Informed participatory research, a methodological approach for investigating the potential of organic farming in the transition of food systems

Summary

A study on the prospects for organic agriculture in 2025 suggested four possible evolution scenarios,
from the most optimistic, where organic farming would be the main agricultural model, to the most
pessimistic, where organic farming would have been diluted into a new form of sustainable
conventional agriculture.
Two main elements could lead to the most pessimistic scenario. The first element is the heterogeneity
of organic farming (e.g., different scales, various levels of mechanization, varying degrees of
adherence to agroecological principles). This diversity complicates organization among farmers and is
potentially confusing for consumers. The second element is the development of short food marketing
channels that give priority to local products regardless of their organic farming status.
The role of research is not to decide on the best pathway in the transition of farming systems, but to
provide the tools for investigating the possible pathways and for supporting decision-making. In this
regard, we developed a series of ‘informed participatory research’ (IPR) steps designed for use by
research centres. IPR combines the classic elements of participatory research and a specific,
comprehensive and multi-dimensional assessment of the diversity of farming systems. The method
has been implemented in Wallonia, Belgium, where public institutions are supporting a strategic plan
for the development of organic farming. The IPR approach provides a way of integrating technical and
social tools within a dynamic framework of analysis and action.