Organic farming policy networks in Europe: Context, actors and variation

Abstract

Despite most having developed under the umbrella of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), national-level organic farming policy networks in Europe vary. The aim of this paper is to explore the reasons for this variation. Quantitative network analyses were carried out in five 'old' and five 'new' EU member states and in Switzerland. To examine the patterns of influence on these eleven policy networks, the cases are compared in two stages. First, we examine the factors co-varying with the size and density of the networks and then we apply a most similar system -most different outcome research design. We identify the political environment as the main factor affecting size and density of organic farming policy networks in Europe. The distribution of power between organic farming organizations and agricultural ministries is influenced by state involvement and by the resources available to organic farming policy actors.

Dynamics of Policy Networks. The Case of Organic Farming Policy in the Czech Republic

“…The more established the organic sector, the more differentiated it becomes (Moschitz & Stolze, 2007, 2009. This is in line with Van der Heijden (2002) who observed an increasing differentiation of environmental movements in The Netherlands.…”

“…Compared to other organic farming policy networks in Europe, and in particular in countries that had established organic sectors in 2004, with networks of 19-26 actors, the Czech network in 2014 is still rather small (16 actors). Yet, the density of interactions has increased considerably and resembles the density of policy networks in countries with an established organic sector (Moschitz & Stolze, 2009). In particular we can mention the considerable number of mainstream farming organizations that are not only a member of the network, but have gained reputation for organic farming policy (AKCZR).…”

“…A characteristic of the organic sector is that mainstream farming organizations have become active in the policy network in countries with a more developed sector and thus contribute to shaping the sector; while in countries with an emerging organic sector, this policy field is mostly left to organic farming organizations (Moschitz & Stolze, 2007). In the Czech Republic, 11.5% of all agricultural land was farmed organically in 2012, which is almost double the proportion in 2004, when it was 6% (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, 2013).…”

“…These actors have some influence on the ideas that travel in the network, and their central position gives them some power to influence the further development of the network (Jansen, 2003;Wasserman & Faust, 1999). In 2004, PRO-BIO occupied the central position in the network added to the recognition of organic farming by influencing policy and shaping the preferences that were formulated and discussed in the network (Moschitz, 2009;Moschitz & Stolze, 2009, 2010. The representatives of the organic sector had a strong interest in placing organic farming on the political agenda and were successful in doing so.…”

Using a Triangulated Theoretical Framework and Mixed Methods: Frame, Institutional and Network Analyses

“…This work has demonstrated that understanding social networks among policy actors can provide a more subtle understanding of the processes and outcomes of governance and policy (Agranoff, 2007;Bodin & Crona, 2009;Brown & Duguid, 2001;Carlsson, 2000;Carlsson & Sandstrom, 2008;Cash, et al, 2006;Compston, 2009;Dengler, 2007;Hartley, 2010;High, et al, 2007;Moschitz & Stolze, 2009;Olsson, et al, 2006;Pahl-Wostl, et al, 2007;Powell, et al, 1996;Rhodes, 1997;Sabatier, 1999;Sabatier, et al, 2005a;Schneider, et al, 2003;Weible, 2006;Weible & Sabatier, 2005 (Brinkerhoff, 1996;Considine & Lewis, 2007;Considine, et al, 2009). However, it appears that networks among middle and street-level bureaucrats have yet to be studied as an influential factor in a policy sector's capacity to adapt to climate change.…”