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

2005 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-140 ◽  
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.

Organic agriculture in Argentina's Pampas. A case study on Pampa Orgánica Norte farmers

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Silvina M. Cabrini ◽  
Luciana Elustondo
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Technology Generation ◽  
Natural Grasslands ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
Certified Organic

Abstract Faced with a society that demands the reduction of negative environmental impacts of agriculture while producing high-value, healthy food for local and export markets, Argentina is currently in a debate on the alternative paths toward sustainability in agricultural production. Argentina is ranked second in the world in terms of land under organic certification. Extensive sheep production in Patagonia natural grasslands accounts for most of this area and harvested organic area remains a very small fraction of total harvested land (0.6%). This paper aims to contribute to the discussion of opportunities and limitations in organic farming as an ecological intensification alternative for Argentina's Pampas. A case study was conducted on Pampa Orgánica Norte. This is a group of nine organic farmers that manages field crops and livestock-certified organic production. Farmers interviewed in this study considered different criteria including economic and environmental attributes when choosing to produce organically. However, the main drivers for conversion to organic production are related to environmental factors, in particular ecosystem protection. The main limitations in organic production are related to crop management practices, primarily weed control. To achieve the goal of increasing organic production a more active role of the public sector in technology generation and transfer was demanded by farmers.

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

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-124 ◽  
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.

Organic farming in Austria

1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian R. Vogl ◽  
Jürgen Hess
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Brand Names ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Organic Farms ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Organic Movement ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Present Decade

AbstractDuring the present decade, Austria has experienced a dramatic increase in organic farming among those countries that comprise the European Union (EU). For example, in 1992, approximately 2,000 farms were practicing organic, ecological, or biodynamic farming methods. By 1997 the number of certified organic farms plus those in transition from conventional farming had increased 10-fold to some 20,000 farms. This represents almost 9% of the total farms in Austria and an area of 345,375 ha, or 10% of the total cultivated farmland. The largest concentration of organic farms is in regions with a high proportion of alpine grassland or pastures. Approximately 50% of the organic farms range in size from 5 to 15 ha. The strong organic movement in Austria can be attributed to a) government subsidies which provide incentives to organic farmers and b) widespread acceptance of organic products and their brand names by large food chains and supermarkets. More than 60% of organic farmers are affiliated with associations and organizations that provide advisory and support services in marketing activities. Certification of organic farms and food processors is conducted by seven monitoring bodies according to EU regulation No. 2092/91, which guarantees legallybinding standards of food safety and quality to EU consumers, and according to the Austrian Alimentari Codex. Since January 1998, all monitoring/certifying bodies in Austria must verify accreditation according to regulation European Norm 45011. The major supermarket chain offers a variety of organic dairy and meat products, as well as organic ice cream, pizza, vegetables, fruits, baby foods, and bread. The current domestic wholesale value of organic products marketed from Austrian farms is approximately 170 million US$ annually. Unfortunately, funding for support of scientific research and extension to enhance organic farming and marketing has not kept pace with the increasing number of organic farms and farmers. Additional funding is essential to ensure the sustainable development of the organic movement and the organic market.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and Other Challenges: A Case Study of Certified Organic Green Tea Producers in China

2020 ◽  
pp. 089692052097584
Author(s):  
Ksenia Gerasimova ◽  
Jiping Sheng ◽  
Jiang Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Timely Manner ◽  
Domestic Markets ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Tea Industry ◽  
Western Concept ◽  
Organic Tea ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
Depth Interviews

This article explores how the western concept of “organic agriculture” has been applied in the traditional Chinese tea industry and how it has been tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using in-depth interviews and observations made during 2017–2020, we analyzed different meanings of organic agriculture and values that were given by Chinese farmers who are certified organic producers. Although organic agriculture, particular certified by international certification standards, is a foreign concept, producers invested efforts that go beyond the commercial pursuit for profit. Most importantly, the combination of the reiterated cultural meaning and health benefits of the certified organic tea with the visionary strategy has allowed these producers to shift in a timely manner from export to domestic markets and adapt to the pandemic’s barriers presented to the global trade.

scholarly journals Factors in organic farmers' decisionmaking: Diversity, challenge, and obstacles

1999 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie A. Duram
Keyword(s):  
Land Tenure ◽  
Agricultural Education ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Reduction Techniques ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Operational Change ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
On Farm

AbstractThis research promotes our understanding of organic farmers' decisionmaking through individual farmers' experiences. A twofold survey was conducted to investigate characteristics of certified organic farmers in Colorado. Data from a mail survey (26 responses to 49 surveys sent) reveal patterns of farm operations and attitudes among this group of farmers. These questionnaires focused on land use, land tenure, operational change, and personal characteristics. In-depth interviews of five case study farmers provide additional insight into farmers' agricultural decisionmaking. These interviews were conversations that the farmers guided toward topics of relevance to them. Taken together, the mail and interview surveys provided information about on-farm operational factors and personal characteristics. Quantitative analysis and qualitative data reduction techniques were used to identify factors in organic farmer decisionmaking. The following eight factors help us understand organic agriculture in this region: diversity, challenge, change, businesslike approach, no formal agricultural education, love of the land, anti-”radical environmentalist,” and obstacles.

scholarly journals DIRECT SALES AS AN EXAMPLE OF A DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL WITHIN THE MAŁOPOLSKIE REGION

2020 ◽  
Vol XXII (1) ◽  
pp. 351-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Wojcieszak-Zbierska ◽  
Małgorzata Bogusz
Keyword(s):  
Organic Food ◽  
Distribution Channel ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Ecological Awareness ◽  
Direct Sales ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
Interview Questionnaire

The purpose of the study was to attempt to present examples of projects related to direct sales within the Małopolskie Province aimed at selling and promoting certified organic products. Direct sales are one of the best forms of a distribution channel between a food producer and a consumer. Direct contact gives measurable benefits on both sides of this chain, fosters raising the quality of offered products and ecological awareness among consumers. The offer proposed by producers often includes certified organic products. The Małopolskie Province is characterised by high agricultural fragmentation. In order to survive on the market, small farms change the profile of their farms, often to organic plant production. Growing awareness of customers with regard to ecology causes producers to strive to certify their farms. This is certainly connected with quality and food security. The analysis covered two types of projects that are characterised by an innovative approach: the Odrolnika.pl project and Targ Pietruszkowy (Parsley Market) in Cracow. The research tool was an interview questionnaire, and the research method was a case study. The research was conducted among the leaders of both projects in 2018. The Odrolnika.pl project and Targ Pietruszkowy in Cracow are very good examples of direct sales and the promotion of certified organic food with the simultaneous familiarisation of customers with the values of such products. This is possible due to direct contacts of food producers with consumers.

Organic Agriculture

2019 ◽  
pp. 275-293
Author(s):  
Mirela Stoian ◽  
Diana Caprita
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Food Markets ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Certified Organic

Promoting sustainability, including the production and consumption of food, is badly needed nowadays, given the fact that consumers are increasingly concerned about protecting their health, through a thorough verification of food quality. From this perspective, organic food may represent a viable solution for a healthier future. Currently, we are witnessing a substantial increase in the number of countries, organizations, and companies encouraging organic farming, an economic activity that involves environmentally friendly agricultural practices. The main objective of this chapter is to reveal the growing importance of organic farming to the food markets. This research will also focus on presenting a very detailed analysis of the defining elements of organic agriculture, such as the evolution of certified organic surfaces, both contributory and disfavoring factors of the developing organic agriculture, and last but not least, overall outlook for global consumption of certified organic products.

scholarly journals Potentials of Organic Agriculture in Nepal

2009 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopal Datt Bhatta ◽  
Werner Doppler ◽  
Krishna Bahadur KC
Keyword(s):  
Willingness To Pay ◽  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Family Income ◽  
External Input ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Niche Markets ◽  
Organic Movement ◽  
Organic Vegetables ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Political Commitments

Increasing use of agro-chemicals, higher production cost and deteriorating ecosystem health have advocated the need to change traditional and external input use agriculture towards safe and sustainable organic production. Current research focuses on the constraints and opportunities of organic agriculture and consumers' awareness and willingness to pay more for organic vegetables by selecting producers from Lalitpur and Bhaktpur districts using spatial sampling and consumers from Kathmandu valley randomly. Data obtained from structured questionnaire were subjected to descriptive and econometric analysis and willingness to pay analysis. Most of the farmers interviewed are aware about the negative repercussion of the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals. Organic vegetables are either home delivered and/or sold to the specialized niche markets. All domestic organic products reach to consumers without labeling. Most of the organic consumers are willing to pay eight rupees more for labeled organic vegetables. Currently organic farmers rely only on consumers' willingness to pay more to obtain a compensation for lower yields. Family income, education, profession etc are key attributes of the consumers shaping their decision to buy organic vegetables. Organic industry is too small and a long way to go in Nepal. Political commitments such as avoiding conflicting drive to maximize production, hammering proactive policy, initiating organic technology research, providing market incentives and institutionalization of Nepalese organic movement are imperative to further enhance organic sector in Nepal.  Key words: Awareness; Consumers; Marketing; Organic vegetables; Regression; Willingness to payThe Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:10, Jun.2009 Page: 14

scholarly journals ECONOMIC AND LEGAL SUPPORT ECOLOGIZATION OF THE AGRO-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR COUNTRY CODE

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
pp. 256-261
Author(s):  
A.P. Kovalchuk ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Agriculture ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
Industrial Complex ◽  
Environmental Certification ◽  
Organic Products ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
And Control

The article analyzes the current problems of ecologization of the agro-industrial complex of Russia, substantiates the great potential for the development of organic agriculture in our country. In recent years, a number of legislative acts have been adopted aimed at solving some of the problems of domestic production and sale of organic products. For the long-term development of the industry, the “strategy for the development of the agro-industrial and fisheries complex until 2030” has been adopted. Among the goals of the strategy: the introduction of a national system of environmental certification of fisheries and industries, as well as the solution of such problems as falsification of environmentally friendly products and legal support for relations in the field of production of environmentally friendly products. The results of scientific research show that despite the adopted legal acts, the production of organic products in Russia is only at the initial stage of its development. Our country is far from the first place in the world rankings in terms of the level of development of ecologization of agriculture. In our opinion, one of the reasons for the low level of development of organic agriculture in the Russian Federation is the lack of development of the system of state regulation in this area. Therefore, the state should soon devote all its efforts to the formation of a sufficient regulatory framework that is harmonized with international requirements for the production of organic products and takes into account the need to create certification institutions and control systems. The article suggests promising directions for the development of agriculture, focused on improving the previously mentioned strategy in order to more effectively support organic farmers and solve socio-economic problems in rural areas.

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