Organic Agriculture, Environment and Food Security - Annotated Bibliography Example

20-25 Information Resources on Organic Farming Name: Course: Tutor: Date: 1. Institutionalisation and resistance: Organic agriculture in Australia and New Zealand Lyons, K. & Lawrence, G. (2007). Institutionalisation and Resistance: Organic Agriculture in Australia and New Zealand. Retrieved 11 October 2010, http://www98.griffith.edu.au/dspace/bitstream/10072/841/1/swedenlyoandlaw.pdf The structure in this academic article is well organized, starting with an introduction that allows the reader to understand the general concept of organic farming in Australia and New Zealand, developments of the same and controversies surrounding it. The article examines the institutionalization of organics in the two countries, and also investigates the motivations held by farmers who adopt organic farming. The article concludes by stating that the future of farming in the two countries is likely to remain split into two branches as the groups supporting and opposing organic farming struggle to assert their positions. This article covers the advantages and disadvantages of organic farming based on its comparison with chemical farming. Among the highlighted advantages is its sustainability, while productivity and efficiency concerns remain one of the biggest challenges highlighted in this article. I think this article is informative and educative especially to a first time farmer who is considering whether or not to venture into organic farming, hence the reason I included it in the top 25 information resources list. 2. Organic agriculture, environment and food security Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN & Sustainable Development. Department. (2002).Organic Agriculture, environment and food security. Rome: Food & Agriculture Organisation. http://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=ZeGpgERESvkC&oi=fnd&pg=PA3&dq=organic+farming+practice+in+Australia&ots=halu0VaFNj&sig=7R_BPhFamoybRkfE7jPC8jJDMbM#v=onepage&q=organic%20farming%20practice%20in%20Australia&f=false This book defines what organic farming is, and explains that organic agriculture is a holistic production and management system that enhances biological cycles through minimal or no use of external input. Specifically, the book states that organic farming avoids the complete use of chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers hence ensuring that minimal residues are released into the environment. The book is organised into chapters which address topics such as definition of terms, organic farming development, agronomic performance and economic performance of organic farming. Although the book is not Australia-specific, I included it among the top 25-information resources because it has a wealth of information regarding organic farming, which includes benefits and drawbacks of organic farming and potential buyers of his or her products. The book also offers lessons from other countries where some farmers have already adopted organic farming. 3. A comparative study of some environmental impacts of conventional and organic farming in Australia Wood, R., Lenzen, M., Det, C. & Lundie, S. (2005). A comparative study of some environmental impacts of conventional and organic farming in Australia. Agricultural Systems, 89(2-3), 324-348. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T3W-4HKD04R-1&_user=10&_coverDate=09/30/2006&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origin=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=dae46a48a4b9a7a817b0dc1d6e030c91&searchtype=a This journal article offers a comparative study between organic farming and conventional farming in relation to their respective greenhouse gas emissions, employment, water use, land disturbance and energy consumption. In the article, the researchers surveyed farms using the two types of farming. The article analyses both direct and in-direct impacts of organic and in-organic farming and concludes by stating that organic farming is more efficient in reducing water and energy use, in addition to releasing less greenhouse gases into the environment. This article is based on scientific research and therefore acts as a source of informed knowledge for a farmer willing to understand comparisons between organic and conventional farming, hence my inclusion of the same in this list. 4. Issues and research needs of the Australia organic food products market Chang, H., Griffith, G. & Zepeda, L. (2004). Issues and research needs of the Australia organic food products market. Working Paper Series in Agricultural and Resource Economics, ISSN 1442 1909, University of New England, Pp. 1-22. http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/12924/1/wp040009.pdf This academic article starts by noting that the demand for organic products is on a steady increase the world over. The authors also note that Australia being a major agricultural produce exporter stands to benefit from the increased demand especially from countries in Europe and America. The article provides an overview of the organic foods industry in Australia and addresses challenges and opportunities in the production and marketing sectors. The article also addresses certification issues facing the organic products industry. In my opinion, this article is invaluable to a farmer who is considering adopting organic farming as it identifies the marketing opportunities, market requirements, and development strategies in the organic products market. 5. The market opportunity for organic products in South Australia. Shepherd, K., Gunner, E.& Brown, H. (2003). The market opportunity for organic products in South Australia. Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA, Adelaide. pp. 1-114. http://www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/97372/organic_products_in_sa_report.pdf This article starts by observing that Australia only accounts for 17 percent of the total production in certified organic products. It also recognises that the organic industry in the country is unstructured thus making it hard for farmers to engage in orderly production practices that would get them maximum returns. The article is structured into segments that address the global market for organic produce, the domestic market (including size, growth, accreditation, research, and stakeholder consultations), the global consumer for organic produce, key opportunities in the organic market and risk assessment. In my opinion, this article gives a wholesome perspective of the organic produce sector in Australia and hence it is a suitable read for the farmer considering adopting organic farming. 6. Organic agriculture - introduction. McCoy, S. (2002). Organic agriculture - introduction. Department of Agriculture, Government of Western Australia. pp. 1-2. Retrieved October 11, 2010, from: http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/objtwr/imported_assets/content/_archive/f02102.pdf This-two page report briefly gives a preview of the major markets where farmers can sell their organic produce, and also offers an explanation about what is considered modern methods of organic farming. The report also observes that most consumers of organic produce do not mind paying a premium price for the same, as long as they are assured that the products are “safe, nutritious and produced using systems that care for the environment”(p.1). The report also lists the regulation organisations responsible for the certification of farms and produce in the country. Although a short report, I included this article among the 25 information resources due to its resourcefulness especially in regard to certification and the organisations responsible for the same. 7. Constructing “green” foods: Corporate capital, risk, and Organic farming in Australia and New Zealand. Lockie, S., Lyons, K.& Lawrence, G. (2000). Constructing “green” foods: Corporate capital, risk, and organic farming in Australia and New Zealand. Agriculture and Human values 17, pp. 315-322. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=1&did=501064721&SrchMode=1&sid=5&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1286794246&clientId=14394 This academic article explores the use of certification logos and advertising to signify the healthy nature of organic produce in Australia and New Zealand. The article also notes that organic farmers as well as certifying organisations were yet to agree on the exact meaning of the terms “sustainable agriculture” and “organic farming” hence presenting some sort of a social conflict in the two countries. I incorporated this article among the 20 organic information resources because it highlights some of the contested dimensions of organic farming, and hence would allow a farmer who is new to this kind of farming some insight into the same. It also offers insight into challenges facing organic farmers. 8. Food security and sustainability: Are we selling ourselves short? Conveney, J. (2000). Food security and sustainability: Are we selling ourselves short? Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 9(supplementary), s97-s100. Although this article addresses food security and sustainability, it has a section on page s99 which offers a case study on the organic food sector in Australia. It notes that by 2000, there were 1600 registered organic farmers in the country, who generate an estimated $150 to 200 million annually. The case study also observes that a significant percentage of the organic produce finds a ready market in the domestic market. I included this source because it would address any marketing questions that the farmer may have regarding the organic produce. 9. Organic farming - now and the future. Penfold, C.M. & Miyan, M.S. (1998). Organic farming–now and the future. Australian Society of the Agronomy. Retrieved October 11, 2010, from: http://regional.org.au/au/asa/1998/7/165penfold.htm This is a 1998 case study conducted in the Roseworthy Campus in the University of Adelaide located in Southern Australia. The report was formulated after a farming system trial that lasted between 1989 and 1996 comparing organic farming, biodynamic farming, integrated farming and conventional farming. At the end of the trial period, various aspects of the different farming systems were compared. They included the economic performance, system productivity, soil structure, soil biology and soil chemistry. I included this source because of its comparisons and insight given on different farming system. This will enable the farmer to decide whether organic farming is indeed the right farming method to adopt. 10. Development and state of organic agriculture world wide. Yussefi, M. (2004). Development and state of organic agriculture world wide. Retrieved October 11, 2010 from: http://www.foodsecurity.gov.kh/docs/ENG/Part%202%20World%20Organic%20Agriculture%20Statistic.pdf. This article lists Australia among countries that have already implemented regulation that addresses the guidelines and accreditation of organic foods. This article identifies the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) as the main accreditation organisation charged with overseeing the seal programme and the BFA private standards in the organic farming sector. I used this source because the farmer considering venturing into organic farming would need to acquire the certification from BFA. 11. The world of organic agriculture: Statistics and emerging trends 2007 Willer, H. & Yussefi, M. (2007). The world of organic agriculture: Statistics and emerging trends 2007. Retrieved October 11, 2010 from: http://www.foodsecurity.gov.kh/docs/ENG/Part%202%20World%20Organic%20Agriculture%20Statistic.pdf This article states that the Australian government encourages organic farming even though it is yet to implement any subsidies in the sector. It also notes that while the national standards in the organic farming were enacted in 1992, they are often only used on export products. It was only in 2006 that the organic standards were adopted and enforced in the domestic market. The article further acknowledges that although organic farming targets a niche market, the price offered for such produce is always better than what is offered by consumers for conventional produce. I used this article because the farmer would benefit from the information and insight about the operations of the organic industry as stipulated therein. 12. Agrochemical use and the environment in Australia Herath, G. (1998). Agrochemical use and the environment in Australia. International Journal of Social Economic 25(2/3/4): 283-301. This academic journal article is structured in different segments that address the economic factors that led to increased use of chemical-based farming in Australia, the environmental effects that the agrochemicals in the country, and the alternative policies that farmers can adopt to mitigate the adverse effects. Specifically, this article identifies organic farming as one of the viable alternatives to chemical-based farming. Of essence to a farmer who is considering shifting to organic farming, is the fact that the article cites a survey which identified that 82 percent of all consumers would prefer buying food that has been organically grown. More to this, consumers were ready to pay more for the organic products. This means that the market prospects for organic farm produce are good. 13. A comparative study of consumer perceptions and demand for organic food in Taiwan and Australia Chang, H., Wei, S., Wei, F. & Shih, C. (2006). A comparative study of consumer perceptions and demand for organic food in Taiwan and Australia. Retrieved October 11, 2010 from: http://econ.ndhu.edu.tw/files/tea/2006/Chang%20TEA%20organic%20paper%20(23%20%2011%2006%20To%20Dr%20Chern).pdf This article is based on scientific research conducted by the authors in relation to how well informed consumers in Australia and Taiwan are regarding organic farming and certification. The article notes that consumers are generally concerned about the use of chemicals in food products and are willing to spend more on organic food items. The article also establishes that although consumers cite health issue as the main reason why they opt for organic products, they are also concerned about the effects that agro-chemicals have on the environment. On page 6 of this report, the authors have indicated the criteria for organic farming certification and this underlines the main reason why I used this article among my main references. 14. Green harvest: A history of organic farming and gardening in Australia Jones, R. (2010). Green harvest: A history of organic farming and gardening in Australia. Sydney: Csiro Publishing. http://books.google.com/books?id=KrKU6Fi6FIMC&pg=PA164&lpg=PA164&dq=Corporate+Environmentalism+and+Organic+Agriculture+in+Australia:+The+Case+of+Uncle+Tobys&source=bl&ots=bk_K-ib-YR&sig=A3c0y66HnqZ-2FnK4zShCNJ1nbg&hl=en&ei=dw-zTLStKcfKjAf39Yhc&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CEAQ6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q=organic&f=false This book addresses the entire concept of organic farming in Australia. Of special interest to me was the “certification and Industrialisation” (p. 114), which explains why organic farmers need to adhere to set the standards, which are meant to ensure that the produce harvested from the farms are healthy and that the agricultural land where they were grown remains healthy too. The book also lists the main organic certifying organisation in Australia (p. 115) thus making it easier for a farmer willing to have his or her farm or produce certified locate them easily. This is a well-written book that will no doubt serve as an invaluable resource to a beginner organic farmer. 15. How to increase organic food sales: Results from research based on market segmentation and product attributes Pearson, D. (2001). How to Increase organic food sales: Results from research based on Market segmentation and product attributes. Agribusiness Review, 9(8). Retrieved October 11, 2010, http://www.agrifood.info/review/2001/Pearson.html This article is based on empirical research by the author. His research sought to identify, why despite the wide knowledge regarding the health benefits associated with organic foods, only 1 percent of consumers in Australia purchased organic fruits and vegetables. The author recommends that in order for organic farmers to enjoy a wider penetration of the consumer market, they would have to supply their produce to more convenient retail outlets. The research found out that organic products were stocked only in selected stores in Australia hence inconveniencing consumers who prefer alternative types of retail outlets. I used this article because it contains some marketing advice to organic farmers regarding marketing and supplying their products to consumers via convenient channels. 16. Organic Living Van Straten, M. (2001). Organic Living. London: Frances Lincoln ltd. This book mainly addresses organic living. However, it has several chapters that offer insight into just what organic farming is. In p.27 for example, the book gives the reader a candid definition of the Soil Association’s definition of organic farming. The author has also outlined the current farming techniques that a farmer apply to qualify as an organic farmer. In clear terms, the author states that farmers taking up organic farming must be ready for a major commitment, which is demanding but well rewarding once the organic farming starts paying off. I used this book because it informs the reader of the things he needs to do in order to qualify as an organic farmer. 17. The MobiCert Project: Integrating Australian organic primary producers into the grocery supply chain Lu, N.& Swatman, P.M.C. (2009). The MobiCert Project: Integrating Australian Organic primary producers into the grocery supply chain. Journal of manufacturing Technology.20(6):887-905. http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=1741-038X&volume=20&issue=6&articleid=1801234&show=pdf This article generally looks into ways that organic farmers can integrate their produce into the supply chain in order to make it more convenient for consumers to access the same. In section 2 of the journal article however, a detailed description of what organic agriculture is, its contribution to the Australian economy and the certification process is offered. The article states the high amount involved in organic certification has been the major hindrance to most Australian farmers converting to the same. On p. 891, there is also a detailed diagram that stipulates all the processes that a person will need to undergo in order to be certified as an organic farmer. I included this article because it will give the farmer considering taking up organic farming some additional insight into the extent of record-keeping needed by the certification authorities. 18. Australians’ organic food beliefs, demographics and values Lea, E. & Worsley, T. (2005). Australians’ organic food beliefs, demographics and values. British Food Journal, 107(11):855-869. http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?issn=0007-070X&volume=107&issue=11&articleid=1524366&show=pdf This journal article examines the beliefs and values held by both farmers and consumers of organic produce in Australia. The article is structured in a research format therefore allowing the reader to follow the different stages that the researcher used before forming a conclusion. In this article, the issue of unavailability of organic products comes up once again. I used this article among my top resources because it would allow the farmer to gain a deeper understanding of the organic produce market. 19. Organic Farming: An international History Lockeretz, W. (2007). Organic farming: An international history. Cambridge, MA: CABI Publishers. http://books.google.com/books?id=25QnL3-njZQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=techniques+used+in+organic+farming&hl=en&ei=JwO0TPL3HYHJswbw7L25CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEAQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=techniques%20used%20in%20organic%20farming&f=false This book has different chapters addressing organic farming in general, the techniques adopted by organic farmers through out the world, and the benefits of adopting organic farming as opposed to conventional farming. Of specific importance to an Australian farmer is the chapter titled “NASAA and organic agriculture in Australia” (p. 225-241), as it gives detailed information about how one should go about getting accreditation. The book also gives a future perspective of how the organic sector and market are likely to progress in the future. Overall, the book has a wealth of knowledge for anyone considering switching to organic farming hence my inclusion of the same in the 20 top information resources. 20. New directions for agriculture and agricultural research: neglected Dahberg, K.A. (1986). New directions for agriculture and agricultural research: Neglected. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield This book generally addresses the new directions that agricultural research is taking and the consequent steps taken by farmers. Organic farming is addressed in the alternative farming chapter. Here different opinions that the farmer may have to contend with once he has fully made up his mind about switching to organic farming are discussed. For example, the issue of whether or not to use large machinery like tractors for purposes of weed control is discussed. I included this book because the chapter on organic farming lets the reader understand some of the contentious issues discussed about organic farming and the best way to handle such. Discussion of results I obtained 20 sources, 19 of which I got from Google Scholar, and one from ProQuest. I based my decision to include the 20 sources as my resources based on their relevance to the task assignment. As such, I only chose sources that were relevant to organic farming. I narrowed the sources to what was applicable to the Australian context since the clients in the task assignment are based in Australia. Following the assessment criteria, I chose articles that were not only relevant to organic farming, but also those whose content was still valid. Although some of my sources were older than 20 years, I ensured that the content was still valid to present-day scenario before using the article or book as my resource. Considering that most of the sources are journal articles from Google Scholar, their credibility is rather high especially since they have been peer-reviewed. Most of the sources used were intended for the organic farmers and researchers in the sector. As such, I considered the information therein useful to the clients identified in the task assignment. Although I was pleased with the sources I got, I would have preferred to get more sources that were specific to the Australian case. For example, I had a hard time getting a specific resource addressing the exact organic farming techniques used in Australia. Unearthing the current best practice in Australia from the journal articles, books and other sources was an equally time-consuming task. Read More