Organic Farming: International History, An

Description: Beginning as a small protest to the industrialization of agriculture in the 1920s, organic farming has become a significant force in agricultural policy, marketing, and research. No longer dismissed as unscientific and counterproductive, organic techniques are now taken seriously by farmers, consumers, scientists, food processors, marketers, and regulatory agencies in much of the world. Organic farming is both dynamic and forward-looking but is also rooted in tradition. It is these traditions that can provide valuable starting points in debates over how organic farming should meet new challenges such as globalization, the emergence of new production techniques, and growing concern over equity and social justice in agriculture. Complementing general discussions with case histories of important organic institutions in various countries, this comprehensive discussion is the first to explore the development of organic agriculture. This title is suitable for agricultural researchers and policymakers as well as leaders of organic farming organizations.

Review: "For a farmer, student, or researcher, this book provides...what is needed to understand the modern origins and current practices in organic farming. The editor has done an exceptional job of bringing together solid information and documentation that gives a strong practical as well as theoretical foundation to organic farming today."

Contents: Part 1: Origins and Principles; 1. What Explains the Rise of Organic Farming?; 2. The Origins of Organic Farming; 3. Organic Values; 4. The Science of Organic Farming; 5. The Evolution of Organic Practice; Part 2: Policies and Markets; 6. The Development of Governmental Support for Organic Farming in Europe; 7. The Organic Market; 8. Development of Standards for Organic Farming; Part 3: Organizations and Institutions; 9. IFOAM and the History of the International Organic Movement; 10. The Soil Association; 11. Ecological Farmers Association and the Success of Swedish Organic Agriculture; 12. MAPO and the Argentinian Organic Movement; 13. NASAA and Organic Agriculture in Australia; 14. FiBL and Organic Research in Switzerland; 15. The Organic Trade Association; Part 4: Challenges; 16. A Look toward the Future.