Sustainable Organic Farming Maturity Model

Abstract

Organic farming is of the utmost importance in promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, minimizing environmental contamination, and avoiding using chemical fertilizers and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Even inexperienced and seasoned farmers frequently encounter formidable obstacles when attempting to authenticate their organic farming status by acquiring organic agriculture certification. The current level of agricultural land maturity is accurately assessed by a comprehensive model presented in this study, which also provides a framework for the transition to organic farming standards. These maturity models were formulated through an exhaustive analysis of agricultural standards, an extensive review of pertinent literature, and expert interviews conducted in 15 distinct locations, with each expert holding certification in a minimum of three organic agricultural standards. Identifying characteristics germane to organic standards, integrating them into maturity models, and establishing maturity items and dimensions are also components of the study. The outcome of our investigation is the Sustainable Organic Farming Maturity (SOFaM) model, which consists of five levels and eight dimensions, as well as a standard operating procedure manual for organic agricultural standard certification applications. This model's potential as an assessment instrument for determining the maturity level of agricultural land has been validated by experts who hold credentials in three distinct domains and three locations. The SOFaM model has the potential to function as a paradigm shift in the agricultural sector, streamline the certification process following organic farming standards, and guarantee adherence to predetermined criteria.