Organic farming, a business perspective

Summary

Organic farming is more and more considered as a credible alternative to conventional agriculture, being able to solve current problesm, notably with respect to environment, employment and food safety. In the South of Belgium, Wallonia, organic farming represents today a significant part of agriculture. The goal of this paper is to show the growth of organic farming in Wallonia, to examine the present situation and to analyse the public support granted to organic farming, through direct payments but also through a new regional development plan including research, extension, promotion and the definition of quantified targets concerning economic activity and consumption. The results are based on statistical data collection and on a Survey among organic cereals producers, in order to contribute to the assessment of the economic relevance of organic farming.