Organic Farming Patterns Analysis Based on Clustering Methods

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of the present paper is to identify viable solutions for organising organic producers groups and supply chains at county level. With this purpose in mind, our research aim was to evaluate which is the best networking solution for 40 organic farmers in Calarasi County. This statistical approach was based on multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering methods that permitted us to identify three possible clusters in which to group the organic producers. The evaluation results of the agricultural patterns of each cluster demonstrated that only one cluster is viable for establishing a producers’ group. The main characteristics of this cluster are: farmers are in a proximity range of maximum 40 km; at least 75% of farmers have similar farming system types; over 65% of farmers own big farms; the best place for a joint pooling, storing or selling point is the cluster centre (Calarasi). In this way, we consider that a statistical viable solution for clustering and the promotion of networking between farms with similar agricultural patterns can contribute to the creation and establishment of cost-effective supply chains and strong producers’ groups.