creators_name: Padel, Susanne
type: thesis
datestamp: 2006-04-07
lastmod: 2009-08-20 14:24:49
metadata_visibility: show
title: Conversion to Organic Milk Production: the change process and farmers' information needs

ispublished: unpub
subjects: 1dairy
subjects: 4social
subjects: 2farmecon
full_text_status: public
keywords: dairy farming, conversion process, case studies, social aspects, UWA
abstract: The thesis presents a study of the process of conversion to organic milk production and the resulting information needs of farmers, and the impact of conversion on production and incomes of eight case study farms. 
There is a growing interest in organic farming as one of a number of alternatives to intensive agriculture. Information is considered to be important in replacing external inputs with the management of internal resources and biological/ecological processes, but there is a lack of strategic thinking about extension support. 
A theoretical framework for the conversion process is developed using concepts of changing practices and farmer decision-making that are compared with the experiences of the case study farms. Three key stages of Information gathering, Evaluation and adaptation and Implementation are distinguished, as well as personal, farm-specific and external factors. 
The empirical work used comparative case studies, in the traditions of farming systems and qualitative social science research, because no single conceptual model had been identified and the farmers’ experiences and personal goals were considered important to understand information needs.   
The impact of conversion on farm structure, forage and milk production was analysed and converting farmers’ information needs identified as related to growing legume-based forage crops, forage yield development, budgeting of forage and preventive health management. 
The analysis of the financial impact showed that through higher organic prices and reduced costs dairy farmers can compensate for output reductions in the long-term. Many dairy farmers could convert without income penalties with currently available financial support, despite increasing labour and general farming costs. Factors that influence income development during conversion were identified as farm type, structural changes, pre-conversion intensity and conversion strategy.
Recommendations for dairy farmers, providers of information and advice, and future research requirements are presented. 

date: 2002
date_type: published
institution: Univeristy of Wales, Aberystwyth
department: Institute of Rural Studies
refereed: never
referencetext: ADAS (1997) Organic Conversion Information Service Customer Satisfaction Survey. Unpublished report to MAFF, ADAS Market Research Team. Bristol. 
Agra-Europe (1990) Commission launches new environmental protection scheme. Agra Europe (27/7/92), E4-5.
Albrecht, H. (1974) Die Verbreitung von Neuerungen - Der Diffusionsprozess. Der Förderungsdienst 22 (2), 33-40.
Albrecht, H. (1980) Diffusion processes and social structure: Review of research within rural sociology. In: Modelle fuer Ausbreitungsprozesse in sozialen Strukturen. (H. J. Hummel and W. Sodeur). Verlang der Sozialwissenschaftlichen Kooperative; Bad Homberg, pp 39-51.
Altieri, M. A. (ed.) (1987) Agroecology: the scientific basis of alternative agriculture. Intermediate Technology Publications; London.
Anim, F. D. K. (1999) A note on the adoption of soil conservation measures in the Northern province of South Africa. Agricultural Economics 50 (2), 336-345.
Ashmole, A. (1993) The organic values of agri-culture. PhD -Thesis, University of Edinburgh.
Austin, E. J., J. Willock, I. J. Deary, G. J. Gibson, J. B. Dent, G. Edwards-Jones, O. Morgan, R. Grieve and A Sutherland (1998a) Emperical models of farmer behaviour using psychological, social and economic variables. Part I: linear modelling. Agricultural Systems 58 (2), 225-239.
Austin, E. J., J. Willock, I. J. Deary, G. J. Gibson, J. B. Dent, G. E. Jones, O. Morgan, R. Grieve and A. Sutherland (1998b) Empirical models of Farmer Behaviour using psychological, social and economic variables.  Part II:  Non-linear and Expert Modelling. Agricultural Systems 58 (2), 225-241.
Baars, T. and I. Buitink (1995) Some Practical Aspects of Preventing Disease in Organic Husbandry, Health Promotion, Natural Behaviour Enhancement. Luis Bolk Institut. Driebergen. 
Baars, T. and M. v. Dongen (1997) The possibilites of introducing red clover into mixtures of grass and white clover on organic farms under grazing. NENOF (4), 2-3.
Baars, T. (1999) Review of grassland and fodder production. In: ENOF White Book: Organic Farming Research in the EU towards the 21st Century. (J. Isart and J. Llerena). ENOF European Network for Scientific Research Co-ordination in Organic farming; Barcelona, pp 77-83.
Bager, T. and J. Proost (1997) Voluntary regulation and farmers' environmental behaviour in Denmark and the Netherlands. Sociologia Ruralis 37 (1), 79-94.
Bahner, T. (1995) Landwirtschaftliche Betriebsgestaltung nach persönlichen Zielen. Agrarwirtschaft 44 (10), 343-350.
Balfour, E. B. (1976) The Living Soil and the Haughley Experiment. Universe Books; New York.
Bax, J. A. and I. Browne (1995) The Use of Clover on Dairy Farms. MDC and Scottish Agricultural College - Crichton Royal Farm; London and Ayr.
Beharrell, B. and A. Crockett (1992) New age food! New age consumers. British Food Journal 94 (7), 5-13.
Berg, E. (1989) Entscheidungsverhalten und Beratungsbedarf von oekologisch wirtschaftenden Landwirten. Diplomarbeit, Fachbereich Agrarwissenschaften, Justus-Liebig-Universitaet; Giessen.
Blobaum, R. (1983) Barriers to conversion to organic farming practices in the midwestern United States. In: Environmentally Sound Agriculture. Proceedings of 4th IFOAM  Scientific  Conference  Boston 1992. (W. Lockeretz). Praeger; New York, pp 263-278.
Boehncke, E. (1996) Pansengesundheit. In: Ökologisc he Landwirtschaft. (I. Lünzer and H. Vogtman). Section 4.8 (7). Berlin, Heidelberg, New York; Springer-Verlag, pp 1-16.
Boehncke, E. (1997) Preventive strategies as a health resource for organic farming. In: Resource Use in Organic Farming. Proceedings of the third ENOF workshop. (J. Isart and J. J. Llerena). ENOF European Network for Scientific Research Co-ordination in Organic farming; Acona, pp 25-36.
Braun, J. (1994) Impacts of Widespread Conversion to Organic Agriculture in the State of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. In: The Economics of Organic Farming. (N. H. Lampkin and S. Padel). CAB International; Wallingford, pp 329-341.
Brighton, R. B., J. G. Cooke and J. C. Armitage (1988) The production, distribution and marketing of organic produce. A local collaborative project in the West Midlands, Worcestershire College of Agriculture; Hindlip.
Browne, I., D. Allen, R. Phipps and J. Sutton (1995) Mixed Forage Diets for Dairy Cows. MDC-Milk Development Council. London. 
Brush, S. B. (ed.) (2000) Genes in the field. On-farm conservation of crop biodiversity. Lewis Publishers/IRDC/IPGRI; Boca Raton.
Burton, M., D. Rigby and T. Young (1997a) Sustainable agriculture technologies: A quantitative analysis of adoption. Paper presented at the 'Agricultural Economics Society Annual Conference', Edinburgh.
Burton, M., D. Rigby and T. Young (1997b) Why do UK organic horticultural producers adopt organic techniques? NENOF 1997 (6), 7-10.
Burton, M., D. Rigby and T. Young (1999) Analysis of the determinants of adoption of organic horticulture techniques in the UK. Journal of Agricultural Economics 50 (1), 48-63.
Buttel, F. H., O. Larson and G. W. Gillespie (1990) The Sociologie of Agriculture. Greenwood Press; Westport, Connecticut, USA.
Campbell, D. (1995) Dairy sector looks likely to mature. New Farmer and Grower 1995 (46), 20-21.
Chadwick, L. and M. McGregor (1991) Non-organic farmers' perceptions of and attitudes towards organic farming. In: Organic Farming Centre Annual Report 1990. Organic Farming Centre, School of Agriculture; Edinburgh, pp 104-112.
Chamberlain, A. T. and J. M. Wilkinson (1996) Feeding the Dairy Cow. Chalcombe Publications; Welton.
Chambers, R., A. Pacey and L. A. Thrupp (ed.) (1989) Farmer First: Farmer Innovation and Agricultural Research. Intermediate Technology Publications; London.
Clarke, R. (1991) Farmers' attitudes to organic farming practices in Victoria. Research Report Series, Department of Agriculture; Victoria.
Conacher, A. and J. Conacher (1982) Organic Farming in Australia. Occasional Paper of the Dept of Geography, Geowest No 18, University of Western Australia. 
Dabbert, S. and J. Braun (1993a) Betriebsvoranschlag und lineare Programmierung als Hilfsmittel fuer die Beratung alternativer landwirtschaftlicher Betriebe. Institut der Betriebswirtschaft, Universität Hohenheim. Hohenheim. 
Dabbert, S. and J. Braun (1993b) Auswirkungen des EG-Extensivierungsprogramms auf die Umstellung auf oekologischen Landbau in Baden-Wuerttemberg. Agrarwirtschaft 42 (2), 90-99.
Dabbert, S. (1994) Economics of conversion to organic farming: cross sectional analysis of survey data. In: The Economics of Organic Farming: An international perspective. (N. H. Lampkin and S. Padel). CAB-International; Wallingford, pp 285-293.
Datamonitor (1999) Natural and organic food and drinks 1999. Datamonitor Europe.; London.
Davies, O. D. (1996) The value of white clover in grass/clover silage when fed to dairy cows in early lactation. In: Legumes in Sustainable Farming Systems. (D. Younie). Occasional Symposium No. 30, British Grassland Society; Reading, pp 225-226.
de Buck, A. J., I. v. Rijn, N. G. Röling and G. A. A. Wossink (2001) Farmers' reasons for changing or not changing to more sustainable practices: an exploratory study of arable farmers in the Netherlands. The Journal for Agricultural Extension and Education 7 (3), 153-166.
Dettmer, J. (1986) Motive und sozial-ökonomische Probleme der Umstellung auf ökologischen Landbau aus der Sicht von ökologisch wirtschaftenden Bauern. Studien zur ländlichen Humanökologie, Institut für Rurale Entwicklung, Georg-August-Universität; Göttingen.
Diers, I. and C. Noell (1993) Anpassungs- und Lernkosten bei der Umstellung von konventioneller auf alternative Milchproduktion. Betriebswirtschaftliche Mitteilungen der Landwirtschaftskammer Schleswig-Holstein 459 (June 93), 3-15.
Duram, L. A. (1999) Factors in organic farmers' decision making: diversity, challenge, obstacles. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 14 (1), 2-9.
Ebbesvik, M. and A. K. Loes (1994) Organic dairy production in Norway. Feeding, health, fodder production, nutrient balances and economy. Results from the 30 farm project, 1989-1992. Paper presented at the 'Nordiska jordbrugsforskares foerening seminar: Converting to organic agriculture', Mikkeli.
EC (1991) Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of 24 June 1991 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs. Official Journal of the European Communities L198 (22.7.91), 1-15.
EC (1999) Council Regulation (EC) No 1804/1999 of 19 July  1999 supplementing  Regulation (EEC) No. 2092/91 on organic crop production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs to include livestock production. Official Journal of the European Communities L222 (24.8.1999), 1-28.
ECOTEC (2001) Economic evaluation of free advice programmes on conservation, pollution abatement and organic conversion. Report for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fishery. London. 
Eder, M. (1998) Der biologische Landbau in Oestereich - Situationsdarstellung und Produktionsstrukturanalysen. Universitaet fuer Bodenkultur.
Eurostat (2001) Thirty years of agriculture in Europe. Changes in agricultural employment. Statistics in Focus: Agriculture and Fisheries Theme 5 (14/2001), 1-7.
Fairweather, J. and N. Keating (1990) Management styles of Canterbury farmers: a study of goals and successes from the farmers' point of view. Research Report, 205, AERU Agrobusiness & Economics Research Unit, Lincoln University. 
Fairweather, J. R. and H. Campbell (1996) The Decision Making of Organic and Conventional Producers. Research Report, 233, Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit. Lincoln, Canterbury. 
Fairweather, J. R. (1999) Understanding how farmers choose between organic and conventional production: results from New Zealand and policy implications. Agriculture and Human Values 16 51-63.
FAO (1984) Agricultural Extension Reference Manual. Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations; Rome.
Fersterer, S. and A. Gruber (1998) Beratungsstrukturen für die biologische Landwirtschaft in Österreich im Vergleich mit ausgewählten europäischen Ländern. MECCA-Environmental consulting. Wien. 
Fischer, R. (1982) Der andere Landbau: Hundert Bio-Bauern und Gaertner berichten ueber ihre Beweggruende, Arbeitsweisen und Erfahrungen. Verlag Buchhandlung Madliger-Schwab; Zuerich.
Fisher, P. (1989) Barriers to the adoption of organic farming in Canterbury. MSc Thesis, Centre for Resource Management, Lincoln University; Lincoln, New Zealand.
Fowler, S., N. Lampkin and P. Midmore (2000) Organic Farm Incomes in England and Wales, 1995/96 -1997/98. Institute of Rural Studies, University of Wales, Aberystwyth. 
Fowler, S., I. Wynne-Jones and N. Lampkin (2001) Organic dairy farm incomes 2000/2001. University of Wales Aberystwyth. 
Fowler, S. M., N. Lampkin, H. McCalman and S. Padel (1999) Organic Milk Production: post conversion phase, 1995/96 to 1997/98. Unpublished  report to MAFF, Project OF0113, Welsh Institute of Rural Studies, University of Wales. Aberystwyth. 
Fragstein, P. v. (1985) Ökologische Zusammenhänge - Die Ökologie als Grundlage der Agrarproduktion. In: Ökologischer Landbau: Lanwirtschaft mit Zukunft. (H. Vogtmann). Pro Natur Verlag; Bad Soden, pp 13-30.
Franks, J. (1999) Dairy Enterprise Costs Study: A review of the structure and economics of milk production 1987/88 to 1996/97. Special Studies in Agricultural Economics, No. 45, Farm Business Unit, Manchester University. Manchester. 
Freyer, B. (1994) Ausgewählte Prozesse in der Phase der Umstellung auf den ökologische Landbau amd Beispiel von 7 Fallstudien. Berichte über Landwirtschaft 72 366-390.
Freyer, B. (1991) Ökologischer Landbau: Planung und Analyse von Betriebsumstellungen. Ökologie und Landwirtschaft, Verlag Josef Margraf; Weikersheim, FRG.
Freyer, B., R. Rantzau and H. Vogtmann (1994) Case studies of farms converting to organic agriculture in Germany. In: The economics of organic farming: An international perspective. (N. H. Lampkin and S. Padel). CAB-International; Wallingford, pp 243-263.
Gafsi, M. (1999) A management approach to change on farms. Agricultural Systems 61 (1999), 179-189.
Gasson, R. (1973) Goals and values of farmers. Journal for Agricultural Economics 24 (3), 521-537.
Gasson, R. and A. Errington (1993) The Farm Family Business. CAB International; Wallingford.
Geier, B. (1981) Absatzwege und Preisgestaltung von Produkten aus biologischem Anbau. Gesamthochschule Kassel.
Gengenbach, H. (1996) Fachberatung biologisch-dynamischer Landbau in Hessen. Lebendige Erde 1996 (3), 237-243.
Gerber, A. and V. Hoffman (1998) The diffusion of eco-farming in Germany. In: Facilitating Sustainable Agriculture. (N. G. Röling and M. A. E. Wagemaker). Cambridge University Press; Cambridge, pp 134-150.
Gruber, L., R. Steinwender, T. Guggenberger, J. Häusler and A. Schauer (2000) Vergleich zwischen biologischer und konventioneller Wirtschaftsweise im Grünlandbetrieb. 2. Mitteilung: Futteraufnahme, Milchleistung, Gesundheit und Fruchtbarkeit. Die Bodenkultur (Cited after Steinwidder 2000), 
Haggar, R. and S. Padel (ed.) (1996) Conversion to organic milk production. Technical Review No4, IGER; Aberystwyth.
Haiger, A. and J. Sölkner (1995) Der Einfluss verschiedener Futterniveaus auf die Lebensleistung kombinierter und milchbetonter Kühe. Züchtungskunde 67 (4), 263-273.
Haiger, A. (2000) Lifetime dairy performance as breeding aim. In: Proceedings of the 13th International IFOAM  Scientific Conference. (T. Alföldi, W. Lockeretz and U. Niggli). IFOAM; Basel, pp 316-319.
Halberg, N. and I. S. Kristensen (1997) Expected crop yields loss when converting to organic dairy farming in Denmark. Biological Agriculture and Horticulture 14 (1), 25-42.
Hamm, U., A. Poehls and J. Schmidt (1996) Analyse der Beratung von ökologisch wirtschaftenden Landwirten in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Reihe A: Band 2, Fachhochschule Neubrandenburg, Fachbereich Agrarwirtschaft und Landespflege. Neubrandenburg. 
Harper, T. and D. Jones (1998) Axient Milk Minder - Summary of Results 1997-98. No.4, Axient. Crewe. 
Harris, C. K., S. E. Powers and F. H. Buttel (1980) Myth and reality in organic farming: a profile of conventional and organic farmers in Michigan. Newsline 8 (July), 33-44.
Haug, R. (1999) Some leading issues in international agricultural extension, a literature review. The Journal for Agricultural Extension and Education 5 (4), 263-274.
Heffernan, D. W. (1982) Assumptions of the Adoption/Diffusion Model and Soil Conservation. Paper presented at the 'RCA Symposium: Future Agricultural Technology and Resource Conservation', Washington D.C.
Henning, J., P. Thomassin and L. Baker (1991) Organic Farmers in Quebec: Results of a Survey. Department of Agricultural Economics, McGill University. Quebec. 
Herrero, M., R. H. Fawcett and J. B. Dent (1999) Bio-economic evaluation of dairy farm management scenarios using integrated simulation and multiple-criteria models. Agricultural Systems 62 (1999), 169-188.
Henwood, K. L. and N. F. Pidgeon (1993) Qualitative research and psychological theorizing. In: Social Research: Philosophy, Politics and Practice. Sage Publications; London, pp 14-32.
Houghton, M. and A. H. Poole (1990) Organic Milk Production. Special Report, 70, Genus Management. Crewe. 
Hovi, M. (1999) Mastitis in organic dairy herds - results of a two year survey. Paper presented at the 'Mastitis: the organic perspective conference', Stoneleigh.
Huus, A. (1992) Oekoloegisk landbruk og oekonomi. 10, Norsk Insitut for Landbruksoekonomien. 
IFOAM (1998) Basic standards for organic production and processing. International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements; Tholey-Theley.
Jacobsen, B. H. (1994) Research findings and implications. In: Farmers decision making a descriptive approach. (B. H. Jacobsen, D. E. Pedersen, J. Christensen and S. Rasmussen). Institute for Agricultural Economics; Agricultural University, Copenhagen, pp 11-14.
Jansen, K. (2000) Labour, livelihoods, and the quality of life in organic agriculture. Biological Agriculture and Horticulture 17 (3), 247-278.
Jarret, F. G. (1957) Resource productivities and production functions. Review of Marketing and Agricultural Economics 25 (1-2), 146-150.
Jones, E. I., P. J. Bowling and R. J. Haggar (1996) Forage yield and quality during conversion. In: Conversion to Organic Milk Production. (R. Haggar and S. Padel). IGER, Technical Review N. 4; Aberystwyth, pp 57-65.
Kallio, V. (1997) Organic farming in the Finland. Unpublished, Department of Economics and Management, University of Helsinki. Mikkeli. 
Kirner, L. and W. Schneeberger (1999a) Vergleich der Struktur der Betriebe mit biologischer Wirtschaftsweise und Verzicht auf bestimmte erstragssteigernde Betriebsmittel im österreichischen Umweltprogramm. Die Bodenkultur 50 (2), 133-141.
Kirner, L. and W. Schneeberger (1999b) Hemmfaktoren einer Ausweitung des Biologischen Landbaus in Oesterreich. Die Bodenkultur 50 (4), 227-234.
Köpke, U. (1998) Why to use the term 'organic agriculture'? In: The Future of the Organic Farming Systems, Proceedings of the 4th ENOF workshop,  25-26 June. (J. Isart and J. J. Llerena). ENOF European Network for Scientific Research Co-ordination in Organic farming; Edingburgh, pp 7-12.
Kramer, D. (1984) Problems facing Canadian farmers using organic agricultural methods. Canadian Organic Growers; Willowdale, Ontario.
Kristensen, E. S., H. Högh-Jensen and I. S. Kristensen (1995) A simple model for estimation of atmospheric-derived nitrogen in grass clover systems. Biological Agriculture and Horticulture 12 (3), 263-276.
Kristensen, T., M. Vaarst and E. S. Kristensen (1994) Analysis of the production in Danish organic and conventional dairy herds. Paper presented at the '10th IFOAM conference', Lincoln, New Zealand.
Kristensen, T. and E. S. Kristensen (1998) Analysis and simulation modelling of the production in Danish organic and conventional dairy herds. Livestock Production Science 54 (1), 55-65.
Krutzinna, C. and E. Boehncke (1996) Organic milk production in Germany. Biological Agriculture and Horticulture 13 (4), 351-359.
Lampkin, N. (1997) Organic livestock production and agricultural sustainability. In: Rescource Use In Organic Farming. Proceedings of the third ENOF Workshop 5-6 June. (J. Isart and J. J. Llerena). ENOF European Network for Scientific Research Co-ordination in Organic farming; Ancona, pp 321-330.
Lampkin, N. (2001) Eurodata for Organic Farming. Institute of Rural Studies, University of Wales. Aberystwyth. 
Lampkin, N. H. (1990) Organic farming. Farming Press; Ipswich.
Lampkin, N. H. (1993) The economic implications of conversion from conventional to organic farming systems. PhD-Thesis, Department of Economics and Agricultural Economics, University of Wales.
Lampkin, N. H. (1994a) Economics of organic farming in Britain. In: The Economics of Organic Farming. (N. H. Lampkin and S. Padel). CAB International; Wallingford, pp 71-87.
Lampkin, N. H. (1994b) Estimating the Impact of Widespread Conversion to Organic Farming on Land Use and Physical Output in the U.K. In: The Economics of Organic Farming. (N. H. Lampkin and S. Padel). CAB International; Wallingford, pp 343-358.
Lampkin, N. H. and M. Measures (ed.) (1994) Organic Farm Management Handbook. University of Wales, Aberystwyth and Elm Farm Research Centre; Aberystwyth and Newbury.
Lampkin, N. H. (1999) Organic farming conversion models. Final Report to MAFF/FRCA, Welsh Institute of Rural Studies, University of Wales. Aberystwyth. 
Lampkin, N. H., C. Foster, S. Padel and P. Midmore (1999) The policy and regulatory environment for organic farming in Europe. Organic farming in Europe: economics and policy, 1. University of Hohenheim; Hohenheim.
Lampkin, N. H. and M. Measures (ed.) (2001) 2001 Organic Farm Management Handbook. Institute of Rural Studies and Elm Farm Research Centre; Aberystwyth and Newbury.
Larson, K. L. and L. A. Duram (2000) Information dissemination in alternative agriculture: an analysis of researchers in the North-Central region. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 15 (4), 171-180.
Leach, K. A., J. A. Bax, D. J. Roberts and C. Thomas (1999) The establishment and performance of a dairy system based on perennial ryegrass/white clover swards compared with a system based on nitrogen fertilised grass. Scottish Agricultural College, Auchincruive. Ayr. 
Leon, L., H. Sommer and R. Anderson (1999) Intrazysternale Behandlung boviner subklinischer Mastitiden mit dem Homöopathicum Lachesis D8. In: Beitrage zur 5. Wissenschaftstagung zum Ökologischen Landbau. (H. Hoffmann and S. Müller). Verlag Dr. Köster; Berlin, pp 372-379.
Lionberger, H. F. (1960) Adoption of New Ideas and Practices. Iowa State University Press; Ames, Iowa.
Little, T. (2001) A review of the Organic Conversion Information Service (OCIS) in Wales (1996–2001). Report to the National Assembly for Wales, Organic Centre Wales, University of Wales. Aberystwyth. 
Lockeretz, W. and P. Madden (1987) Midwestern organic farming: a ten-year follow-up. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 2 (2), 57-63.
Lockeretz, W. (1990) Major issues confronting sustainable agriculture. In: Sustainable Agriculture in Temperate Zones. (C. A. Francis, C. Butler Flora and L. D. King). John Wiley; New York, pp 423-438.
Lockeretz, W. (1991) Information requirements of reduced chemical production methods. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 6 (2), 97-103.
Lockeretz, W. (1997) Diversity of personal and farm characteristics among organic growers in the Northeastern United States. Biological Agriculture and Horticulture 14 (1), 13-24.
Lockeretz, W. (2000) Organic farming research, today and tomorrow. In: Proceedings of the 13th International IFOAM Scientific Conference. (T. Alföldi, W. Lockeretz and U. Niggli). International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements; Basel, pp 718-720.
Løes, A. K. (1992) Aktuelle Omleggningsproblemer - a Spørreundersøkelse (Actual conversion problems - a survey). No 9, Norsk Senter for økologisk Landbruk. Tingvoll. 
Loibl, E. (1999) Bewegründe Biobauer zu werden- Vorrausetzungen und Ursachen. Der Förderungsdienst 47 (10), 344-346.
Luley, H. (1996) Information, Beratung und fachliche Weiterbildung in Zusammenschlüssen ökologisch wirtschaftender Erzeuger. Markgraf Verlag; Weikersheim.
MacRae, R., S. B. Hill, J. Henning and G. R. Mehuys (1989a) Agricultural science and sustainable agriculture: a review of the existing scientific barriers to sustainable food production and potential solutions. Biological Agriculture and Horticulture 6 (3), 173-219.
MacRae, R. J., J. C. Henning and S. B. Hill (1989b) Financing Sustainable Agriculture: Current Problems and New Strategies. Ecological Agriculture Projects, McGill University; Quebec.
MacRae, R. J. (1990) Strategies to overcome institutional barriers to the transition from conventional to sustainable agriculture in Canada: the role of government, research institutions and agribusiness. PhD-Thesis, McGill University, Montreal.
MacRae, R. J., S. B. Hill, G. R. Mehuys and J. Henning (1990) Farm-scale agronomic and economic conversion from conventional to sustainable agriculture. Advances in Agronomy 43 155-198.
Malcolm, L. R. (1990) Fifty years of farm management in Australia: Survey and review. Review of Marketing and Agricultural Economics 58 (1), 24-55.
Marshall, A. (1999) Conversion to Organic farming in Scotland and France. MSc-Thesis, Edinburgh.
Maurer, J. (1997) Umstellung auf Biolandbau in der Schweiz- Motivation und Hemmnisse. In: Beitrage zur 4. Wissenschaftstagung zum ökologischen Landbau, 3 - 4 March 1997, Bonn. (U. Köpke and J. A. Eisele). Verlag Dr. Köster; Berlin, pp 523-529.
Maxwell, S. (1986) The role of case studies in farm systems research. Agricultural  Administration 21 147-180.
McCann, E., S. Sullivan, D. Erickson and R. D. Young (1997) Environmental awareness, economic orientation, and farming practices: a comparison of organic and conventional farmers. Environmental Management 21 (5), 747-758.
Measures, M. (1990) Converting to organic farming. In: Organic farming: an option for the nineties. (T. Clunies-Ross and T. Weisselberg). British Organic Farmers/ Organic Growers Association; Bristol, pp 11-13.
Michelsen, J., U. Hamm, E. Wynen and E. Roth (1999) The European market for organic products: growth and development. Organic Farming in Europe: Economics and Policy, 7. University of Hohenheim; Hohenheim.
Michelsen, J., K. Lynggard, S. Padel and C. Foster (2001) Organic Farming Development and Agricultural Institutions in Europe: A study of six countries. Organic Farming in Europe: Economics and Policy, 9. University of Hohenheim; Hohenheim.
Midmore, P. (1994) Input-output Modelling of Organic Farming and the Rural Economy of England and Wales. In: The Economics of Organic Farming. (N. H. Lampkin and S. Padel). CAB International; Wallingford, pp 361-368.
Midmore, P., S. Padel, H. McCalman, N. H. Lampkin, S. Fowler and J. Isherwood (2001) Attitude to Organic Production: a survey of producers. Unpublished final report to MAFF, Institute of Rural Studies, University of Wales, Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth. 
MINTEL (1991) Organic Food. Market Intelligence Unit; London.
MINTEL (2000) Organic Food and Drink Retailing. Market Intelligence Unit of the UK Economic Intelligence Unit. London. 
Morgan, K. and J. Murdoch (1998) Organic Versus Conventional Agriculture: knowledge, power and innovation in the food chain. Papers in Environmental Planning Research, Department of City and Regional Planning, Cardiff University. Cardiff. 
Muehlebach, J. and E. Naef (1990) Die Wettbewerbsfaehigkeit des biologischen Landbaus: eine betriebs- und arbeitwirtschaftliche Analyse des biologischen Landbaus. Schriftenreihe der FAT, 33. Eidg. Forschungsanstalt fuer Betriebswirtschaft und Landtechnik; Taenikon, Switzerland.
Murphy, M. (1992) Organic farming as a business in Great Britain. Agricultural Economics Unit, University of Cambridge; Cambridge.
NatWest (1992) National Farm Survey. National Westminster Bank; Coventry.
Neuerburg, W. and S. Padel (ed.) (1992) Organisch-biologischer Landbau in der Praxis. BLV-Verlag; Muenchen.
Newman, G. (1995) Dairy cow feeding in organic systems. New Farmer and Grower (46), 18-19.
Newton (1995) Herbage production from organic farms. Journal of the RASE 156, 24-34.
Nieberg, H. (1999) Produktionstechnische und wirtschaftliche Folgen der Umstellung auf ökologischen Landbau- Ergebnisse der Langzeitanalyse. FAL Arbeitsbericht. Braunschweig. 
Noe, E. (1999) Who are the organic farmers in Denmark of today? Paper presented at the 'XVII Congress of Rural Sociology', Lund, Sweden.
Norgaard, R. B. (1991) Sustainability: the paradigmatic challenge to agricultural economics. Paper presented at the 'International Association of Agricultural Economists Conference', Tokyo.
Nowak, P. J. (1982) Adoption and Diffusion of Soil and Water Conservation Practices. Paper presented at the 'RCA Symposium: Future Agricultural Technology and Resource Conservation', Washington DC.
OCIS (1997) Organic Conversion information service. MAFF, Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food; London.
OCW (2001) Fact Sheet No 1. Organic Centre Wales, University of Wales; Aberystwyth.
Offermann, F. and H. Nieberg (2000) Economic performance of organic farms in Europe. Organic farming in Europe: Economics and Policy, Vol. 5. University of Hohenheim; Hohenheim.
Ogini, Y. O., P. Stonehouse and E. A. Clark (1999) Comparison of organic and conventional dairy farms in Ontario. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 14 (3), 122-127.
Öhlmer, B., K. Olson and B. Brehmer (1998) Understanding farmers' decision-making process and improving managerial assistance. Agricultural Economics 18 (1998), 273-290.
Østergaard, E. (1996) Kunnskap some refleksjon og dialog. Unpublished discussion paper, Norwegian Agricultural University; Aas.
Padel, S. (1988) Umstellungsplanung: Risikoabschätzung für zukünftige Bio-Bauern. Bioland 88 (3), 16-19.
Padel, S. and N. H. Lampkin (1994a) Farm-level performance of organic farming systems: an overwiew. In: The Economics of Organic Farming. (N. H. Lampkin and S. Padel). CAB-International; Wallingford, pp 210-219.
Padel, S. and N. H. Lampkin (1994b) Conversion to organic farming: an overview. In: The Economics of Organic Farming. (N. Lampkin and S. Padel). CAB-International; Wallingford, pp 295-313.
Padel, S. (1996) Financial implications of conversion to organic milk production. Ecology and Farming (13), 26-29.
Padel, S., N. Lampkin and C. Foster (1999) Influence of policy support on the development of organic farming in the European Union. International Planning Studies 4 (3), 303-315.
Padel, S. (2001) Conversion to organic farming: a typical example of the diffusion of an innovation. Sociologia Ruralis 41 (1), 49-61.
Padel, S., N. H. Lampkin, S. Dabbert and C. Foster (2002) Organic farming policy in the European Union. In: Advances in the Economics of Environmental Resources. (D. Hall). 4. pp 169–194.
Pampel, F. and J. C. van Es (1977) Environmental quality issues of adoption research. Rural Sociology 42 (1), 57-71.
Peters, E. (1997) Strategien der Biobauern gegenüber Veränderungen im Marktegeschehen. Ökologie und Landbau 25 (1), 21-26.
Peters, S. E. (1994) Conversion to low-input farming systems in Pennsylvania, US: an evaluation of the Rodale Farming Systems Trial and related economic studies. In: Economics of Organic Farming. (N. Lampkin and S. Padel). CAB International; Wallingford, pp 265-284.
Phillips, C. J. C. and J. T. Sorensen (1993) Sustainability in cattle production systems. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics 6 (1), 66-73.
Pretty, J. (1998) The Living Land: agriculture, food and community regeneration in rural Europe. Earthscan; London.
Pretty, J. N. (1994) Alternative systems of inquiry for a sustainable agriculture. 
Pryce, J., E. E. Wall, A. B. Lawrence and G. Simm (2001) Breeding strategies for organic dairy cows. In: Breeding and Feeding for Animal  Health and Welfare in Organic Livestock Systems. Proceedings of the fourth NAHWOA workshop in Wageningen. (M. Hovi and T. Baars). VEERU, University of Reading; Reading, pp 23-34.
Ragin, C. C. (1987) The comparative model: moving beyond qualitative and quantitative strategies. University of California Press; Berkeley.
Ramsden, S. and B. Rodgers (1999) Attitudes of organic producers to different marketing outlets. Farm Management 10 (7), 392-402.
Rantzau, R., B. Freyer and H. Vogtmann (1990) Umstellung auf oekologischen Landbau. Angewandte Wissenschaft, 389. Landwirtschaftsverlag; Muenster-Hiltrup, FRG.
Redelberger, H. (1995) Wirtschaftlichkeit der Milcherzeugung im oekologischen Landbau. Oekologie und Landbau 1995 (4), 30-33.
Redman, M. (1991) Organic dairy costings: update. New Farmer and Grower 33 (Winter), 20-21.
Reksen, O., A. Tverdal and E. Ropstad (1999) A comparative study of reproductive performance in organic and conventional dairy husbandry. Journal of Dairy Science 82 (1999), 2605-2610.
Richter, F. (1990) Du merkst aufeinmal, dass es nicht nur ein Traum ist. Diplom-Thesis, Gesamthochschule Kassel, Fachbereich Landwirtschaft, Witzenhausen.
Rigby, D. and T. Young (2000) Why some agricultural producers abandon organic production systems? An exploration of UK data. The University of Manchester. Manchester. 
Roderick, S., N. Short and M. Hovi (1996) Organic Livestock Production: animal health and welfare; research priorities. VEERU, University of Reading. Reading. 
Rogers, E. M. and F. F. Shoemaker (1971) Communication of Innovations: a cross-cultural approach. Free Press; New York.
Rogers, E. M. (1983) Diffusion of Innovation. The Free Press; New York.
Röling, N. G. and F. de Jong (1998) Learning: Shifting paradigms in education and extension studies. The Journal for Agricultural Extension and Education 5 (3), 143-161.
Röling, N. G. and J. Jiggins (1998) The ecological knowledge system. In: Facilitating Sustainable Agriculture. (N. G. Röling and M. A. E. Wagemakers). Cambridge University Press; Cambridge, pp 283-311.
Russel, D. B., R. L. Isone, D. R. Gamble and R. K. Williams (1989) A Critical Review of Rural Extension- Theory and Practice. Faculty of Argiculture and Rural Development, University of Sydney, Social Ecology Centre and Australian Wool Corporation. 
Ryan, B. and N. C. Gross (1943) The diffusion of hybrid seed corn in two Iowa communities. Rural Sociology 8 (1), 
SA (1992) Standards for Organic Agriculture. Soil Association; Bristol.
SA (1999) The Organic Food and Farming Report 1999. Soil Association; Bristol.
SA (2001a) The Organic Food and Farming Report 2000. Soil Association. Bristol. 
SA (2001b) The Organic Food and Farming Report 2001. Soil Association; Bristol.
Schmid, O. (1987) Besonderheiten bei der Umstellung auf Biolandbau: Konsequenzen fuer die Planung. In: Kursunterlagen zum Bioberaterseminar 15.9.87, Forschungsinstitut fuer Biologischen Landbau; Oberwil, Switzerland, pp 
Schneeberger, W., M. Eder and A. Posch (1997) Strukturanalyse der Biobetriebe in Österreich. Der Förderungsdienst- Spezial 45 1-12.
Schuhmacher, U. (2000) Rahmenbedingungen, Kennzahlen und Entwicklungsmerkmale der Milchviehhaltung im ökologischen Landbau. Tierärtzliche Praxis 28 (G), 96-102.
Schulze Pals, L. (1993) Regional und betriebliche differenzierte Untersuchung ueber Akzeptanz, Motivation und wirtschaftliche Folgen einer Umstellung auf oekologischen Landbau im Rahmen des Extensivierungsprogramms. Arbeitsbericht, 2/93, Bundesforschunganstalt fuer Landwirtschaft, Institut fuer Betriebswirtschaft. 
Schulze Pals, L. (1994) Oekonomiche Analyse der Umstellung auf ökologischen Landbau. Schriftenreihe des BEMLF, Landwirtschaftsverlag; Münster Hiltrup.
Schulze Pals, L., J. Braun and S. Dabbert (1994) Financial assistance to organic farming in Germany as part of the EC extensification programme. In: Economics of Organic Farming. (N. H. Lampkin and S. Padel). CAB International; Wallingford, pp 411-436.
Scoones, I. and J. Thompson (ed.) (1994) Beyond farmer first. Intermediate Technology Publications; London.
Sheldrick, R. D., D. J. Thomson and G. Newman (1995) Legumes for Milk and Meat. Chalcombe Publications; Marlow.
Sholubi, Y. O., P. D. Stonehouse and A. E. Clark (1997) Profile of organic dairy farming in Ontario. Amercial Journal of Alternative Agriculture 12 (3), 133-138.
Skerrat, S. and B. Dent (1996) The challenge of agri-environmental subsidies: the case of the Breadalbane ESA, Scotland. Scottish Geographical Magazine 112 (2), 92-100.
Snijders, P. J. M. and T. Baars (1995) Organic dairy farming, present situation and quesions for research. Paper presented at the 'Applied research for sustainable dairy farming, 31 May - 2 June', 
Steinhäuser, H., C. Langbehn and U. Peters (1978) Einfuehrung in die landwirtschaftliche Betriebslehre. Eugen Ulmer; Stuttgart.
Steinwidder, A. (2000) Aspekte der Milchviehfütterung im biologischen Betrieb. Paper presented at the '27. Viehwirtschaftliche Fachtagung: Management von Hochleistungskühen, Grünlandwirtschaft und Milchproduktion, Biologische Wirtschaftsweise  6-8 June', Irdning.
Stolze, M., A. Piorr, A. Häring and S. Dabbert (2000) The Environmental Impacts of Organic Farming. Organic farming in Europe: economics and policy, 6. University of Hohenheim; Hohenheim.
Sutherland, A. J., M. McGregor, B. Dent, J. Willock, I. Deary, G. Gibson, R. Grieve and O. Morgan (1995) Edinburgh Farmer Decision Making Study: elements important to the farmer. Paper presented at the 'EAAE- Conference', 
Svensson, I. (1991) Statligt stoed till alternativ odling 1989. Alternativ odling, 7. Research Committee for Alternative Agriculture; Uppsala.
Taylor, D. L. and W. L. Miller (1978) The adoption process of environmental innovations: a case study of a government project. Rural Sociology 43 (4), 634-648.
Thomas, C., A. Reeve and G. E. J. Fisher (1991) Milk from Grass. British Grasland Society; Reading.
Thomas, D. and A. Perry (1991) Genus Milkminder, Annual Report. Genus Management; Wrexham.
Tovey, H. (1997) Food, environmentalism and rural sociology: on the organic farming movement in Ireland. Sociologia Ruralis 37 (1), 22-37.
UKROFS (1993) Standards for Organic Food Production. UK Register of Organic Food Standards, Food From Britain; London.
UKROFS (2001) Standards for Organic Food Production. UK Register of Organic Food Standards; London.
Upton, M. (1976) Agricultural production economics and resource use. Oxford University Press; Oxford.
van der Ploeg, J. D. (1994a) Animal production as a socio economic system: heterogenity, producers and perspectives. Paper presented at the 'Biological basis of sustainable animal production', Wageningen, Netherlands.
van der Ploeg, J. D. (1994b) Styles of farming: an introductory note on concepts and methodology. In: Born from Within. (J. D. van der Ploeg and A. Long). Van Gorcum; Assen, pp 7-30.
van der Ploeg, J. D. (2000) Revitalising agriculture: farming economically as starting ground for rural development. Sociologia Ruralis 40 (4), 497-511.
Vanclay, F. and G. Lawrence (1994) Farmer rationality and the adoption of environmentally sound practices: a critique of the assumptions of traditional agricultural extension. European Journal for Agricultural Education and Extension 1 (1), 59-90.
Vanclay, F. (1997) The social basis of environmental management in agriculture: a background for understanding Landcare. In: Critical landcare. (S. Lockie and F. Vanclay). Centre for Rural Social Research, Charles Stuart University; Wagga Wagga, pp 9-27.
Vanclay, F. and P. Howden (1997) Working the grain: farming styles amongst Australian broad-acre croppers. Paper presented at the ' XVII Congress of the European Society for Rural Sociology', Chania, Crete.
Vartdal, B. (1993) Motivatsjon og meistring av omlegging til oekologisk jordbruk. 3/93, Sentre for bygedforskning and NORSOEK. Trondheim. 
Veauthier, G. and C. Krutzinna (1992) Grundfutterqualitaet im oekologischen Landbau. Lebendige Erde 1992 (3), 156-160.
Vine, A. and D. Bateman (1981) Organic farming systems in England and Wales: practice, performance and implications. University College of Wales. 
Vittersø, H. (1995) Foretaksøkonomiske tilpasninger i økoloisk melkeproduksjon. 1998:8, NILF Norsk Institutt for Landbruksøkonomiske Forskning. Oslo. 
Vogel, S. (1994) Austrian Farmers' attitudes and behaviour patterns with respect to environmental problems. In: Farmer decision-making: a descriptive approach. (B. Jacobsen and e. al). Institute of Agricultural Economics and Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University; Copenhagen, pp 
Vogtmann, H., B. Freyer and R. Rantzau (1993) Conversion to low external input farming: a survey of 63 mixed farms in West Germany. Paper presented at the 'Agroecology and Conservation issues in temperate and tropical regions', Padua.
Weber, E. U. (1994) Behavioural decision theory: insights and applications. In: Farmers' Decision Making - a descriptive approach. (B. H. Jacobsen, D. E. Pedersen, J. Christensen and S. Rasmussen). Institute for Agricultural Economics and The  Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University; Copenhagen, pp 13-25.
Weber, S. (1993) Umtersuchungen zur Umstellung auf oekologische Milcherzeugung- Versuchsbeschreibung, Milchleistung, Kenngroessen der Energiebilanz, Milchqualitaet und betreibswirtschaftliche Auswertung. Betriebswirtschaftliche Mitteilungen der Landwirtschaftskamer S.H. 459 (June 1993), 17-24.
Webster, P. (1999) The challenge of sustainability at the farm level: presidential address. Journal for Agricultural Economics 50 (3), 371-387.
Weller, R. and A. Cooper (1996) Animal health. In: Conversion to Organic Milk Production. (R. Hagger and S. Padel). IGER Technical Review No.4; Aberystwyth, pp 96-110.
Weller, R. and D. W. R. Davies (1998) Somatic cell count and incidence of clinical mastitis in organic milk production. Veterinary Record 143 (13), 365-366.
Weller, R. F. (1999) The management and development of Ty Gwyn. In: Organic Milk Production: post conversion phase, Report to MAFF (OF0113). Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research; Aberystwyth, pp 54-64.
Wernick, S. and W. Lockeretz (1977) Motivations and practices of organic farmers. Compost Science 77 (6), 20-24.
Willock, J. (1994) Decision-making on family farms. In: Farmers' Decision Making- a descriptive approach. (B. H. Jacobsen, D. E. Pedersen, J. Christensen and S. Rasmussen). Institute for Agricultural Economics and Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University; Copenhagen, pp 63-76.
Willock, J., I. A. Deary, G. Edwards-Jones, G. J. Gibson, M. J. McGregor, A. Sutherland, J. B. Dent, O. Morgan and R. Grieve (1999) The role of attitudes and objectives in farmer decision making: Business and environmentally-oriented behaviour in Scotland. Agricultural Economics 50 (2), 286-303.
Winter, R. (1991) Economic questions of dairy production in ecological agriculture in northern Germany. In: Alternatives in Animal Husbandry. (E. Boehncke and V. Molkenthin). Proc. International Conference, July 1991, University of Kassel; Witzenhausen, pp 329-334.
Woodhill, J. and N. G. Röling (1998) The second wing of the eagle: the human dimension in learning our way to more sustainable futures. In: Facilitating sustainable agriculture. (N. G. Röling and M. A. E. Wagemakers). Cambridge University Press; Cambridge, pp 46-70.
Wynen, E. (1990) Sustainable and Conventional Agriculture in South-Eastern Australia:  a comparison. Economics Research Reports, 90.1. School of Economics and Commerce, La Trobe University; Victoria.
Wynen, E. (1992) Conversion from conventional to organic agriculture in Australia. Paper presented at the 'Annual Conference of the Australian Agricultural Economics Society', Canberra.
Yin, R. K. (1994) Case study research: design and methods,. Applied Social Research Method Series Vol. 5, London; Sage Publications.
Younie, D. and T. Baars (1997) Resource use in Organic Grassland: the central bank and the art gallery of organic farming. In: 3 ENOF workshop Rsource Use in Organic Farming. (J. Isart and J. J. Llerena). ENOF European Network for Scientific Research Co-ordination in Organic farming; Ancona, pp 43-60.
Zanoli, R., D. Gambelli and D. Vairo (ed.) (2000) Organic farming in Europe by 2010: scenarios for the future. Organic farming in Europe: economics and policy, 8. University of Hohenheim; Stuttgart.
Zerger, U. (1995) Der Betriebsvergleich als Mittel zur Analyse betriebswirtschaftlicher Fragestellungen im ökologischen Landbau. Verlag Dr. Kovac; Hamburg.

citation: Padel, Susanne (2002) Conversion to Organic Milk Production: the change process and farmers' information needs. Thesis, Univeristy of Wales, Aberystwyth, Institute of Rural Studies. [ Unpublished, ]
document_url: http://orgprints.org/3977/1/Padel_PhD_2002.pdf