of southwestern Ethiopia were certified according to Fairtrade, organic (EU standard) and Utz Certified standards. The common understanding of agricultural production in all types of organic agriculture is managing the production capacity of an agro-ecosystem. Pesticides and fertilizers are damaging human health and polluting the surrounding environment and thus violating the sustainability of ecosystem.

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Organic and conventional Washington State farmers' opinions on GM crops and marketing strategies

Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems ◽

10.1017/s1742170507001603 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 22 (2) ◽

pp. 118-124 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Leland L. Glenna ◽

Raymond A. Jussaume

Keyword(s):

Organic Agriculture ◽

Washington State ◽

Gm Crops ◽

Industrial Agriculture ◽

United States Department ◽

Marketing Environment ◽

Organic Certification ◽

Alternative Vision ◽

Organic Farmers ◽

Certified Organic

AbstractA 1999 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy on organic certification excluded the use of genetically modified (GM) crops. The decision remains controversial because it provokes debate over the fundamental meaning of organic agriculture. Some scholars, farmers and activists claim that organic agriculture represents a value orientation that is opposed to trends in industrial agriculture, of which GM crops are the latest product. Because organic farmers are a significant constituency in this debate, we examined their values and practices related to marketing, environment and GM crops. From a survey of 1181 Washington State farmers, we created a sub-sample of 598 crop farmers (fruits, vegetables and grains), of which 109 described themselves as organic (certified organic, moving towards organic certification and non-certified organic), and we analyzed organic and conventional farmer responses to a number of issues to discern comparative commitment to self-seeking economic interests. Results reveal differences among conventional and organic farmers on GM crops and several marketing and environmental values and practices, suggesting that there is some validity to portraying organic agriculture as an alternative vision to industrial agriculture.

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EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC CROP PRODUCTION

Scientific Review: Theory and Practice ◽

10.35679/2226-0226-2020-10-5-749-763 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 749-763

Author(s):

A.V. Shelenok ◽

Keyword(s):

Organic Farming ◽

Organic Agriculture ◽

Crop Production ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Agricultural Crops ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

Slow Development ◽

Organic Products ◽

The World

The article examines intensive and organic technologies for growing agricultural crops, their impact on the environment, human health, indicates what are the advantages and disadvantages of organic agriculture. It is noted that with intensive technologies for growing agricultural crops, their yield increases, but if the doses of chemicals are not observed, soil fertility is disturbed, the environment is polluted. Devoid of the disadvantages inherent in intensive technologies, organic farming is significantly inferior in productivity to it, due to which it is not able to reach the same production volumes, to ensure a comparable level of domestic consumption, which is demonstrated by traditional farming. The article compares the effectiveness of traditional and organic agronomic farming systems. It is shown that in the case of comparability of yield indicators, traditional technologies at lower selling prices are more effective in terms of profit and profitability indicators. The reasons for the slow development of the organic segment in the agricultural production of Russia are revealed. In this regard, the topic of support for foreign and Russian agricultural producers, including organic products, as well as the underdevelopment of its domestic market is touched upon. It is noted that, in contrast to developed countries, Russia’s share in the world market for organic products is insignificant. Therefore, it is too early to talk about the prospects for the development of organic agriculture in Russia. In the world, organic farming is stimulated, it occupies its own niche, but in all respects it lags far behind the traditional method of growing agricultural products. Its share in the world food market ranges from 2.6 to 3%.

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Pertanian Organik sebagai Salah Satu Konsep Pertanian Berkelanjutan

PengabdianMu Jurnal Ilmiah Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat ◽

10.33084/pengabdianmu.v5i2.1033 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 127-132

Author(s):

Yuriansyah Yuriansyah ◽

Dulbari Dulbari ◽

Hery Sutrisno ◽

Arief Maksum

Keyword(s):

Organic Farming ◽

Organic Agriculture ◽

Environmental Sustainability ◽

Crop Production ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Farming System ◽

Agricultural System ◽

Study Program ◽

Alternative Farming ◽

Organic Farming System

Excessive use of inorganic chemicals results in adverse impacts on land and plants. In the midst of the community, there is anxiety about the high content of pesticide residues in agricultural products. There is a need to develop alternative farming systems that are able to produce quantities and quality of healthy products in a sustainable manner. One agricultural system that supports the concept is the organic farming system. The basic principles of organic farming are: (1) Keeping the ecosystem healthy, (2) Applying the principle of efficiency to the cultivation system, (3) Conducting production activities with the concept of sustainable agriculture, (4) Producing pesticide-free products, and (6) Maintaining environmental sustainability. Food Crop Production Study Program Lampung State Polytechnic makes Organic Agriculture as one of the leading competencies for its graduates. The establishment of the Organic Agriculture Business Unit on campus will increase student competencies, foster entrepreneurship, be a place for competency internships, and as an independent source of income.

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Agricultural Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of Major Farming Systems: A Case Study in Yayo Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve, Southwestern Ethiopia

Agriculture ◽

10.3390/agriculture9030048 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 48 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mezgebu Duguma ◽

Debela Feyssa ◽

Lisa Biber-Freudenberger

Keyword(s):

Ecosystem Services ◽

Crop Production ◽

Biosphere Reserve ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Farming System ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Human Needs ◽

Southwestern Ethiopia ◽

Diversified Farming Systems ◽

Evenness Indices

Farming systems, with their concerns of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and productivity and production issues towards progress in human needs, wellbeing, and sustainable development, are challenging in most biosphere reserves. In this study, we assess the levels and trends of the agro-biodiversity and ecosystem services of different farming systems in the Yayo Biosphere Reserve in Ethiopia. Interviews with a total of 120 farmers, 16 key informants, and 12 focal group discussions (FDGs) were conducted, and species composition was assessed based on data collected on ten plots per major farming system. Result indicate that four farming systems, namely homegardens (HG), plantation coffee (PC), semi-forest coffee (SFC), and annual crop production (CP) systems, can be identified. Shannon and Evenness indices were highest in the HG system (H′ = 3.14, E = 0.8), and lowest in the CP system (H′ = 0.71, E = 0.18). Additionally, more diversified and relatively less cultivated farming systems provide more ecosystem services, and land users tend to practice less diversified farming systems in order to increase food supply at the expense of other ecosystem services. Therefore, this study recommends that diversified farming systems need to be considered to conserve or enhance specific ecosystem services in ways that reduce their negative tradeoffs.

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Non-Certified Organic Agriculture: An Opportunity for Resource-Poor Farmers?

Outlook on Agriculture ◽

10.5367/000000005774378775 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 135-140 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Daniel Cáceres

Keyword(s):

Organic Agriculture ◽

Social Actors ◽

Organic Movement ◽

Organic Products ◽

Resource Poor ◽

Organic Farmers ◽

Certified Organic

Drawing upon a case study from Argentina, this paper focuses on social actors who cannot be formally included within the organic movement: non-certified organic farmers. Even when they grow, consume and sell organic products, they are unable to become certified organic farmers, mainly for economic reasons. This paper analyses the main features of this group and the socioeconomic significance and impact of their farming strategy on the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers.

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Extension Agents’ Perceptions of the Role of Extension Services in Organic Agriculture: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13094880 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 4880

Author(s):

Bader Alhafi Alotaibi ◽

Edgar Yoder ◽

Hazem S. Kassem

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Organic Agriculture ◽

Work Experience ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Extension Agents ◽

Extension Services ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Organic Farmers

Extension services (ES) play a crucial role in addressing the various needs of organic farmers and little is known about the extension agents’ (EA’s) perceptions of organic agriculture and the role of ES in organic agriculture. This study investigated EA’s perceptions of the role of ES in organic agriculture. Data were collected via a questionnaire, which was sent electronically to all enlisted extension agents in Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia. In total, 69 extension agents completed the questionnaire, representing a 54% response rate. Overall, extension agents had slightly positive attitudes toward organic farming but were unsure about their role and participation in this. Furthermore, their perceptions of the role of ES in organic agriculture significantly varied according to their age, work experience in organic agriculture, and education level. These findings have implications for the design of future training programs for the professional development of extension agents and will enable planners, policy makers, and related ministries to devise viable and workable policies and plans that truly reflect the concerns and challenges of extension agents and consider the skills of extension agents that need to be improved. This research will also have positive implications for the national organic agriculture policy, as it provides research-based information on the actual players in the farming systems of Saudi Arabia.

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Industrial Hemp Knowledge and Interest among North Carolina Organic Farmers in the United States

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11092691 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 2691 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Beatrice Dingha ◽

Leah Sandler ◽

Arnab Bhowmik ◽

Clement Akotsen-Mensah ◽

Louis Jackai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

North Carolina ◽

Crop Production ◽

Cannabis Sativa ◽

The United States ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Wide Range ◽

Organic Farmers ◽

Certified Organic ◽

Industrial Hemp

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa), has been proposed as a new crop that might be of interest to organic farmers in the North Carolina and other states in the United States. However, little is known about how organic farmers view this crop. We conducted a survey among North Carolina certified organic growers to ascertain their knowledge of, and willingness to adopt, industrial hemp. Contact information was obtained from a database of certified organic farmers in North Carolina and the growers were contacted by email and directed to complete an online questionnaire. Growers were asked a wide range of questions about farm characteristics, technology adoption, interest toward industrial hemp, and policy issues regarding hemp adoption. A total of 245 farmers were contacted; 64 started the survey and 35 responded to all questions. Our results indicate that 85% of North Carolina organic growers are interested in growing hemp on their farms and the majority wanted to learn more about the crop production practices, adapted cultivars, and legality of growing it. Seventy-five percent expressed interest in being certified growers while 52% wanted to grow industrial hemp primarily for cannabidiol (CBD) oil. Most (65%) respondents indicate they aspired to be among the first farmers in their area to grow and sell hemp. Growers who have tried new crops or new farming technology in the last three years were more likely to adopt industrial hemp production. These findings will help decision-makers understand the critical concerns of growers who are willing to adopt industrial hemp as an alternative income-generating enterprise.

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Oregon farmers' perspectives on motivations and obstacles to transition to certified organic

Journal of Agriculture Food Systems and Community Development ◽

10.5304/jafscd.2020.101.017 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-15

Author(s):

Deanna Lloyd ◽

Garry Stephenson

Keyword(s):

Organic Farming ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Organic Production ◽

Economic Production ◽

Organic Farmers ◽

Organic Farming Systems ◽

Certified Organic ◽

Organic Transition ◽

The U.S ◽

Organic As

This exploratory study investigates perceptions of the transition to certified organic production among farmers in the U.S. state of Oregon who were actively transitioning all or part of their operation to certified organic production. It examines the influence of farmer experience with organic farming systems on motivations and obstacles to transition to certified organic farming. The analysis creates and compares three categories of farmers based on their total years of farming experience and years of farming using organic methods—Experienced Organic Farmers, Beginning Organic Farmers, and Experienced Farmers Beginning Organic—and provides insights into the economic and ideological motivations for transitioning to certified organic, as well as the economic, production, and marketing obstacles inherent to certified organic transition.

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642 A Training Series in Organic Farming Systems

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.34.3.558c ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 558C-558

Author(s):

N.G. Creamer ◽

K.R. Baldwin ◽

F.J. Louws

Keyword(s):

Organic Farming ◽

Crop Production ◽

Nutrient Management ◽

Development Program ◽

Interdisciplinary Approach ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Soil Biology ◽

Intensive Training ◽

Organic Farmers ◽

Organic Farming Systems

Consumer demand for organically produced food and the desire by many farmers to eliminate chemical fertilizers and pesticides is increasing the need for research and educational programs to support organic farmers. To date, the land-grant universities and the cooperative extension service have been viewed by organic farmers as unresponsive to this need. The primary reason for the unresponsiveness has been inadequate training and resource materials available to extension agents. In 1998, we conducted an intensive training for agriculture agents in North Carolina. Funding was provided by the USDA SARE Professional Development Program. More than 50 agents participated in a series of workshops that were offered together as a graduate course worth four NCSU credits. Much of the training was conducted on the Organic Unit at The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), a 100-acre facility dedicated to research and education in organic farming systems. The hands-on training consisted of lectures, demonstrations, field trips, and class exercises. The topic areas included soil biology/ecology; crop rotation; organic nutrient management; composting; cover crop management; organic weed, insect, and disease management; appropriate tillage practices; organic greenhouse management; marketing organic produce; integrating animals into organic crop production systems; delivery systems for disseminating information to organic producers, and; social and community development aspects of sustainable agriculture. Unique features of the workshops were the interdisciplinary approach to teaching them, and the integration of information about interactions between production factors. The training was very well-received and will serve as a model for future extension programming. A training manual, slide sets, extension publications, and a Web site are being created to further support agents as they conduct programming in their own counties.

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