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

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.

scholarly journals (419) The Relation of Cooperative Extension Programs, Materials, and Publications for Organic Farming Systems as Relates to Production

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1072C-1072
Author(s):  
Kristen Harper ◽  
Curt R. Rom
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Cooperative Extension ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Outreach Programs ◽  
Organic Farming Systems ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
Organic Produce

Since the passage of the Organic Foods Production Act in 1990, certified organic produce has begun to make a large impact on national markets. However, USDA statistics indicate that many states in the southern region have considerably reduced certified organic acreage when compared to other regions in the United States. The absence of organic acreage may perhaps originate with a lack of training and educational materials provided to producers due to unanticipated growth of organic markets. A thorough review of all Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (ACES) materials, such as bulletins, publications, and workshops over the past 10 years, would reveal what information has been provided to producers on certified organic production. This review of ACES materials defines the existing groundwork on which ACES could construct future organic publications and outreach programs in order to sustain and stimulate organic farming within the state.

scholarly journals Organic barley producers’ desired qualities for crop improvement

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (S1) ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
Brian P. Baker ◽  
Brigid M. Meints ◽  
Patrick M. Hayes
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Crop Improvement ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Systems ◽  
Multiple Markets ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

AbstractBarley fits well into many different organic farming systems. It can be grown as either a winter or spring annual crop in many temperate regions. Barley can be used for food, malting, or animal feed, providing growers with diverse marketing opportunities. Despite its advantages, many organic farmers in the USA have not adopted barley as a regular crop in their rotation. Researchers surveyed organic barley producers to discover what they considered to be the main obstacles to growing barley. The primary obstacles identified were limited markets and price. Breeding and development of high-quality barley suitable for organic systems and specialty markets may be a way to expand markets and secure a better price. Farmers identified yield as the most important agronomic trait of interest, but other traits such as nutritional quality were also highly ranked. Naked (hull-less) barley bred for multi-use quality is a possible alternative that allows organic farmers to sell into multiple markets. Most respondents expressed interest in the development of such varieties suitable for organic farming conditions. The researchers conducted follow-up interviews to obtain detailed information on how barley is used in organic farming systems, production practices, costs of production, and what traits farmers would like to see breeders focus on.

scholarly journals PENINGKATAN PENDAPATAN KELOMPOK TANI PADI ORGANIK MELALUI PROGRAM MANDIRI BENIH DI DESA KETAPANG KECAMATAN SUSUKAN SEMARANG

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Supriyadi Supriyadi ◽  
Sumani Sumani ◽  
Purwanto Purwanto ◽  
Mustofa Mustofa
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Seed Quality ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Organic Rice ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

Background, excessive exploitation of paddy land in the long term without the addition of organic matter have resulted in soil become damaged. To meet the needs of food (rice) healthy and improve the functioning of the land, then there is no best alternative except development of organic farming systems. To be able to implement a system of organic farming, it is necessary to aplication of seed quality assurance. IbPUD activities carried out ini the village Ketapang, local village government has formed group of paddy organic farmers, but due to constraints in the available of seed rice organic . The purpose, carry out assistance to Farmers and Farmers Group in the establishment of the sources of seed organic rice and the acquisition of organic certification. The method, is Focus Group Discussion which emphasizes dialogue interpersosnal and mentoring. The program is implementing educational methods that involve the active participation of the participants from the three (3) groups of paddy organic farmers partners in Ketapang. The training was held in the form of : (1) seed rice breading management trainin, (2) training of organic rice management with the use of local waste and can be as alternative of organic fertilizers, and (3) training buines management.Results, an increasing number of farmers' groups who implement sources of seed organic rice of 4 (four) varietas (Mentik Susu, Mentik Wangi, Hitam Arang and Merah Anoman) to 3 farmer groups (15Ha). In conclusion, most members of the Farmers Group Al-Barokah have felt: (a) the benefit of the treatment of organic in terms of soil quality and the products of organic rice and its by-products, (b) an increase in value-added organic products and farmers' income, (c) the importance of maintaining paddy according to its function, (d) have become independent farmers in organic rice cultivation.<br />Keywords: Organic farming systems, Organic certification, Interpersonal dialogue

scholarly journals INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC FARMING IN POLAND

2020 ◽  
Vol XXII (1) ◽  
pp. 213-223
Author(s):  
Władysława Łuczka
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Organic Farms ◽  
Institutional Barriers ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
High Standards

The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe institutional barriers to the development of organic farming in Poland. As a secondary objective, this paper seeks feedback from organic farmers on measures taken by the institutional environment to promote the development of organic farming. This paper is based on literature reviews and selected findings from empirical research carried out in 2019 with 262 organic farms. The sample used in this study was representative of the general population of certified organic farms. The survey was a CAWI. The study found that organic farming faces many barriers, with frequent amendments to regulations being of key importance. This destabilizes and adds uncertainty to the functioning of organic farms. Another significant barrier are the high standards of organic production and low levels of financial and non-financial support. To a certain extent, these barriers result from the inefficiency of institutions surrounding organic farming. As a consequence, they are considered to poorly contribute to organic farming development.

scholarly journals Living Mulches For Organic Farming Systems

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 692-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Leary ◽  
Joe DeFrank
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Living Mulch ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Nutrient Runoff ◽  
Organic Farmers

An important aspect of organic farming is to minimize the detrimental impact of human intervention to the surrounding environment by adopting a natural protocol in system management. Traditionally, organic farming has focused on the elimination of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and a reliance on biological cycles that contribute to improving soil health in terms of fertility and pest management. Organic production systems are ecologically and economically sustainable when practices designed to build soil organic matter, fertility, and structure also mitigate soil erosion and nutrient runoff. We found no research conducted under traditional organic farming conditions, comparing bareground monoculture systems to systems incorporating the use of living mulches. We will be focusing on living mulch studies conducted under conventional methodology that can be extrapolated to beneficial uses in an organic system. This article discusses how organic farmers can use living mulches to reduce erosion, runoff, and leaching and also demonstrate the potential of living mulch systems as comprehensive integrated pest management plans that allow for an overall reduction in pesticide applications. The pesticide reducing potential of the living mulch system is examined to gain insight on application within organic agriculture.

scholarly journals A comparison of the organic and conventional livestock farming systems of Avalon Farming in West Otago

2006 ◽  
pp. 127-132
Author(s):  
A and S Richardson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Livestock Farming ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Livestock Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
System 2

Organic farming in New Zealand is not considered a mainstream option for farmers. This paper compares organic and conventional farms running side by side at Avalon Farming and details why Avalon Farming is expanding its organic area. Included in the paper are details of the conversion to organic farming and its success. Topics include: 1. Challenges of converting from a conventional to an organic system. 2. Comparing conventional and organic production and the financial returns. 3. Marketing options for organic farmers in New Zealand including the growth of farmers markets.

scholarly journals Does Organic Farming Provide a Viable Alternative for Smallholder Rice Farmers in India?

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Eyhorn ◽  
Marrit van den Berg ◽  
Charlotte Decock ◽  
Harro Maat ◽  
Ashish Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
Agricultural Income ◽  
Northern India ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Widespread Belief ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

Smallholder rice farming is characterized by low returns and substantial environmental impact. Conversion to organic management and linking farmers to fair trade markets could offer an alternative. Engaging in certified cash-crop value chains could thereby provide an entry path to simultaneously reduce poverty and improve environmental sustainability. Based on comprehensive data from a representative sample of approximately 80 organic and 80 conventional farms in northern India, we compared yield and profitability of the main rotation crops over a period of five years. Contrary to the widespread belief that yields in organic farming are inevitably lower, our study shows that organic farmers achieved the same yields in cereals and pulses as conventional farmers, with considerably lower external inputs. Due to 45% lower production costs and higher sales prices, organic basmati cultivation was 105% more profitable than cultivating ordinary rice under conventional management. However, since holdings are small and the share of agricultural income of total household income is declining, conversion to organic basmati farming alone will not provide households a sufficiently attractive perspective into the future. We propose that future efforts to enhance the long-term viability of rice-based organic farming systems in this region focus on diversification involving higher value crops.

scholarly journals A Training Series for Cooperative Extension Agents on Organic Farming Systems

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 675-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
N.G. Creamer ◽  
K.R. Baldwin ◽  
F.J. Louws
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Integrated Treatment ◽  
Field Trips ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Graduate Level ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Future Extension ◽  
Training Activities ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

More than 50 agents participated in a series of workshops that were offered as in-service training and as a graduate level North Carolina State University (NCSU) course worth four credits. The Organic Unit at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), a 100-acre (40-ha) facility dedicated to research and education in organic farming systems, served as a home base for training activities. These training activities consisted of lectures, hands-on demonstrations, group discussions, field trips, and class exercises. Two unique features of the workshops were the interdisciplinary, team teaching approach and the emphasis on integration of information about interactions among production practices. This well-received, successful training program will serve as a model for future extension training. A training manual, slide sets, extension publications, and an organic farming web site are being created to provide agents with the resource materials they need to conduct county-based educational programming in organic production systems and enterprises. The model for extension training presented in this report is an effective means for engaging county agents in continuing education and professional development. Interdisciplinary teaching teams allow for a full, integrated treatment of subject matter and present a whole systems perspective to agents. Regularly scheduled, intensive sessions that accommodate busy calendars and utilize time efficiently provide a strong incentive for regular attendance. Awarding graduate level university credit hours for completion of required course work attracts and retains prospective student and agents. Encouragement of active participation by agents through hands-on field activities, open discussion of issues that impact agricultural and rural life, and field trips to view concepts presented in a real world context ensure that educational goals are fulfilled and that active learning takes place. This model should be used in future extension training programs.

scholarly journals 642 A Training Series in Organic Farming Systems

HortScience ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Transition from Conventional to Organic Farming Systems: II. Summary of Discussion Session and Recommendations for Future Research

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 611-612
Author(s):  
Gladis M. Zinati
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Discussion Session ◽  
Organic Farming Systems

A question/answer discussion session was conducted at the conclusion of the workshop “Pest Management During Transition to Organic Farming Systems”. The following categories were used to summarize the discussion: 1) questions and answers related to cultural and biological practices and their effects under various climatic conditions, 2) recommendations for pest management, and 3) future research needs. While many tactics are available, selecting and adopting the most suitable approach depends on soil conditions of the land, location, and the availability of the resources at affordable prices. Definitely, more research studies are needed on 1) weed seed banks under various cultural practices at different regions, 2) relationships between soil nutrients, and pest control, and 3) approaches to increase profitability of organic production during the transition period.

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