Main Description

There is a growing niche market world-wide for organic produce. However there are considerable problems in expanding organic production and it is often considered a lifestyle or philosophical choice rather than an alternative source of ideas to improve farming systems. This book provides an overview of organic systems, from production through to the economic, social and political aspects. It presents a critical appraisal of the successes and limitations of organic production systems and highlights recent innovations. The book concludes by looking at the future challenges facing the organic agriculture industry.

Readership

Agricultural scientists, farmers, environmentalists and students.

Main Contents

Organic production

Overview of Organic Agriculture

Soil Fertility in Organic Farming Systems

Crop Agronomy in Organic Agriculture

Special topic 1: Developing No-Tillage Systems Without Chemicals: the Best of Both Worlds?

Crop Protection in Organic Agriculture

Organic Plant Breeding & Seed Production: Ecological & Ethical Aspects

Special topic 2: Biodynamic Agriculture Today

Organic Livestock Husbandry & Breeding

Animal Health & Nutrition in Organic Farming

Animal Welfare & Ethics in Organic AgricultureRegulatory and management issues

Organic Standards & Certification

Special topic 3: Contradiction of Principles in Organic Farming

Economic Management in Organic Agriculture

Understanding the Market for Organic FoodBeyond the farm gate

Environmental Impacts of Organic Farming

Special topic 4: Tillage: How Bad is it in Organic Agriculture?

Food Quality & Organic Agriculture

Social Responsibilities of Organic Agriculture: Learning, Collaboration & Regulation

Special topic 5: Voice from the Other Side: A Ghanaian View on OrganicsKnowledge and capacity building

Research to Support the Development of Organic Food & Farming

Education & Training in Ecological Agriculture: Nordic Region & the USA

Design of Farmer Education & Training in Organic AgricultureSummary

Key Issues and Challenges for the Future

There is a growing niche market world-wide for organic produce. However there are considerable problems in expanding organic production and it is often considered a lifestyle or philosophical choice rather than an alternative source of ideas to improve farming systems. This book provides an overview of organic systems, from production...