Institutional preconditions for the expansion of organic farming: experience from three European countries

Padel,-S; Michelsen,-J
University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK.

Abstract
This article compares organic farming development in Austria, Denmark, and Britain. Austria's organic sector covers 8% of farmland. Direct payments to producers have been available since 1991, but recently development has stagnated and partially declined. There is insufficient common organic farming representation, and there are problems with outlets for produce. The relationship of the organic and conventional sectors, initially one of pure cooperation, is now more competitive.

In Denmark the main policy initiatives date from 1987. Most converted farms are dairy producers. Marketing has been mainly through supermarkets since 1993. There is an Organic Farming Council providing for constructive dialogue with the conventional sector, the relationship with which can be characterized as creative conflict.

Britain lags markedly behind. Producers' main representation is through specialist groupings. Demand is met mostly from imports and produce marketed mainly through supermarkets despite expansion of such outlets as farmers' markets. The relationship with conventional production remains one of pure competition, but cooperation and dialogue have been improving recently.

Organic movements need greater producer unity, unitary production standards, support for conversion, constructive dialogue with farming in general, and a properly functioning market.

Source
Agrarwirtschaft-. 2001; 50(7): 395-400

 

Posted February 2008