Local Issues And Market As Drivers For Innovation In Organic Farming

Summary

This paper analyses innovation processes in the French organic sector. On the basis of an inventory of multi-stakeholders innovative groups at national level and detailed case studies, we identify and characterise different types of innovation dynamics. While most groups implement simple innovations, a few carry out more complex and multiple innovations. Some are coupled innovations, to achieve consistency between local environmental stakes, farming systems and practices, agricultural products and market opportunities. They involved various actors working collectively. Others innovations are the outcome of a co-evolution process, taking place at production and processing levels rather independently.