A cross-disciplinary approach to multicriteria assessment and communication of the effects of organic food systems

Summary

This paper describes a cross- and transdisciplinary approach to develop a multicriteria assessment framework that aims to help organic actors and stakeholders conduct, document and communicate balanced overall assessments of the effects of organic food systems on society and nature. The framework will be based on extensive analyses of existing methods for multicriteria assessment and communication, and the adaptation and development of selected methods to suit organic food systems and the principles organic agriculture. The validity and utility of the framework is secured through involvement of actors and participatory testing of prototypes in practice. The goal is to help sustain an integrated development of the organic production, contribute to open and credible communication, and thereby support long term growth.