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Potential outcomes and impacts of organic group certification in Italy: An evaluative case study

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  • Solfanelli, Francesco
  • Ozturk, Emel
  • Pugliese, Patrizia
  • Zanoli, Raffaele

Abstract

The new EU Organic Regulation 848/2018 allows group certification to be applied to EU organic smallholders. Group certification is endorsed by IFOAM-Organics International and is the dominant approach to certify small organic farmers in many non-EU countries. This study provides a cross-case study evaluation of the future implementation of group certification among organic smallholders in Italy. A Theory of Change logic model is used as the analytical framework to evaluate the outcomes and impacts of such implementation. By using multiple sources of evidence, and triangulating them, the study establishes four profiles of potential adopters. Groups of small fruit and vegetable farms producing one main product and implementing formal coordination mechanism among the members, such as delivery contracts and internal standard for quality controls, seems to be more likely to adopt Group Certification. Groups that may be unlikely to adopt are those composed by farmers producing various products and using several market channels. The paper also uncovers the critical points of the new Organic Regulation concerning group certification and provides insights into policy interventions and other mechanisms that may help or hinder transition towards more inclusive, transparent and accountable organic food systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Solfanelli, Francesco & Ozturk, Emel & Pugliese, Patrizia & Zanoli, Raffaele, 2021. "Potential outcomes and impacts of organic group certification in Italy: An evaluative case study," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:187:y:2021:i:c:s0921800921001658
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2021.107107
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