home    about    browse    search    latest    help 
Login | Create Account

Research to support development of organic food and farming

Watson, Christine; Alrøe, Hugo and Kristensen, Erik Steen (2006) Research to support development of organic food and farming. In: Kristiansen, Paul; Taji, Acram and Reganold, John (Eds.) Organic Agriculture - A Global Perspective. CSIRO Publishing, chapter 15, pp. 361-383.

[thumbnail of Watson.pdf] PDF - English
Limited to [Registered users only]

279kB


Summary

Agriculture and organic agriculture in particular are developing rapidly, due not only to technological change but also to changes in agricultural policy and public expectation. Research allows new knowledge to be developed and is thus vital for the future of organic agriculture. We can ask the question, what is the purpose of research on organic farming? Is it to increase yield and productivity, to compare it with other forms of agriculture, or to quantify its environmental and social impact, minimise the adverse effects and maximise the benefits etc? The answer is of course that research has a role to play in all of these and many other aspects of developing the organic food chain. The precise purpose of the research is usually defined by the funder, and may differ with whether the funder is from the public or private sector. In this chapter we look briefly at the development of organic research through both the public and private sector and go on to explore some of the issues that surround research on organic agriculture in terms of approaches and appropriate methodologies. We also explore the extent to which organic and conventional agriculture require different research and different approaches to research.


EPrint Type:Book chapter
Keywords:organic food and farming, research, methodology, systems, systemic, quality criteria, holistic, history
Subjects: Knowledge management > Research methodology and philosophy
Research affiliation: Denmark > DARCOF II (2000-2005) > V.1 (SYNERGY) Coordination and synergy
UK > Scottish Rural Colleges (SRUC - previously SAC)
Related Links:http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/21/pid/5325.htm
Deposited By: Hansen, Grethe
ID Code:6280
Deposited On:14 Nov 2005
Last Modified:12 Apr 2010 07:31
Document Language:English
Status:Published
Refereed:Peer-reviewed and accepted

Repository Staff Only: item control page

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics