Organic farming as a potential for the development of protected areas

Abstract

The objectives of organic farming are consistent with the objectives of protected areas. In this paper, possibilities for development of organic farming in protected areas are analyzed against the background of the current state of organic farming in Slovenia, current legislation regarding farming in protected areas, and economic and demographic characteristics of the selected protected areas in that country. Organic farmers are important providers of healthy, locally produced food, which can be an important component of tourism. Low interconnections between farmers, insufficient supporting legislation, limiting natural factors, and aspects of demographic structure inhibit the development of organic farming in protected areas.

Role of rural tourism and agriculture for development of rural, protected areas

“…Protecting and aiding local goods the Őrség National Park created a trademark called "National Park Product". The idea of creating a trademark also arose on the Slovenian side (Štaus, Bavec, Bavec 2011). Accordingly there could be a Naturpark brand as well.…”

“…Equally big interest surrounds organic products. Although Slovenian researchers and their studies (Štaus, Bavec, Bavec 2011) confirm, that organic farming is still in the initial stages of development, and the local inhabitants see better perspectives in tourism development, organic farming on protected sites has great opportunities. Undertakings in this direction are typically initiated by settlers (organic apple juice factory, jam factory).…”

Opportunities for developing mountain biking in the Municipality of Bohinj

“…Nena zad nje pa bi s tem pri do bi li pomemb no pro sto ča sno dejav nost v ob či ni in s tem pope stri li turi stič no ponud bo, kar uteg ne pomemb no pris pe va ti pri raz vo ju pode žel skih območij (Šmid Hri bar in Ledi nek Lozej 2013). Turi stič na dejav nost namreč poleg eko loš ke ga kme to va nja v po deželskih območ jih omo go ča raz voj ne mož no sti (Štraus, Bavec in Bavec 2011).…”