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This review paper presents the concepts, theories and literature review that are relevant to information systems and communication networks for agriculture and rural people. The usefulness of information systems and communication networks is discussed in order to identify the system components, their networks, the understanding of how successfully they work and how to improve their performances. The definitions of terms used in this paper, such as information, system, information system, agricultural information systems and communication networks are first presented and discussed. The rationale of the system theory and information system approach and analysis method for agricultural information systems are described and discussed. in addition, the findings of related previous studies are reviewed and summarized. Finally, general conclusions about agricultural information systems are emphasized and implications for further research areas are presented.Key words: system, information, information system, agricultural information system, communication networks Abstrakt: Autor prezentuje koncepty, teorie a literární rešerši týkající se informačních systémů a komunikačních sítí pro zemědělství a venkov. Užitečnost informačních systémů a komunikačních sítí je zde diskutována za účelem identifikace systémových komponent, jejich sítí a pochopení toho, jak mohou úspěšně fungovat a jak lze jejich činnost zlepšit. nejprve jsou prezentovány definice pojmů použitých v příspěvku, jako je informace, systém, informační systém, zemědělský informační systém a komunikační sítě. Poté jsou popsáné a komentované základy systémové teorie, přístup založený na informačních systémech a metody analýzy zemědělských informačních systémů. Je zde rovněž shrnut přehled předchozích studií týkajících se uvedené problematiky. Konečně příspěvek podtrhuje obecné závěry týkající se zemědělských informač-ních systémů a poznatky vyplývající z nich pro další výzkum.Klíčová slova: systém, informace, informační systém, zemědělský informační systém, komunikační sítě

Understanding the economics of organic agriculture is crucial to support of organic production by policy-makers and to facilitate producers converting their lands to organic production. The aim of this research was to compare organic and conventional hazelnut producers, in terms of their socio-economic characteristics, production systems and economic performance. The main data were gathered with surveys of 64 randomly selected conventional hazelnut producers and all the organic hazelnut producers (39) living in villages of the Terme district of Samsun, Turkey in 2005. Results revealed that, compared to conventional hazelnut producers, organic hazelnut producers were more educated, had larger hazelnut areas and spent more time on agricultural activities. The current research also used cluster analysis to define relatively similar farmers from both production systems and to compare variables. Organic producers needed more labor, especially hired workers, and used more lime, organic fertilizer and insect traps, while conventional producers used more synthetic inputs. Organic producers had lower costs of production and had higher income. It is recommended that the organic producers be supported financially, and assisted by research and extension services to produce and use their own inputs, rather than purchasing from outside. They should also be encouraged to establish associations to increase their marketing efficiency.

Organic agriculture has grown rapidly throughout the world in recent years as a result of increasing consumer interest in healthy food and environmental concerns. The use of land in this operation helps to conserve the environment and promotes the sustainable use of natural resources. The demand for organic products has increased, especially in Europe, North America and Oceania, and hence has created export potential for developing countries. Turkey is a typical case among developing countries of the establishment of organic agriculture based on export potential. About 85% of its current organic production is exported to EU countries, and this is predicted to expand further. The main objectives of the study were to define the concept of organic agriculture and to describe the state of organic agriculture both worldwide and specifically in Turkey. The paper also describes major issues affecting Turkish organic agriculture and presents recommendations for developing this and related sectors in the hope that they will help to solve common problems faced by developing countries and improve policy programmes along with extension and research activities.

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