Institutional barriers to organic farming in Central and Eastern European countries of the Baltic Sea region

Abstract

A window of opportunity to promote organic farming is open for the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) that joined the EU in 2004. The development of organic farming has the potential to decrease the amount of nutrient leaching to the Baltic Sea and could help to stop the environmental degradation of the Sea. However, this requires a diverse set of institutions. This paper explores the institutions that are lacking to promote the full development of organic farming in the CEEC, using Sweden as a baseline reference. A case study approach, formalised by introducing a set of indicators, has been used to identify the missing institutions. Data have been obtained from a desktop study, including a literature review, interviews and a questionnaire. The case studies partially support previous studies proposing that the development of organic farming proceeds along six steps: establishment of an organic farming community; establishment of political recognition; establishment of financial support; establishment of non-competitive relationships between the organic sector and general agricultural institutions; establishment of an organic food market; and development of a discussion and coordination arena. The results show that market development is the least developed step and that there is a correlation between higher governmental engagement and a more developed organic sector.

Is quality certification in fruit and vegetable production a market-driven choice in Greece?

“…Thus, it is not easy for businesses to respond effectively to the course of events in the market, as this may be done indirectly, which may lead the agricultural competitiveness to weaken and market opportunities to be lost. In such a case, the diffusion of certification depends more on a continuation or amplification of the State's proper interventions (Segerson 1999;Hattam et al 2012;Larsson et al 2013).…”

“…Because agricultural production and marketing generate a large number of hazards for consumers and the natural environment, the expansion of QMS implementation is a crucial issue for public authorities, which are interested in the consumers' health, the quality of life and the agricultural competitiveness. If farm and food businesses are not willing to implement a QMS, the public authorities encourage them properly or oblige them to meet the minimum quality requirements (Segerson 1999;Larsson et al 2013).…”

Ecological Recycling Agriculture to Enhance Agro-Ecosystem Services in the Baltic Sea Region: Guidelines for Implementation

“…Therefore, a systemic shift to ERA can help restore the ecological balance of the Baltic Sea. It would be even more efficient if stakeholders along the whole food chain included changes within the consumption patterns [22,44].…”

“…In particular, organic farming in the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) that joined the EU in 2004 needs special support for implementation [44]. Farmers need more practical information to assess and improve the nutrient fluxes within the farm, especially to optimize the nitrogen management through legume cultivation, as this is the most important N-source for ERA farms.…”

“…The ERA concept is rarely implemented, mainly because of knowledge gaps among practitioners, insufficient market development and the poor political willingness to reward resource-efficient farming systems [44]. In particular, organic farming in the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) that joined the EU in 2004 needs special support for implementation [44].…”