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Assessing the Consequences of Converting to Organic Agriculture

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  • Tim O'Riordan
  • Dick Cobb

Abstract

In the wake of the public controversy over genetically modified crops, organic production is sometimes hailed as the true “sustainable agriculture”. Its advocates claim that it enriches biodiversity, increases soil “health” and provides more nutritious foods. This paper summarises the results of a three year, multi‐disciplinary study of one major unit undergoing transition from non‐organic to full organic status. Researchers examined whole farm nutrient budgets, insect diversity and the wider environmental economics of organic production compared with non‐organic management. The result was a mid‐term example of multi‐disciplinary science, though some way short of interdisciplinary science. The evidence suggests that organic production can result in measurable environmental gains, which can be valued in economic terms. The full environmental account, however, remains elusive. Yet its significance could prove vital for the future of diversified rural economies in the UK Interdisciplinary minded agricultural and environmental economists are encouraged to extend this pilot initiative in the light of the important policy contribution that such additional research could provide for the improved valuation of sustainable agriculture. The authors conclude that there is a plausible case for an Organic Stewardship Scheme attached to the Rural Development Regulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim O'Riordan & Dick Cobb, 2001. "Assessing the Consequences of Converting to Organic Agriculture," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(1), pages 22-35, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:jageco:v:52:y:2001:i:1:p:22-35
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1477-9552.2001.tb00907.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Khanal, Aditya R. & Mishra, Sachin K & Honey, Ummey, 2018. "Certified organic food production, financial performance, and farm size: An unconditional quantile regression approach," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 367-376.
    2. Waripas Jiumpanyarach, 2021. "Organic Agriculture: Farmers Perception and Adaptation in Northern Thailand," Asian Journal of Agriculture and rural Development, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 11(3), pages 245-254, September.
    3. Jones, Philip J., 2006. "Barriers to the adoption of organic farming in the European Union," Centre for Agricultural Strategy - Papers and Reports 337542, University of Reading.
    4. Douglas H. Constance & Jin Young Choi, 2010. "Overcoming the Barriers to Organic Adoption in the United States: A Look at Pragmatic Conventional Producers in Texas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(1), pages 1-26, January.
    5. Wheeler, Sarah Ann, 2008. "What influences agricultural professionals' views towards organic agriculture?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 65(1), pages 145-154, March.
    6. Khanal, Aditya & Mishra, Ashok, 2016. "Are all farms better-off growing organic? An unconditional quantile regression approach," 2016 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Boston, Massachusetts 235618, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    7. Hiroki, Uematsu & Mishra, Ashok K., 2011. "Are Organic Farmers Really Better Off Than Conventional Farmers?," 2011 Annual Meeting, July 24-26, 2011, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 103862, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    8. Uematsu, Hiroki & Mishra, Ashok K., 2012. "Organic farmers or conventional farmers: Where's the money?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 55-62.
    9. Attitudes & Perceived behavior & Costs of production & Conventional agriculture & Organic agriculture & Farmers’ decision & Farm practices, 2021. "Organic Agriculture: Farmers' Perception and Adaptation in Northern Thailand," Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development, Asian Economic and Social Society (AESS), vol. 11(03), January.

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