Organic Food System Research Articles

Effects of Organic and Conventional Cultivation on Composition and Characterization of Two Citrus Varieties ‘Navelina’ Orange and ‘Clemenules’ Mandarin Fruits in a Long-Term Study

A transition towards an organic food system is taking place around the world. This process is favored by growing consumer demand, who associate organic crops with being healthier, tastier, and safer for the environment than conventional crops. Citrus is one of the most widely produced crops worldwide and has important socio-economic and cultural significance in the Mediterranean area. The aim of this work is twofold; on the one hand, it reveals the variability of a set of physical–chemical and nutritional quality parameters of two citrus fruit varieties, ‘Navelina’ oranges and ‘Clemenules’ mandarins, from organic and conventional production in a long-term study. On the other hand, taking advantage of the large number of results, a model is proposed that allows the successful differentiation of citrus fruits from organic and conventional production and a tool that allows predicting the production system of citrus fruits. The results suggest that organically produced citrus fruits do not generate differences in terms of external aspects, providing fruits that are acceptable to the market. Organic production techniques influenced the lower peel content and higher pulp and juice content in ‘Navelina’ orange and ‘Clemenules’ mandarin fruits and led to a greater ability to synthesize vitamin C in the juice, more essential oils in the skin, and higher seed numbers, although in all cases, the fruits can be classified as having low seed numbers. Two discriminating equations were obtained that use easy-to-measure parameters to successfully classify organic citrus fruits. The classification and prediction models obtained constitute useful tools to help in the control of the purity/authenticity of organic citrus fruits.

Addressing Consumer Desires for Sustainable Food Systems: Contentions and Compromises.

Consumers and social movement activists have been the driving force to create alternative, sustainable food systems over the past 100 years. Although larger agribusiness market players and the state were at first reluctant to respond to these concerns, as organic food products (the most prominent example of alternative food) became a viable economic market, these market players embraced them. The international trade of organic food has developed into a major agricultural and retail sector, but with this growth many of the varied original critiques of conventional, industrial farming practices have yet to be adequately addressed. Every major advancement in sustainable agriculture has raised new issues of equity and access for producers, laborers, and consumers. Although consumers often believe that they are contributing to a project of larger social change with every market transaction they make, the continued success of the organic food system has spurred calls for more explicit forms of collective behavior to promote the larger goals of the original sustainable agriculture movements.

Thirty years of organic dairy in the United States: the influences of farms, the market and the organic regulation

AbstractThe US organic milk food system has several interesting characteristics. The product has been enthusiastically embraced by consumers, resulting in increased retail sales of organic milk. The processing sector is oligopolistic, with three dominant firms. At the farm level, the definition and enforcement of regulations relating to access to pasture and transitioning livestock have been the subject of controversy and slow to change to meet the needs of the sector. This paper uses two sources of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) data (Agricultural Resource Management Survey and Organic Survey) and other evidence to trace changes in the discourse about organic dairy, the market, processing and farm sector, along with the evolution of the regulation. Concern over inconsistencies in the language and enforcement of the regulation at the farm level continued throughout the 30-year period. We find evidence of strong and continued growth of the organic dairy sector at the farm level, among all regions of the US. The amount of pasture available per cow increased as the access to outdoor rules tightened. In 2016 many dairies failed to meet the 30% threshold for feed from grazing. Another key finding, which may underlie the internal debates, is that the profitability of large-scale organic dairies in the West substantially increased in 2016. The organic dairies in other regions did not experience this improvement, although their profitability remained similar to prior years. While there is evidence of problems with the regulation, we note that the structure of the processing sector is an important but overlooked dimension. Thus, additional research into the farmer–processor relationship is needed to improve our understanding of the dynamics of the organic dairy farm sector.

Measuring Egyptian Farmers’ Attitude towards Staying Organic

Organic agriculture (OA) in Egypt is well-developed and still fast growing. Improving the relation between organic farmers and the other agents in the chain can provide a positive contribution to the whole organic chain competitiveness. One possible approach to investigate the farmers’ perceived role and satisfaction within the organic system is to explore the factors influencing their decision to stay organic. In particular, the aim of the present study was to measure the farmers’ attitude towards staying organic. Organic agricultural experts and institutional stakeholders were interviewed to complete a literature review and to obtain information about the Egyptian context. The survey questionnaire was pre-tested (n = 13) and then administered to a different sample (n = 232). A split-half validation procedure was used to evaluate and then confirm the factor structure. Explorative and confirmatory factor analysis yielded a final 29-item measure consisting of 8 distinct factors showing how organic agriculture influences a broad range of farmers’ life dimensions (environmental, economic, social, psychological). The significant role played by psychological and social factors in defining the farmers’ decision to stay organic emerged as a relatively unexpected outcome. The study supports the sustainable development of small family farmers, providing a useful tool to support the growth of organic production and consumption, mostly in developing countries. By monitoring farmers’ attitudes and perception towards OA, the instrument proposed in the present study can support policy makers, farmers’ organizations, civil society organizations (NGOs) and organic chains focal companies when defining policies, advocating campaigns, and chain coordination strategies for farmers involved in the organic food system development.

The Organic Mindset: Insights from a Mixed Methods Grounded Theory (MM-GT) Study into Organic Food Systems

A broad understanding of food systems includes a complex web of activities, outcomes and drivers, encompassing not only the food and agriculture sectors, but also the social norms and cultures in which those activities are embedded. The organic food and farming movement has lately been portrayed as a food system of its own right, since it contains all necessary sub-systems, consisting of food environments, distribution networks, processing, as well as production and supply, all of which are bounded by an organic guarantee system. The underlying hypothesis of this investigation is that drivers in the organic food system operate on a paradigm level that is associated with the codified principles of ecology, health, fairness and care. Personality science suggests that the choice to act in pro-environmental ways is driven by an internalized sense of obligation or personal norms, which justifies our pursuit of seeking key drivers of food systems in the mindset of the actor. Through integrated findings from actor-centered mixed methods grounded theory research involving eleven case territories, this study identified a pattern of global mindset attributes that intuitively drive organic food system actors toward holistic human and sustainable development.

Nutritional quality of organic foods: A systematic review

Background: Despite rising consumer demand for organically grown foods, there is a scarcity of information based on a thorough assessment of their nutritional qualities. The goal of this study was to quantify the differences in reported nutritional content between organically and conventionally grown foods. Design: From 1 January 1958 to 29 February 2008, we carefully searched Pub Med, Web of Science, and CAB Abstracts, contacted topic experts, and hand-searched bibliographies. If they provided nutritional content comparisons between organic and conventional foodstuffs, we included peer-reviewed publications with English abstracts in the study. Study features, quality, and data were retrieved by two reviewers. The research was limited to the most frequently reported nutrients. In the last two decades, the organic foods sector in the United States has grown dramatically. Organic sales are projected to have grown by almost 20% each year since 1990, with consumer sales reaching $13.8 billion in 2005. While the early days of organic agriculture centered on small farms but also local distribution offresh produce, today's organic food system is a complex mix of small and large food producers, local and global distribution networks, and a wide range of products, which include fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and processedfoods.

A social network linking rural and peri-urban agricultural production to the city of Rome: A case study

Many citizens, despite significant changes in the levels of awareness and responsibility towards environmental, ethical and social issues, remain ‘loyal’ to their lifestyles and their purchasing decisions. This is a phenomenon known as a value-action gap, which occurs when the values and intentions of an individual are not related to his actions. However, the individual characteristics of consumers can be ‘shaken’ by social and collective actions. Alternative Food Networks (AFNs), and among these the short supply chains, interpret different degrees of sustainability and aim to improve the coordination of supply and to involve consumers as active players in the local, typical and organic food system. An example is the ‘Kalulu’ network, on which this contribution focuses, a web platform which shortens the supply chain and transfers on a large scale the mechanism of Purchasing Group. The authors believe that this model, which operates in the rural and urban territory of the Metropolitan City of Rome, is able to bring well-being to the farm and the territory, on the one hand, and to bridge the value-action gap in individuals and families, on the other. Public support for this type of AFN - which develops networks of socio-economic relationships between producers and consumers and communicates the sharing of values - and the involvement of all local community stakeholders could generate a model of alternative governance of rural and peri-urban areas with typical products towards sustainable development. In fact, from the analysis carried out, it emerges that the platform creates a producer/consumer local market which recognizes a fair and sustainable exchange value, which goes beyond the price/quality ratio. In this commercialization model consumers increase their awareness and responsibility of consumption choices in respect of seasonality, traditions and natural organic cycles, reducing waste; while the constancy of purchasing and the reduction of intermediaries guarantee economic needs also for small farmers. This innovative and efficient model of short supply chain, contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and the protection of the environment, for the benefit of the community.

Modeling sustainability visions: A case study of multi-scale food systems in Southwestern Ontario

The process of systematically developing a sustainability vision is an important element of effective environmental management. Sustainability visions can, however, include contradictions and counterintuitive effects due to complex system behavior (e.g., feedback loops, multi-causality) and ambiguous system boundaries (e.g., choice of a scale, such as a regional or national scale). This paper proposes an innovative methodological framework for vision design and assessment (VDA) to analyze the sustainability of future visions on multiple scales with consideration of ecosystem services, and to test their plausibility based upon expert and local knowledge. First, requirements and functions of visionary system designs are identified. Second, a functional organizational analysis defines structures and processes that generate functions. Third, a literature review and participatory modeling process are conducted to analyze the system structures of visionary system designs using causal loop diagrams. Fourth, fuzzy cognitive mapping is used to assess visions based upon sustainability indicators. A case study on sustainable food systems in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, is provided to demonstrate the application of the methodology. Three designs of a sustainable food system were analyzed and tested: urban organic gardening, a local diversified organic food system and a globalized commodity-based organic food system. The results show the advantages and disadvantages of each system design and underline the sustainability benefits of a multi-scale food system based upon a combination of system designs.

Organics in Finland—a country report

The Finnish organic food system has had the same development phases as many other countries producing or consuming organic food, but the current volume of production and the market share is lagging severely behind the best-performing European Union countries. Finnish authorities set several development programmes with quantitative goals for the growth of the organic sector. The current “2020” goals aspire to reach, e.g. a 20% share of organic from total agricultural land and to triple the share of organic markets (compared to 2014). Despite scholars predicting these current goals unreachable, the food chain stakeholders trust in the positive organic developments in all areas and food sectors. The major share of the organic land is under grass production for milking cows, other bovines and sheep. Oats are the most commonly organically cultivated grain. Organic food processing, as well as its retail, is very biased: large-scale companies represent the largest shares, while SMEs (small- and medium-size enterprise) offer an alternative marketing channel for producers and consumers. Public procurement provides an important channel for the organic food chain in Finland, since its education system offers a warm school meal for all students up to the vocational school level. The foreign organic trade balance is negative and that challenges the food industry in product innovations and branding the general attributes of Finnish food, purity and its Arctic origin together with organic food production. Organic development needs research that currently focuses mainly on agricultural and environmental issues. More cross-disciplinary and holistic research is needed to understand the slow development of organic sector in Finland.

Does scale matter? Investigating the growth of a local organic box scheme in Austria

Scaling up local organic food systems may be one way to render the overall food system more environmentally friendly and socially just. This paper focuses on an Austrian organic box scheme, specifically on how its relationship with local farmers is experienced in a process of growth. For data collection, we carried out semi-structured interviews with 19 supplying farmers and conducted a focus group discussion with 11 members of the management staff of the box scheme company. We explore the question: how did the growth of the box scheme influence relationships between supplying farmers and the box scheme in this local organic food system – from the farmers' perspective as well as from the perspective of the box scheme company itself? A major challenge for the box scheme was reconciling its values (e.g. supporting many local organic farms) with practical issues such as logistics and coordination. The box scheme managed its growth by strengthening cooperation with two larger vegetable farms/wholesalers. But its support for diverse local organic farms suffered in this process, and the box scheme was still searching for solutions to efficiently interact with such a high number of suppliers. Having a high number of local producers was central to the box scheme's identity; therefore, internal governance structures needed refinement and reflection. The tension between specific qualities such as procurement from a multitude of local farmers on the one hand, and practical economical and logistical considerations on the other lies at the heart of the experience of scaling up local organic food systems.

Review on the discussion points of organic animal husbandry and food system in Japan

Review on the discussion points of organic animal husbandry and food system in Japan

Networks for a competitive and innovative organic horticulture in Flanders

Networks are considered to gain potential for supporting innovation. To understand how networks can maximally support the grower’s innovation process, a conceptual framework was constructed based on five dimensions: (i) creative idea generation, (ii) knowledge assemblage, (iii) learning process, (iv) coalition building and (v) institutional innovation. This paper explores how recently established networks for creating and exchanging knowledge in organic horticulture in Flanders can contribute to the innovation capacity of the organic horticultural community. Our analysis shows that each network has its rationality and assists its members, the organic grower and the organic sector as a whole, directly or indirectly, during their innovation process. The individual potential of the networks is highly reinforced by their close cooperation and safeguards the coherence of decisions taken in the networks. Individual networks are allowed to focus on their core usiness, but by aligning their activities they become more efficient and effective participants in the organic food and farming knowledge system. The actors and the governance of the networks, besides the creation of trust, the recognition of similar innovation models and necessary institutional support are seen as crucial in the success of the networks.

Maintaining Trust and Credibility in a Continuously Evolving Organic Food System

Credibility is particularly important in organic food systems because there are only marginal visual and sensorial differences between organic and conventionally produced products, requiring consumers to trust in producers’ quality claims. In this article I explore what challenges the credibility of organic food systems and I explore how credibility of organic food systems can be maintained, using the Danish organic food system as a case study. The question is increasingly relevant as the sale of organic food is growing in Denmark as well as globally, and consumers’ expectations of organics continuously evolve. The inquiry is threefold, first I outline a conceptual framework for understanding trust and credibility in the food system, secondly I explore the developments in Danish organic food systems and thirdly discuss the challenges and opportunities for maintaining trust in the Danish organic food system. In the analysis I indicate eight key challenges: (1) unrealistic expectations, (2) blind trust and little motivation for extending their knowledge, (3) consumers assess the overall credibility of organic products, (4) ambitious ethical principles, (5) new consumer groups introduce new expectations, (6) frozen requirements in a changing world, (7) growing imports and labelling and (8) multiple versions of organics and the diversity is growing, as well as four aspects which may maintain the credibility of organics if implemented: (1) coordinate expectations, (2) communicate requested information, (3) institutional reform and (4) open communication of pros and cons of organic production.

How the Organic Food System Supports Sustainable Diets and Translates These into Practice.

Organic production and consumption provide a delineated food system that can be explored for its potential contribution to sustainable diets. While organic agriculture improves the sustainability performance on the production side, critical reflections are made on how organic consumption patterns, understood as the practice of people consuming significant amounts of organic produce, may also be taken as an example for sustainable food consumption. The consumption patterns of regular organic consumers seem to be close to the sustainable diet concept of FAO. Certain organic-related measures might therefore be useful in the sustainability assessment of diets, e.g., organic production and organic consumption. Since diets play a central role in shaping food systems and food systems shape diets, the role of organic consumption emerges as an essential topic to be addressed. This role may be based on four important organic achievements: organic agriculture and food production has a definition, well-established principles, public standards, and useful metrics. By 2015, data for organic production and consumption are recorded annually from more than 160 countries, and regulations are in force in more than 80 countries or regions. The organic food system puts the land (agri-cultura) back into the diet; it is the land from which the diet in toto is shaped. Therefore, the organic food system provides essential components of a sustainable diet.

The Finnish organic food chain—an activity theory approach

This article aims to establish the reasons why the Finnish organic food chain has not developed sufficiently to reach the goals set by the authorities for production volume and consumption. One reason is that organic products do not meet the quality requirements of consumers, and another that consumers have been left out of food chain planning and decision-making for food selection. Co-operation among stakeholders is weak, and activity is based on power that is, for example, widening the price margin. Government interaction through taxation, legislation, and subsidies does not benefit the organic food system. The criteria for evaluating stakeholder activities—food production processes and products (food)—are only quantitative and financial rather than being qualitative and built on accommodating consumer values. The earlier mentioned variables were entered into Yrjo Engestroms’ Activity Theory model to study their interactions. According to extensive research into consumer opinions on organic production and food, customers value safety, ecology, health, ethicality, and taste. By using the Economy of Common Good Theory’s principles and adding those factors to the evaluation criteria for the process and the food, food suppliers would enlist consumers as co-creators and co-innovators and enable stakeholders in organic food production to face the challenges better and meet the goals set for the organic food chain. It is also necessary to have better government interaction so that it can achieve its own goals. The Activity Theory Model will also help the conventional food chain to improve in quality.

Assessing the risk of non-compliance in UK organic agriculture

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the risk factors influencing non-compliance in UK organic farming. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a formal econometric model of risk analysis to provide empirical evidence on the determinants of non-compliance in organic farming. A panel of data from the archives of the largest control body in the UK for 2007-2009 is used, and specific analyses are performed for two types of non-compliances. A zero inflated count data model is used for the estimation, taking into account the fact that the occurrences of non-compliance are very sparse. Findings – Results show the existence of strong co-dependence of non-compliant behaviours (i.e. the occurrence of major and critical non-compliance increases the probability of occurrence of the minor one; similarly the probability of occurrence of major non-compliance increases when minor non-compliance occur). Besides, livestock production and farm size are relevant risk factors. Research limitations/implications – Albeit highly representative, the findings are based on Soil Association data only and not on all UK organic farms. Practical implications – The paper provides practical indications for control bodies, concerning aspects that could be strengthened for more efficient risk-based inspections. The paper advocates the use of financial information like turnover or capital stock, and of data concerning the characteristics of the farmers, that could substantially improve the probability of detecting the most severe non-compliances. Social implications – Certification is essential for organic farming, and an improvement of inspection procedures through a risk-based approach could add efficiency and effectiveness to the whole organic food system, with obvious advantages for consumers and the society as a whole. Originality/value – This paper provides for the first time empirical evidence concerning the implementation of the organic certification system in the UK.

Three perspectives on motivation and multicriteria assessment of organic food systems

The complexity of values related to organic food systems is normally difficult to ascertain, understand and act upon for both producers and consumers, as well as for other agents. In this paper we have suggested MCA as a method that may help in coping with this complexity. Furthermore, we have pointed to the importance of addressing the challenge of motivation when designing such an MCA tool. In doing so, we have applied three very different concepts of motivation – an economic, a psycho-social and a relational concept. While they represent fundamentally different perspectives, by incorporating all three within a multi-perspective approach, we have been able to explore ’a broader array of relevant aspects of motivation when designing a MCA tool to be used by consumers when dealing with organic food issues. From an economic perspective, motivation is closely related to the buying situation and consumers’ need to choose between products. This stresses the importance of gaining a quick overview and of support in assessing the options. From a psycho-social perspective, the key point is to design the tool in a way that makes it possible for the consumer to include his or her experiences and specific lifeworld strategies in the assessment process. This highlights the importance of an MCA tool which enables users to influence and change criteria and values in decision-making and reflexive processes. Finally, from a relational perspective, motivation is a matter of social interaction and the tool should therefore be designed so as to allow dialogue between the agents involved in the value chain of the organic food system. Applying the three perspectives on motivation to the issue has proven the value of a multi-perspective approach and provided input qualifying the development of a prototype MCA tool for agents participating in the organic food system.

استانداردهای ملی کشاورزی زیستی (ارگانیک) ایران II: اصول، اهداف و استانداردهای تولید محصولات زیستی دامی و فرآوردههای غذایی

امروزه کشاورزی زیستی به‌عنوان یکی از مناسب‌ترین نظام‌های تولیدی جایگزین نظام‌های کشاورزی رایج مورد توجه متخصصین علوم مختلف، عموم مردم حتی دولتمردان و سیاستگذاران نیز در سطح جهان قرار گرفته و تحقیقات وسیع در زمینه‌ی ابعاد مختلف این نوع نظام‌ تولیدی پایدار در حال گسترش هستند. در نظام‌های تولید زیستی تاکید زیادی بر تلفیق زراعت و دامداری شده است و معتقدند که در یک واحد تولیدی کشاورزی زیستی باید تولیدات دامی نیز وجود داشته باشد. فرآورده‌های دامی زیستی متعددی مانند گوشت، لبنیات و حتی محصولات زیستی حاصل ازفرآورده‌های جانبی مانند پشم دام‌های زیستی نیز مورد توجه و علاقه مصرف‌کنندگان قرار گرفته‌اند. درکلیه مراحل تولید، عمل‌آوری و بسته‌بندی تا زمانی که به دست مصرف‌کننده برسد باید استانداردها و معیار‌های معینی برای فرآورده‌های دامی نیز همانند فرآورده‌های گیاهی رعایت شوند. در کشور ما، بسیاری از سامانه‌های کشاورزی و تولیدات دامی و غذایی از اولویت و امتیاز برای تبدیل به کشاورزی و محصولات زیستی گواهی شده برخوردارند، از جمله‌‌ی این نظام‌ها می‌توان به مجتمع‌های صنعتی پرورش و نگهداری دام و نیز تولیدات عشایر کوچ‌نشین اشاره نمود که توانمندی‌های بالقوه‌ی بسیاری برای گواهی زیستی تولیدات آنها وجود دارد، ولی متأسفانه هیچگونه تشکیلاتی برای سامان‌دهی، گواهی و یا فروش محصولات تولید شده دامی و غذایی در این‌گونه نظام‌ها که عموما در آنها اصول و قواعد تولید زیستی به‌طور طبیعی و ناخودآگاه اجرا می‌شود، وجود ندارد. معرفی نظام تولید زیستی به بخش پرورش‌ دام در کشور، مستلزم تدوین برنامه‌ای جامع و همه‌‌جانبه‌نگر است ضمن اینکه وجود استانداردهای ملی و نیز تأسیس مؤسسات دولتی و غیر دولتی گواهی کننده‌ی محصولات دامی و غذایی زیستی، جزو اولین و ضروری‌ترین اقدامات در این زمینه می‌باشند.

Communicating imperceptible product attributes through traceability: A case study in an organic food supply chain

AbstractCompanies in the food industry are driven to improve their traceability for several reasons. The primary reasons are food safety and quality. Another is the response to the increased interest among consumers in imperceptible product attributes such as organic, fair trade, dolphin-safe and non genetically modified (non-GMO). Such attributes are hard to distinguish and thus require generally enhanced traceability in order to verify their existence. This has led to an emergent area in which actors engage in gaining and maintaining traceability and communicating it to the consumers. This paper describes the relations between the actors in a supply chain (SC) in the field of organic food systems. It examines the objectives each actor has for gaining and maintaining traceability throughout the SC. The focus on organic relates to the challenge for the companies to ensure this imperceptible product attribute throughout the entire food system. A single case study was conducted in an organic food system providing organic ice cream products. The data collection included semi-structured interviews, observations, a review of internal documents and a survey among the participating companies. The findings illustrate and elaborate on the objectives companies have for engaging in traceability. The objectives identified are divided into three categories: food safety and quality, managing the SC and internal resources and communication with consumers. The survey confirms the results from the interviews that all actors want to engage in traceability. They prioritize the objectives differently, however. The study highlights the value of close relations between the actors when addressing consumer concerns regarding product and process characteristics, such as the imperceptible organic attribute.

Steak up to the horns!

Recent conversations concerning organic food systems have focused on the conventionalization hypothesis, which posits that the organic food sector has become increasingly bifurcated between “historical” players in the organic movement on one side, and on the other by distributors and industrial operators recently arrived in the sector, who practice a more conventionalized form of organic agriculture which is now on the ascendancy. The most prominent explanations for the growth and dominance of a conventionalized organic food system have been economic, based in the logics of input costs, especially land rent. We use the cases of the Belgian Blue commodity system and the Belgian organic beef commodity system to argue that conventionalization is also cognitive. To understand the role of cognition in the ascendance of the conventional organic food sector, we utilize concept of “référentiel”—or system of cognitive references—as developed by Muller and Jobert. We believe that comparing organic and conventional practices as two systems of cognitive references makes a deeper understanding of conventionalization possible in two ways: first because it makes it clear that the two systems coexist on a cognitive level, understood in a broad sense as tightly knit sets of knowledges, beliefs, standards, and images. Secondly, the concept of référentiel enables one to understand how the conventional system can become irreversible (lock-in effect) and thus incompatible with the development of the organic system.