Organic Certification Research Articles

Investigating the Effects of Fish Effluents as Organic Fertilisers on Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Whilst the potential of fish effluents as nutrient sources for crop production has been demonstrated, their use in the European Union remains prohibited in organic farming. In this study, we investigate the efficacy in greenhouse basil cultivation of two types of fish effluents (filtered ‘fish water’ and unfiltered ‘fish sludge’) from an aquaponic system, and assess their role in maintaining and enhancing soil fertility as well as their potential to create a ’living soil’, which are two of the prerequisites for organic certification in the EU. To evaluate the contribution of fish effluents to plant growth in comparison with soil nutrients, basil plants were grown in pots containing two types of substrate: compost-free (without organic matter) and with compost (with organic matter). The results indicate that fish water and fish sludge demonstrate significant potential as fertilisers and outperform compost in certain parameters, such as plant biomass. The results also align with existing literature by demonstrating the positive impact of compost on soil microbial diversity, underscoring its role in fostering plant health. Although the treatments did not show differences in microbial composition at the genus level, the higher microbial diversity observed following fish effluent application highlights its potential for promoting ’living soil’. This research underscores the need for continued exploration of the implications of compost application in conjunction with fish effluent fertilisation on soil microbial communities and the production of specialty crops such as herbs.

Soil Health Practices and Decision Drivers on Diversified Vegetable Farms in Minnesota

Soil health is at the root of agricultural sustainability, and small-scale vegetable farmers are becoming an increasingly important part of the US food system. These farmers face unique challenges when it comes to managing soil on their farms. These challenges include reliance on intensive production practices, the use of primarily organic inputs with difficult to calculate nutrient concentrations, and lack of access to formal education tailored to their needs. We surveyed farmers at 100 small-scale vegetable farms in Minnesota to (1) develop a better baseline understanding of how small-scale vegetable farmers utilize key soil health practices including nutrient management, cover crops, and tillage; (2) explore how farm demographics influence the adoption of soil health practices; and (3) determine educational priorities to better support these growers. Here, we report a lack of understanding about the nutrient contributions of compost, which is often applied at very large volumes without guidance from soil test results, with implications for nutrient loading in the environment. Farmers in our study had high rates of cover crop adoption relative to other farmers in the region despite several barriers to using cover crops. More experienced farmers were more likely to utilize more tillage, with more use of deep tillage implements on larger farms. Overall, organic certification was correlated with higher adoption of soil health practices including utilization of soil tests and cover crop use, but it was not correlated with tillage. Other demographic variables including land access arrangement and race did not meaningfully influence soil health practices. Our findings suggest a need for more research, outreach, and education targeted to vegetable farmers about how to interpret laboratory soil test results, and how to responsibly utilize organic inputs including vegetative compost and composted manure at rates appropriate for crop production in a diversified farm setting. We also report a need to compensate farmers for their labor to incentive cover crop use on small farms, and a need for more research and support for farmers in the 3–50-acre range to utilize reduced tillage methods.

Towards the Concept of Smart Municipality: Agribusiness Model Integrating Rural and Urban Areas for Organic Food Production: A Review

Smart cities leverage information and communication technologies to enhance urban life quality, essential in densely populated environments requiring comprehensive planning. A critical area in urban settings is food production and delivery, where effective management becomes vital. New technologies can assist, but require models that support innovative production and commercialization methods. This study proposes an integration model between family farming—producers of organic food—and urban areas—consumers of these products. The model focuses on the management of organic food production and delivery to meet urban demands, serving as a tool in the transformation of these areas into smart municipalities. Additionally, this study suggests an alternative certification method for organic food production within family farming. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Methodi Ordinatio methodology. Content analysis of the selected articles identified strategies cities can adopt to promote organic certification, emphasizing transparent governance, public food procurement policies, and participatory certification systems. The proposed model aims to reduce bureaucracy and improve family farmers’ income, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Organic Farming Ecotourism: Making Lubuk Bayas Village a Sustainable Educational Tourism Destination

Lubuk Bayas Village is a village in Perbaungan District with a center for organic rice fields in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The village had been certified by the Seloliman Organic Certification Institute (LeSOS) in 2018. In addition to having sizeable organic paddy fields, this village has the potential to become a tourist village with natural beauty and agricultural products. However, there are several obstacles in developing organic rice fields, such as low buying interest, switching from organic to conventional rice fields, and the need for knowledge of tourism management. The aims of this study were 1) To determine the potential for rice field tourism by analyzing consumer attitudes toward organic product tourism, 2) To analyze intentions for organic tourism. We are finding and developing a tourism village development model based on organic agricultural commodities in Lubuk Bayas Village, Perbaungan District. Data were analyzed using LISREL and SWOT analysis. The results of this study indicated that tourism activities and community participation significantly affect consumer attitudes toward organic tourism. Attitudes affect interest in organic tourism in the future. The primary strategy for developing a tourist village is to highlight the primary agricultural commodities, such as organic paddy rice, with the support of Serdang Bedagai's natural and cultural tourist attractions

Exploring Brazilian Consumer’s Profile and Perceived Innovations Toward Sustainable Cues on Chocolate Front-Of-Package Labeling

ABSTRACT A survey of 695 consumers was conducted to explore attitudes toward sustainable cues on chocolate labels. Results indicate that consumers in southernmost states preferred an organic certification seal. Those with higher education placed greater importance on cocoa origin and the presence of a producer image on the label, while higher-income consumers valued both cocoa origin and organic certification. High cocoa percentages and organic certification were frequently cited as innovations in chocolate by consumers who valued the producer’s image on the label. Meanwhile, consumers who prioritized cocoa origin most often identified vegan chocolates as innovative.

Design, Synthesis, and In Vivo Imaging of a Stable Xanthene-Based Dye with NIR-II Emission up to 1450 nm.

The development of long-wavelength near-infrared II (NIR-II, 900-1700 nm) dyes is highly desirable but challenging. To achieve both red-shifted absorption/emission and superior in vivo imaging capabilities, a donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) xanthene core was strategically modified by extending π-conjugated double bonds and enhancing electron-donating properties. Two dyes named VIX-1250 and VIX-1450 were synthesized and exhibited notably red-shifted absorption/emission peaks at 942/1250 and 1098/1450 nm, respectively. Among them, VIX-1450 demonstrated superior chemo- and photostability even at such long wavelengths. Fluorescent angiography using VIX-1450 micelles enabled high-clarity blood vessel imaging with a remarkable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), underscoring that the dye's large Stokes shift (352 nm), good brightness (13 M-1 cm-1), and long wavelength served as key factors for high-quality in vivo biosensing. Additionally, VIX-1450 combined with ICG for dual-color imaging achieved near-zero optical cross talk, enabling different organ labeling. This study provides a new direction for the design of long-wavelength organic dyes.

Evaluation of Sanitary and Environmental Impact of Plant Protection Practices in Vineyards of Southwestern France: Organic and Conventional/Integrated Agriculture

The French wine industry is spread across the country and represents 789,000 ha (2023). Over 20% of the plant protection products (PPPs) sold in France are used in viticulture on less than 4% of the French UAA (Utilized Agricultural Area). The share of wine estates with organic farming certification has risen sharply, reaching 9% of French vineyards in 2016. The position occupied by the wine sector on both the national and international scale confirms the need to examine the impacts of different management practices in viticulture on human health and the environment. This study presents an approach to the assessment of plant protection practices in vineyards based on indicators of plant protection pressure and risk. It was carried out on wine-growing farms in the southwest of France, surveyed according to the two farming systems: conventional/integrated and organic. The main objective of this study was to compare the health and environmental impact of the PPPs used in these two farming systems. The impact assessment result of wine-growing plant protection practices shows that some pesticides and molecules used in organic farming, especially those based on copper and sulfur, are more harmful than products used in conventional/integrated farming, in particular to the environment. For this reason, all stakeholders involved in pesticide management should recognize the health and environmental impact of PPPs in order to reduce and to control their toxicity risks to public health and the natural environment.

Production risk of organic rice due to climate change in Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

Organic rice farming is a rice cultivation activity applies ecological principles without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The big challenge for organic rice farming is climate change in the form of high temperatures, drought, high rainfall which is difficult to predict. This situation have an impact on decline in production and income of organic rice farming. The objective of the study was to determine the income organic rice farming and analyzes the levels and factors affecting production risk of organic rice. The study was conducted in Magelang Regency with consideration that is a pilot project for organic rice farming in Indonesia and have farmer groups received organic certification. Respondents consisted of 75 organic rice farmers selected using simple random sampling methods. The data was taken through interviews based on questionnaires and documentation methods. Production risks were analyzed using the coefficient of variation and factors that influence production risk were analyzed using the Cobb-Douglass production function with Just and Pope approach. The results showed that the income of organic rice farming on an average land area of 3,690 m2 was IDR 6,694,860. Organic rice farming has a low production risk category. Factors that affect the production risk are land area and labor.

Preferensi Konsumen Terhadap Atribut Eksternal Produk Beras Organik di Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Special Region Province is the region displayed by Google Trends for the highest searches for the word “organic rice” on the period June 2019 – May 2020. Consumer preferences are very important because they are closely related to increased consumption. Organic rice business actors need to know the purchasing decision process and consumer preferences scientifically in determining the right marketing strategy and can be competitive in the market. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the purchasing decision process and the combination of organic rice attributes that are in accordance with the preferences of organic rice consumers in Yogyakarta. This study has a sample size of 111 respondents domiciled in Yogyakarta. The sampling method was carried out by purposive sampling. The analysis methods used are descriptive analysis and conjoint analysis. The results of the study show that the combination of organic rice attributes that are in accordance with the preferences of organic rice consumers in Yogyakarta is organic rice with an organic certificate with a utility value of 0.298; white with a utility value of 0.615; soft claims with a utility value of 0.157; and vacuum-packed with a utility value of 0.167. Future suggestions are given to farmers, agricultural extension workers, and organic rice entrepreneurs to have integrity with each other to develop the organic rice business.

A Comprehensive Study On Agriculture Industry

This study examines the impact of consultancy services on the transition to organic agriculture, focusing on soil management, pest control, certification, and market access. By analyzing the operations of Visual Agrotech Organic Pvt. Ltd., the research highlights how consultancy improves productivity, enhances environmental sustainability, and ensures economic benefits for farmers. Keywords: Organic Agriculture, Consultancy Services, Soil Management, Pest Control, Organic Certification, Market Access, Sustainable Farming, Organic Produce, Supply Chain in Agriculture

Carbon Footprint of Organic Coffee: Peruvian case study

In Peru, organic agriculture has emerged as a promising avenue for creating prosperity through the production of premium, value-added goods. Among the array of agricultural exports from Peru, organic coffee stands out as a highly significant product, celebrated internationally for its exceptional quality. Thus, there is an opportunity to address this study from the environmental point of view by focusing on greenhouse gas emissions in coffee production and adopting the principles of a circular economy. This approach not only promises to improve farmers' overall performance but also holds the potential to mitigate the environmental repercussions related with their production processes.The aim of this research is to analyze the carbon footprint of organic coffee that is produced by small farmers who are members of a cooperative situated in the northern region of Peru. To achieve this objective, the above-mentioned environmental impact during the production of organic green coffee was calculated using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. This research also seeks to discern about disparities between the practices of farmers who already possess their organic certification and those currently in the certification process as well as assesses the relative eco-efficiency of these production units. Besides the absence of significant differences between those who have their organic certification and those who apply organic practices in their fields but are in the process of certification, results show that the carbon footprint of 1 kg of green coffee placed in port is estimated at 0.90 kg CO2e.

Role of Availability on Actual Purchase Behavior of Organic Food Products: An Application of Theory of Planned Behavior

Aim: This paper examines how consumers' purchase intentions and actual purchase behavior for organic food products are related to the moderating effect of availability and its relationship with those two variables. Methods: Using structural equation modeling, a structured survey of 250 participants revealed that the three components of the theory of planned behavior-attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control impacted consumers' purchase intentions. Results: Findings revealed a strong correlation between purchase intention and actual purchase behavior of the consumers towards organic products. Furthermore, it identifies a few areas for future work that would benefit wholesalers, retailers, marketers, consumers, and scholars. Conclusion: Food provides indispensable nourishment, which leads to a healthy life. However, it has recently come to light that many food products have become unhealthy due to farmers' excessive use of pesticides and chemical-based fertilizers, resulting in several illnesses. Currently, it has been observed that many consumers are attracted to organic food that is healthy, tasty, and free from chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers. To increase the study's accuracy and utility, further research might be done on additional aspects, such as significant price premiums, a lack of knowledge, confidence in organic certification programs, and quality.

Territorial brand equity in the wine market and the role of the organic label: A consumer perspective

Territorial brand equity in the wine market and the role of the organic label: A consumer perspective

THE BOLIVIAN ORGANIC QUINOA IN THE FAIRTRADE MARKET, IMPLICATIONS FOR THE WEAKEST LINK IN THE VALUE CHAIN: SMALL-SCALE FARMERS

<p><strong>Background: </strong>The fair trade model seeks to redress the imbalance of power in global supply chains. Unlike conventional trade structures, this commercial alternative purport to benefit small farmers and workers in developing countries. In the real world, however, small-scale producers are often excluded from the benefits. <strong>Objective</strong>: To analyzes organic Bolivian quinoa as a Fairtrade product and the impacts and challenges that Bolivian quinoa farmers face in the marketing chain. <strong>Methodology: </strong>A documentary analysis of the production system, application of qualitative techniques with local actors involved in the supply chain of Bolivian quinoa, and field work in regional markets were carried out. <strong>Results</strong>: The economic conditions of smallholder quinoa producers are improving under this certification system. However, global oversupply and increased competition are having a significant impact on retail prices and Bolivian sales to foreign markets. The retail price is more than a third higher than the Fairtrade price, maximizing profits at the expense of fair trade. <strong>Implications</strong>: Organic and Fairtrade certified Bolivian quinoa may not be a suitable product for the Fairtrade model. Being a landlocked country and commercial competition from Peru are the two main challenges for small quinoa producers. <strong>Conclusions</strong>: The Bolivian organic Fairtrade quinoa value chain involves several intermediaries, similar to conventional trade. Organic certification is a time-consuming and costly process because farmers cannot cover the costs. The almost non-existent governance structures imply that most decisions are based on the buyer-driven commodity chain, demonstrating the weak bargaining position of farmers. An alternative certification for small quinoa producers could be the Small Producers' Symbol label.</p>

Exploring Demand: Challenges and Opportunities for Free-From and Organic Foods in Portuguese Market

The rising prevalence of food intolerances and increased health and environmental consciousness has driven the demand for free-from (FF) and organic products. This study aims to analyze consumer needs, motivations, and challenges related to these products in Portugal through an online survey with 2268 eligible responses, with a median age of the participants of 41 years. The sample was predominantly female (76.9%), with male participants comprising 23.1% of the sample. The results show that 97.4% of the respondents were aware of FF products, with 60.0% being regular consumers, particularly of lactose-free milk and gluten-free bread and biscuits. Significant market gaps were identified in the variety of FF bread (62.8%), pastries (49.0%), and cookies (38.4%). The consumers identified high prices (84.9%) and excessive sugar/fat content (52.1%) as the main drawbacks of FF products currently on the market. The women showed greater knowledge and purchase levels compared to the men. The trust in organic certification was low (21.4%), with skepticism higher among the lower-income and male participants. Despite this, 78.1% believed in the health benefits of organic products, and 72.2% agreed that increased demand could lower prices. Overall, this study highlights the need for greater product variety, improved transparency, and consumer education to enhance market trust and accessibility.

Mixed method evaluation of factors influencing the adoption of organic participatory guarantee system certification among Vietnamese vegetable farmers

AbstractIn markets where vegetables are commonly cultivated with heavy use of synthetic pesticides, it is particularly important for consumers to be able to identify genuine organic produce. Organic Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) certification offers smallholder farmers an affordable way to build trust among consumers and secure premium prices for their organic produce. In Vietnam, the demand for vegetables with no, or low, pesticide residues is growing. The attractiveness of PGS certification should increase accordingly, but the number of organic PGS certified farmers in Vietnam are stagnating or even decreasing. The aim of this study is to explain this paradox by investigating the factors that influence the adoption of organic PGS certification among Vietnamese vegetable farmers. We follow a mixed methods approach, combining a qualitative analysis of farmer interviews (n = 62) and a quantitative analysis of a farm survey data (n = 434) using a sample selection model that estimates adoption contingent on farmers’ awareness of PGS certification. Drawing on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, we found that social relationships and positive attitudes towards farming and the environment drive the adoption of organic PGS. Barriers include insufficient knowledge of organic farming techniques, labour shortages, and ageing farmers. At the systemic level, support by (non-)governmental institutions facilitates adoption, but challenges such as lower yields and limited access to premium markets remain. To promote organic PGS among Vietnamese vegetable farmers, efforts should focus on disseminating organic farming techniques that boost yields, alleviate labour demands, and ensure secure markets for premium-priced organic vegetables.

Winter Cover Cropping in Sustainable Production Systems: Effects on Soybean and Synergistic Implications for Rhizosphere Microorganisms.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of winter cover crops (CCs) on soybean agronomic performance and their implications for different physiological groups of rhizosphere microorganisms in two sustainable production systems. The production techniques for rye, peas, and oats are well known, but their suitability as CCs for soybean (organic and low-input) production needs to be examined. After two years of trials, soybean yields among the two tested winter CCs (peas and oats (P + O) and rye (R)) were statistically significant only for P + O. The soybean yield in succession to P + O as winter CCs was 3.0 t ha-1, whereas in succession to R, it was 2.7 t ha-1, and in the control plot, it was 2.6 t ha-1. The average soybean grain protein content was in the range of 40 to 41% dry matter (DM), while the oil content ranged from 20 to 22% DM. Protein and oil content primarily depends on the selected soybean variety and it is confirmed through this study that, in the studied system, we can obtain adequate grain nutritional quality. The results indicate an increase in the abundance of total bacteria, ammonifiers, and free N2-fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere, depending on the selected CCs, and differences between the tested production systems. According to this study, winter cover crops (CCs), including peas and oats (P + O) and rye (R), can be included in crop rotation for soybean. CCs can be the answer to agro-biodiversity empowerment in less diverse soybean cropping systems, along with other benefits that CCs can provide at the level of crop rotation. In addition, in almost all aspects of the study, organic production was ahead of low input. Low input is an adequate production system if there are no opportunities for organic certification and for producers who are aware of the advantages of sustainable systems, and it can also represent a transitional path towards regenerative agriculture or organic production.

Farm characteristics determine why a large share of organically produced wine is not labelled as organic

Abstract Organic agricultural production is increasing globally and is of high policy relevance, particularly in Europe. Various measures incentivize farmers to adopt organic practices, such as direct payments and labelling. We here address a rarely considered aspect of organic production, that not all organic producers in Europe opt for organic labelling for their products at the point of sale. We investigate the discrepancy between organic production and labelling in Swiss viticulture. Out of 115 grapevine growers who adhere to organic principles in production, 43.5% do not use organic labelling when marketing their wines. We find that especially farms using alternative labelling strategies (e.g. for fungus-resistant varieties), smaller farms and farms less specialized in viticulture to be more likely to forgo organic labelling. We draw conclusions for policy and science. For example, our findings show that there may be, for some crops, more organic products on shelves than indicated from sales statistics of organically labelled products. The use of statistics that indicate the share of sales of organic products for specific products and food sales at large may thus be misleading.

Organic Farming for Residue-Free Production

Organic farming has emerged as a sustainable agricultural practice aimed at producing food without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This approach promotes biodiversity, soil health, and environmental sustainability while ensuring residue-free food production. The key principles of organic farming include crop rotation, composting, natural pest management, and the use of organic inputs such as manure and biological controls. These practices not only enhance soil fertility and biodiversity but also contribute to mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon in soils. Residue-free production in organic farming is achieved through rigorous adherence to organic standards and certification processes. Organic certification ensures that farmers comply with strict regulations regarding inputs, practices, and traceability throughout the production chain. Consumers increasingly prefer organic products due to concerns about chemical residues in food and their potential impact on health. Organic farming promotes transparency and consumer trust by offering products that are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. The global market for organic products continues to expand, driven by growing consumer awareness and demand for healthier and environmentally friendly food options. Organic farming presents opportunities for farmers to access premium markets, improve farm profitability, and contribute to sustainable agriculture. However, challenges such as certification costs, market access barriers, and competition with conventional agriculture remain significant. Future research and development in organic farming are crucial to addressing these challenges and enhancing the scalability and efficiency of residue-free production. Innovations in organic pest management, soil health management, and sustainable agriculture practices will further support the growth of organic farming worldwide. Overall, organic farming stands as a promising solution for residue-free food production, promoting human health, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development in agriculture.

Factors influencing young adults’ organic food purchase intention on fresh food e-commerce platforms

PurposeUnderstanding young adults’ organic food purchasing behavior in the fresh food e-commerce platforms (FFEP) is crucial for expanding the global environmental product market. The study aims to investigate how specific characteristics of platforms and organic food information impact young adults’ perceived value, leading to their subsequent purchase intention.Design/methodology/approachAround 535 valid responses were collected through an online survey and then analyzed applying a two-stage structural equation model (SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach.FindingsResults of this research show that platform characteristics (including system quality and evaluation system) and product information characteristics (including organic label, ingredient information and traceability information) significantly affect young adults’ perceived utilitarian and hedonic value. The platform’s service quality has a strong effect on their perceptions of hedonic value, while the delivery system strongly influences their utilitarian value. Moreover, the perceived value, as a crucial mediator, plays a significant role in moderating the influence of platform and product information characteristics on the purchase intentions of young consumers regarding organic food.Originality/valuePrevious research has overlooked the credence attributes of organic food and particularities of online purchasing, focusing instead on general platform and product characteristics. This study addresses this gap by proposing a more appropriate model that integrates the characteristics of both the platform and product information. This offers theoretical and managerial implications for effectively stimulating organic food consumption among young adults in online environments.