Research for transition: Europeans deserve a better agricultural and food policy

Summary in the original language of the document

Research is a key element in the exploration of new pathways in farming systems. Organic farming relies on specific methods and a strict regulation. By design, organic farming harmonizes the environmental and productive dimensions of farming systems. The report covers four sections.
1. Funding of organic farming research is low both at EU and national levels, but at the EU and national levels, statistics on the financial support to the different models of agriculture are neither precise nor comprehensive. This lack of transparency impairs any comparative analysis.
2. Several countries have specific programmes for organic farming research The total amounts of money are limited but in most cases the programmes are multi-annual and help to build long-term expertise for the sector. Countries with long-term programmes include Denmark, France, Germany and Sweden
3. Organic farming provides better answer to sustainability challenges than conventional farming.
Funding of organic farming research is important because organic farming represents an efficient pathway to sustainable agriculture. A comparison of organic and conventional farming for the different dimensions of sustainability has been compiled based on scientific publications. This assessment does not claim to be fully comprehensive in all areas but it may serve to illustrate he potential of organic farming.
4. Inspiring case studies. By design, organic farming is multi-functional and based on an ecosystem approach rather than the use of artificial inputs that boost production.
This is also reflected in the organisation of knowledge exchanges. Most organic farmers are in favour of a participatory vision of research, with active exchange of experience between scientists and practitioners, a collective assessment of problems and a co-design of solutions. Programmes such as the European Innovation Partnership are in line with this research and innovation process. Experience in organic farming shows the potential of such an approach. Case studies at meso and micro levels illustrate new ways of producing knowledge in a participatory way.