Organic agriculture as a new player in sustainable regional development? Case studies of rural areas in Eastern Germany

Schäfer, Martina; Nölting, Benjamin; Engel, A.

doi:10.1504/ijarge.2009.026224

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The local dimension is a key one in characterizing food systems. Some scholars have broadly pointed out that local food systems (either based on organic production or not) are a suitable alternative towards a more sustainable and fair food system [77,78]. Other scholars have underlined that the polarization between the global vs. local is related to opposites of conventional vs. alternative and local vs. organic [79,80].…”

Section: Localmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A number of studies have investigated organic farmers' behaviour and their marketing strategies. Researchers attempted to evaluate in particular the styles of behaviour among organic producers, the differences and similarities regarding their ideas about how alternative agriculture has an impact on the environment and on society, as well as the motivations for practicing organic farming [78,83,84]. Income diversification, selling ecological products, and supporting the local community represent the main motivations for organic producers for joining together in the case of a cooperative [63].…”

Section: Fair and Organicmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Multi-Actor Literature Review on Alternative and Sustainable Food Systems for the Promotion of Cereal Biodiversity

et al. 2018

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Organic and low-input food systems are emerging worldwide in answer to the sustainability crisis of the conventional agri-food sector. “Alternative” systems are based on local, decentralized approaches to production and processing, regarding quality and health, and short supply-chains for products with strong local identities. Diversity is deeply embedded in these food systems, from the agrobiodiversity grown in farmers’ fields, which improves resilience and adaptation, to diverse approaches, contexts and actors in food manufacturing and marketing. Diversity thus becomes a cross-sectoral issue which acknowledges consumers’ demand for healthy products. In the framework of the European project “CERERE, CEreal REnaissance in Rural Europe: embedding diversity in organic and low-input food systems”, the paper aims at reviewing recent research on alternative and sustainable food systems by adopting an innovative and participatory multi-actor approach; this has involved ten practitioners and twenty-two researchers from across Europe and a variety of technical backgrounds in the paper and analysis stages. The participatory approach is the main innovation and distinctive feature of this literature review. Partners selected indeed what they perceived as most relevant in order to facilitate a transition towards more sustainable and diversity based cereal systems and food chains. This includes issues related to alternative food networks, formal and informal institutional settings, grass root initiatives, consumer involvement and, finally, knowledge exchange and sustainability. The review provides an overview of recent research that is relevant to CERERE partners as well as to anyone interested in alternative and sustainable food systems. The main objective of this paper was indeed to present a narrative of studies, which can form the foundation for future applied research to promote alternative methods of cereal production in Europe.

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Section: Localmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Fair and Organicmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Multi-Actor Literature Review on Alternative and Sustainable Food Systems for the Promotion of Cereal Biodiversity

et al. 2018

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“…The well-developed social competence and Gestaltungskompetenz of the organic farmers was an important prerequisite for the successful implementation of the action research approach. As innovators -and knowledge bearers and multipliers -organic farms are predestined to shape regional processes of change and development (Schäfer et al 2009). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Increasing the adaptive capacity of organic farming systems in the face of climate change using action research methods

et al. 2015

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Adapting agricultural systems to the effects of climate change requires farm-specific innovations and adaptive measures. Such innovative measures were developed for organic farming systems in the federal state of Brandenburg, Germany by a regional innovation network using an action research approach. The goal of the presented approach was to address climate change-related farm-specific problems, develop specific adaptation measures and learn new approaches such as proactive risk management and strategic adaptive behaviour. In a cyclical process of analysis, planning, action and reflection, the network of researchers and organic farmers repeatedly used SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analyses to structure the transdisciplinary innovation and adaption process. First, the organic farmers identified as main weaknesses the water and nitrogen supply likely to be worsened by climate change; then, farmspecific adaption measures were identified and tested by conducting on-farm experiments at six organic farms. By evaluating and thus adjusting and retesting the measures in consecutive trials, new farming methods were developed to increase diversification and decrease risk in organic farming practices. Along with the iterative process, the network was expanding and the collective learning process led to changes in attitudes and behaviour. A clear example is the stakeholders' initially positive view of reduced tillage, which they later questioned and changed. The participating organic farmers proved to be active partners; their openness to innovation and their approach to problem solving make them well suited to action research. In adapting regions to climate change, these kinds of stakeholders will play a decisive role.

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“…Experiences in other organic settings such as in western Uganda indicate that grassroots-organized lobbying and policy advocacy processes have been effective in changing the perception of local government technical staff and policy makers [23]. Schafer, Nolting and Engel analyze the possible effects of organic agriculture on sustainable regional development in peripheral Eastern German regions [24]. In order to promote the development of organic agriculture, farmers should explore a broader market through marketing cooperatives, such as the research and extension center of Oregon State University in southern Oregon [25].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of Determinants Affecting Organic Production: State Evidence from the United States

2022

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As the demand for organic products quickly grows in the U.S., the domestic supply of organic commodities has stagnated and failed to meet the increasing needs. To expand the organic supply capacity in the country, it is crucial to identify the key factors that could effectively promote the scale of organic farming in the U.S. Using a multivariate analytic model and state level data from multiple sources and years, this study examines a wide range of determinants that could affect organic agriculture. The results show that research funding would significantly increase organic vegetable production and the number of organic farms. The development of organic farming could be greatly encouraged by the support of research institutions. In addition, the evidence shows that abundant farm workers are essential for the organic farming sector, which is labor-intensive. Finally, a large population base could create a more stable consumer group that would promote the development of organic agriculture. These results suggest the importance of exploring and expanding consumer groups for organic commodities. These findings provide insightful implications that research support, labor availability, and a solid consumer base are crucial to boost the organic sector in the U.S. and other countries.

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Organic agriculture as a new player in sustainable regional development? Case studies of rural areas in Eastern Germany

Cited by 7 publications

References 6 publications

A Multi-Actor Literature Review on Alternative and Sustainable Food Systems for the Promotion of Cereal Biodiversity

A Multi-Actor Literature Review on Alternative and Sustainable Food Systems for the Promotion of Cereal Biodiversity

Increasing the adaptive capacity of organic farming systems in the face of climate change using action research methods

Analysis of Determinants Affecting Organic Production: State Evidence from the United States

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