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 Barriers to the Development of Organic Farming: A Polish Case Study

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 536
Author(s):  
Władysława Łuczka ◽  
Sławomir Kalinowski
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Institutional Barriers ◽  
Production Risk ◽  
Conversion Period ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Decision Making Processes

The main purpose of this paper is to explore farmers’ opinions on the barriers to the development of organic farming. A survey was carried out with 262 Polish organic farmers in order to classify the barriers to organic farming development into production, and economic aspects, market aspects and institutional and regulatory aspects. As a next step, a detailed analysis was performed of how the farmers view these barriers. According to this study, Polish organic farmers attach greater importance to economic factors than to non-economic ones. Low yields and production volumes are the reason why many farmers see organic farming as being risky. More than 80% and nearly 60% of farmers covered by this study found the production risk to be very high or high, respectively, during and after the conversion period. Most farmers say they intend to continue their organic production activity only if financial support is provided. Nearly one in five farms (18.3%) want to discontinue organic production in future. This is especially true for two types of farming: specialized grazing livestock farms and mixed holdings. The farmers believe that market aspects and institutional and regulatory factors are the key barriers to the development of organic farming. The findings regarding the role of institutional barriers and communications from regulatory institutions, which affect the farmers’ decision-making processes, are of particular importance. In Poland, the main institutional problem is the instability of laws applicable to organic farming, which adds to the farmers’ uncertainty and decision-making risks. The case study of Poland, which is among the emerging markets for organic food, shows that a stable and coherent support policy is a condition for organic-farming development.

scholarly journals ORGANIC FARMING AS REGIONAL SMART SPECIALIZATION IN PODLASIE IN LIGHT OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

2020 ◽  
Vol XXII (1) ◽  
pp. 20-28
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Bańkowska ◽  
Jakub Jasiński ◽  
Vitaliy Krupin
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Organic Farms ◽  
Regional Food ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Local Stakeholders ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
Smart Specialization

The article aims to present the results of research on the prerequisites for the development of organic farming in a region recognized as Regional Smart Specialization. Due to growing consumer interest in the standards of food available on the market, the list of National Smart Specializations includes an entire section dedicated to “High quality food” and under it the “Production of organic, traditional and regional food”. Only few Polish voivodeships placed this sector on the regional list, thus giving organic farming priority in the process of financing research and investment. The voivodeship, which not only excels in the statistics of organic production in the country but, what is important, treats this activity as its smart specialization is the Podlaskie voivodeship. To assess the conditions for the development of organic farming in Podlasie, the data regarding the number of certified organic farms as well as the opinions of local stakeholders concerning the future of this sector in the region were analyzed. Including qualitative research results in the analysis process allowed to indicate the prognosis for the possible development of this sector in the voivodship.

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.

Factors in the decision by Swiss farmers to convert to organic farming

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 571-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Home ◽  
Annina Indermuehle ◽  
Anna Tschanz ◽  
Elke Ries ◽  
Matthias Stolze
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Organic Farms ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
French Speaking

AbstractDemonstrated economic benefits of conversion to organic agriculture, combined with solutions to technical and production-related problems, suggest that farmers in Switzerland should have converted in large numbers to organic production. However, the number of organic farms in Switzerland has remained virtually constant in the last 10 yr, so it appears there are other factors that influence the decision of whether or not to convert. Several studies have sought to identify the factors that influence the decisions by farmers whether or not to convert to organic, but have found a range of factors that appear to be context dependent, while others can be seen as context transcendent, which makes it difficult to draw generalizable conclusions. The aim of this study was to identify how Swiss farmers’ decisions reflect the interaction of perceptions, relationships, policies and economic factors, which either enable or provide barriers to conversion. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2015 with 39 farmers of mixed and arable farms in the German- (n = 24) and French-speaking (n = 15) parts of Switzerland. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed according to their content. The results show that the decision of whether or not to convert relies on belief that technical problems have been sufficiently solved, as well as a range of social factors. Farmers perceive social pressure for them to be productive, but non-organic farmers often incorrectly perceive organic farming as not being oriented toward production. Furthermore, ‘official’ advice, which could correct this misperception, is sought about how, rather than whether, to convert and typically comes after farmers have made their decision. Major barriers in an area with a low density of organic farms are the lack of supply and delivery points within an acceptable travel distance, and lack of peer networks to provide informal support. On the basis of these findings, we propose that strategies to encourage conversion should be based around two main pillars: investment to create a network of supply and delivery points in areas with low density of organic farms; and actions, such as information events, to encourage dialogue between conventional and organic farmers to counteract feelings of ‘us vs them’.

Bovine veterinarians’ perspective on organic livestock production in the USA

2019 ◽  
Vol 184 (12) ◽  
pp. 384-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike S Sorge ◽  
Sarii Yamashita ◽  
Laura Pieper
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Alternative Therapies ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Organic Farms ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
Livestock Health

The objective was to determine possible challenge areas that bovine veterinarians may face when working on certified organic livestock operations. All members of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners’ electronic mailing list, who practised in the USA, were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. Veterinarians (n=213) from 38 states participated in the survey. The focus of the survey was on the veterinarian’s interest in and perception of organic farming, their knowledge of the use of alternative therapies under federal regulations and their needs for providing veterinary services to organic farms. Most participants worked in dairy practice and served ≥1 organic client. Their attitude towards organic production was balanced. Many veterinarians struggled to offer sick animal care with alternative therapies within the regulatory framework and expressed their need to have more evidence-based alternative therapies. Two-thirds of veterinarians were concerned that the lack of proven effective therapy options would impair livestock welfare on organic farms in the USA. Almost 90 per cent of respondents did not think that organic livestock was healthier than conventionally raised livestock and most participants (74 per cent) thought livestock health was dependent on management rather than organic or conventional farming practices. In summary, participants were generally not opposed to organic farming. However, most veterinarians expressed their need to have a better access to clear information about organic regulations and most importantly more evidence-based alternative therapies to ensure animal health and welfare on organic livestock operations.

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.

scholarly journals Nutritional Characterization of a Traditional Cultivar of Tomato Grown Under Organic Conditions—cv. “Malacara”

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
María D. Raigón ◽  
María D. García-Martínez ◽  
Octavian P. Chiriac
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Local Varieties ◽  
Yellow Color ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Tomato Cultivars ◽  
Selection Of

The loss of genetic diversity due to the replacement of local tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties by improved cultivars has been mitigated in many cases by the good work of organic farmers in maintaining local agricultural biodiversity. In parallel to these initiatives, in recent years, consumers have developed an increasing awareness of both food-related health, environmental issues, and food demand to recover the flavors of the past. In the case of tomatoes, these attributes (nutritional, organoleptic, social, and environmental) are closely related to organic production using local varieties. “Malacara” tomato is an example of a local variety. Coming from Sierra de Cádiz, it is a varietal type called “Cuelga” (“for hanging,” because the tomato trusses are hung from beams in the farmhouses). Cultivated and harvested in the open air during the summer months, these tomatoes are commercialized and consumed in the winter. Historically, this variety has enabled the fresh consumption of tomatoes during the winter, without the need to force cultivation. It is highly appreciated in the local cuisine and is the basis for sauces figuring in typical dishes. Its characteristic traits are small, pallid fruits, and long shelf life. The main objective of this work has been to typify two Malacara tomato cultivars (red and yellow color) grown under organic farming conditions, through the characterization of morphological, nutritional, and volatile parameters. The main differences are due to morphological parameters (fruit weight and color of the exocarp and endocarp). Other characteristics such as the content of ash, fiber, moisture, the concentration of iron, magnesium, and calcium, and content of lycopene are different between both cultivars. This study provides information on the nutritional and aromatic composition of two Malacara tomato cultivars, differentiated by their color and grown under organic farming conditions. The results add value to the native horticultural heritage and can aid in the selection of tomato varieties suitable for a sustainable production system and to produce tomatoes with high nutritional value and rich in aroma.

scholarly journals Socio economic aspect of organic farming practices for improving farmer’s income in some locations of Kerala, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-408
Author(s):  
N Karunakaran ◽  
MS Sadiq
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Fair Trade ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Open Market ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Foreign Countries ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
Crop Income

Agriculture is the major source of livelihood and is under the big threat of liberalization and modernization. Organic farming is eco-friendly, promotes sustainable development, protects the fertility of the soil and ensures long term crop income to the farmer. In 2018, total area under organic certification process is 3.56 million hectare and produced around 1.70 million MT of certified organic products. In Kerala, the total area under organic farming stands at 15790.49 hectare. Organic farmers fail to capture the market for selling their products and have less capacity in the competing world, leads to worse financial situation of farmers. The total volume of export during 2017-18 was 4.58 lakh MT. Fair trade has flourished as an initiative for lifting poor organic farmers by providing higher price, credit and improved community life. It is also a market for high value products in the global trade policies. Fair Trade Alliance Kerala (FTAK) is a small farmers’ organisation to access global market on fair trade in an equitable trading terms and improved income. The system provides better price to products compared to open market and benefited fair trade exporting. This paper by studying FTAK focused the impacts of it on income and highlights the increased production of organic crops, better prices, premium and schemes to farmers. The study revealed that fair trade farmers earned higher price (20 to 50 percent) for commodities and marketing of products to foreign countries without intermediaries and organic farming is a better option for increasing farmer’s income in India. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 44(3): 401-408, September 2019

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.

FINACIAL FUNDS FROM EUROPEAN UNION FUNDS AS A CHANCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECTOR OF ORGANIC FARMS IN POLAND

2017 ◽  
Vol XIX (2) ◽  
pp. 95-101
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Jezierska-Thöle ◽  
Mirosław Biczkowski
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Agricultural Policy ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Organic Farms ◽  
Rural Development Program ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

The aim of the work was to present and describe the development of organic farms in Poland and the impact of EU funds on the development of this sector. The possibilities of financing their development from the Rural Development Program funds in the period 2007-2013 functioning within the framework of the Union‘s Common Agricultural Policy were pointed out. The theoretical foundations and assumptions related to the functioning of the organic farming sector were also approximated. The results show that in the years 2002-2013 there was an increase in the number and area of organic farms. The greatest impact on the increase of the number and area of organic farms is the functioning of the RDPs in the years 2004-2006 and 2007-2013 and within it the subsidies for organic production. This confirms the very strong correlation between the number of farms and the amounts of subsidies paid to farms producing organic farming. It can be assumed that in the next few years the share of the area of ecological agricultural land may exceed 4-5%.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document