CABI International

Main Description

Beginning as a small protest to the industrialization of agriculture in the 1920s, organic farming has become a significant force in agricultural policy, marketing, and research. No longer dismissed as unscientific and counterproductive, organic techniques are now taken seriously by farmers, consumers, scientists, food processors, marketers, and regulatory agencies in much of the world. Organic farming is both dynamic and forward-looking but is also rooted in tradition. It is these traditions that can provide valuable starting points in debates over how organic farming should meet new challenges such as globalization, the emergence of new production techniques, and growing concern over equity and social justice in agriculture. Complementing general discussions with case histories of important organic institutions in various countries, this comprehensive discussion is the first to explore the development of organic agriculture.

Readership

Agricultural researchers and policymakers as well as leaders of organic farming organizations.

Main Contents

Part 1: Origins and Principles Chapter 1: What Explains the Rise of Organic Farming? Chapter 2: The Origins of Organic Farming Chapter 3: Organic Values Chapter 4: The Science of Organic Farming Chapter 5: The Evolution of Organic Practice Part 2: Policies and Markets Chapter 6: The Development of Governmental Support for Organic Farming in Europe Chapter 7: The Organic Market Chapter 8: Development of Standards for Organic Farming Part 3: Organizations and Institutions Chapter 9: IFOAM and the History of the International Organic Movement Chapter 10: The Soil Association Chapter 11: Ecological Farmers Association and the Success of Swedish Organic Agriculture Chapter 12: MAPO and the Argentinian Organic Movement Chapter 13: NASAA and Organic Agriculture in Australia Chapter 14: FiBL and Organic Research in Switzerland Chapter 15: The Organic Trade Association Part 4: Challenges Chapter 16: A Look toward the Future

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