The Economics of Organic Farming

by Lampkin, N. H.; Padel, S.

• ISBN13: 9780851989112
• ISBN10: 085198911X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1996-02-13
• Publisher: Cab Intl

Summary

Organic (ecological) farming, with its emphasis on sustainable agro-ecosystem management and the use of locally-derived, renewable resources, offers potential solutions to some of the key problems faced by the agricultural sectors of industrialized countries. Many European Governments now provide direct financial support for organic farming in recognition of its contribution to current policy objectives, including environmental protection, conservation of non-renewable resources, controlling over-production and the reorientation of agriculture towards areas of market demand. Drawing on studies from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, Denmark and Switzerland, this book provides the first comprehensive international review of the economics of organic farming. It covers the physical and financial performance of organic farms, the special features of adoption and the transition process, the implications of widespread adoption, and the analysis of policy implications and initiatives in the different countries. The factual information and empirical data from the studies reported make this book a valuable resource for researchers, policy analysts, professional advisors and students in agricultural economics, management and agri-environmental policy.

Table of Contents

Contributors

Preface

Currency Conversion Table

Organic Farming Concepts, History and Research Issues

Organic Farming: Sustainable Agriculture in Practive

The Development of the Organic Industry and Market: An International Perspective

Researching Organic Farming Systems

Organic Farming and Society: An Economic Perspective

Organic Farming as a Business

Economics of Organic Farming in Britain

Economics of Organic Farming in Germany

Economics of Organic Farming in Denmark

Economics of Organic Farming in Switzerland

Economics of Organic Farming in Canada

Economics of Organic and Low-input Farming in the United States of America

Economics of Organic Farming in Australia

Farm-level Performance of Organic Farming Systems: An Overview

Converting to Organic Farming: The Economics of the Transition Process

Changes in Physical and Financial Performance durning Conversion to Organic Farming: Case Studies of Two English Dairy Farms

Case Studies of Farm Converting to Organic Agriculture in Germany

Conversion to Low-input Farming Systems in Pennsylvania, USA: An Evaluation of the Rodale Farming System Trial and Related Economic Studies

Economics of Conversion to Organic Farming: Cross-sectional Analysis of Survey Data in Germany

Conversion to Organic Farming: An Overview

Widespread Conversion to Organic Farming: MOdelling the Regional Impacts

Comparative Analysis of Futer Development Paths for Agricultural Production Systems in Germany

Impacts of Widespread Conversion to Organic Agriculture in the State of Baden-Wurteemberg, Germany

Estimating the Impact of Widespread Conversion to Organic Farming on Land use and Physical Output in the United Kingdom

Input-Output Modelling of Organic Farming and the Rural Economy of England and Wales

Modelling the Impact of Widespread Conversion to Organic Farming: An Overview

Organic Farming and Agriclutural Policy

Policy Issues and Impacts of Government Assistance for Conversion to Organic Farming: The Danish Experience

Agricultural Policy and Impacts of National and Regional Government Assistance for Conversion to Organic Farming in Switzerland

Financial Assistance for Conversion to ORganic Farming in Germany under the European Community's Extensification Programme

Organic Farming and Agriclutural Policy in Western Europe: An Overview

Index

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