Technical, economic, social, and environmental implications of the organic panela production in Nocaima, Colombia: The ASOPROPANOC case

Abstract

Strategies to overcome the sugarcane crisis in recent years are based on technological improvements in production, product diversification, exports, associativity and organic production. The purpose of this research was to analyze the technical, economic, social, and environmental implications of organic production of panela using ASOPROPANOC as a case study. The comparative analysis between the certified organic production system and the traditional system was based on documentary review, surveys with producers of the association, interviews to experts of the municipality, and observation in farms and sugarcane mills. The results show that the organic panela production system improves yields by 11% due to new varieties introduced and a more orderly production culture. Producing organic panela requires increases in investment by 46% but compensates with higher income and profits (16%); it also generates more jobs, improves worker producer safety, their health and organization, and offers a better product to the consumer. The organic production system reduces between 50% and 150% the use of fuel materials per kg of panela produced as well as greenhouse gas emissions (between 1 and 91%) and water use (72%). Producing organic panela is an attractive option for growers.