The translation and institutionalisation of the world problematique (1968-1977).

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter aims to establish the pretext for subsequent articulations and institutionalizations linking organic farming to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Along these lines, the 1968 Mansholt Plan is consulted in order to capture the ideal conceptions articulated within the CAP at this point and enable the identification of subsequent changes within the CAP. The Limits to Growth - A Report for the Club of Rome's Project on the Predicament of Mankind, published in the early 1970s, is also drawn upon to in order to capture the ideal conceptions articulated by means of the 'world problematique'. The first and second Community Environmental Action Plans are also consulted in order to investigate the implications of ideals made available by The Limits to Growth within the emerging EC environmental policy from 1973 to 1977. It is proposed that the ideal conceptions articulated and made available in the context of The Limits to Growth by means of the 'world problematique' are selectively translated within the emerging EC environmental policy. The ideal conceptions selectively translated within this emerging policy in turn form the basis for the articulation and institutionalization of a relationship between agricultural production and environmental depletion, as well as the articulation of biological farming as something of increasing interest among farmers and consumers. Altogether, it appears that ideas articulated within the context of The Limits to Growth and the emerging EC environmental policy form the basis for subsequent processes of articulation and institutionalization and, hence, institutional change within the CAP.