Organic Agriculture and Food System Sustainability

• Insecticide contamination in organic agriculture: Evidence from a long-term farming systems comparisons trial, Kampermann, Ivonne ; Bautze, David ; Mapili, Millicent ; Musyoka, Martha ; Karanja, Edward ; Fiaboe, Komi K.M. ; Irungu, Janet ; Adamtey, Noah; Crop protection, 2024-03, Vol.177, p.106529, Article 106529.
  
  Abstract: Synthetic pesticides applied in conventional agriculture to control pests tend to compromise ecosystem services, and their residues may contaminate organic agriculture. To understand the significance of this contamination, also in small-scale farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa, quantitative data is required. Therefore, we compared synthetic insecticide and botanical/biopesticide residues in conventional and organic agricultural production systems after nine years of continuous cultivation of a maize-based crop rotation system at two sites in Kenya. Our results show high detectable concentrations of synthetic insecticide residues (imidacloprid, acetamiprid, chlorpyrifos, and chlorantraniliprole) in conventional plant produce and soil. Furthermore, the organophosphate chlorpyrifos was detected at concentrations above European Union Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for plant produce, indicating potential risks for human health. Additionally, we detected imidacloprid, acetamiprid, chlorpyrifos, and chlorantraniliprole concentrations in the soil, indicating potential environmental harm. No residues of biopesticide/botanicals were detected in any of the production systems. However, we detected imidacloprid and chlorantraniliprole in organic plots. The findings indicate that the MRLs can be crossed even if synthetic insecticides are applied according to or below the recommended rates on the conventional plots. Thus, synthetic insecticides potentially risk human health and the environment, while botanicals and bio-pesticides represent a safe alternative. •Long-term farming systems comparisons trials in Central Highlands of Kenya.•Investigating insecticide residues in organic and conventional farming systems.•High concentrations of synthetic insecticide in conventional plant produce and soil.•Low concentration of synthetic insecticides in organic, indicating contamination.•No residues of biopesticide/botanicals found.

• Organic hydroponics: A review, Park, Yuijn ; Williams, Kimberly A.; Scientia horticulturae, 2024-01, Vol.324, p.112604, Article 112604.
  
  Abstract: This review paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of current studies using organic nutrient sources in hydroponic solution culture. With growing market demand for organic products related to an emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness, there is a rising interest in this approach. The paper focuses on three key aspects: (1) offering an overview of the current status of organic hydroponics and organic certification in various countries; (2) defining different organic nutrient sources used in hydroponic systems, which encompass a wide range of materials derived from animals, plants, and algae, and comparing their impact on crop growth to conventional fertilization; and (3) examining challenges in nutrient solution management for organic hydroponics. This review highlights that leafy greens and tomatoes are the focal crops in most studies where various organic fertilizer sources have been evaluated. Additionally, the nutrient film technique and deep water culture are the predominant hydroponic systems utilized. With regard to nutrient solution management, the review underscores the differences in managing electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and microorganisms between organic and conventional solution culture systems. By offering these insights into organic hydroponics, this review aims to foster progress and promote the development of efficient and sustainable organic hydroponic practices.

• Development of agroecology in Austria and Germany, Brumer, Anna ; Wezel, Alexander ; Dauber, Jens ; Breland, Tor Arvid ; Grard, Baptiste; Open research Europe, 2023, Vol.3 (25), p.25-25, Article 25.
  
  Abstract: Background: Transforming food systems is necessary to address the global issues of severe biodiversity loss, hunger, and malnutrition as well as the consequences of the rapidly advancing climate change. Agroecology as a systemic approach has been recognised as a promising path of change exemplified in various case studies strengthening this transformation. The aim of this study is to get insight specifically for Austria and Germany in providing an overview of the advancement in agroecology in both countries and identify agroecology-related initiatives. Methods: 21 interviews with experts were conducted to determine the recognition, understanding, and development of agroecology in Austria and Germany in terms of movement, practice, policies, education, and research. In addition, information about agroecology-related initiatives was collected from interviews with 24 representatives of initiatives and literature analysis. Data was analysed according to five activity categories under which agroecology manifest: movement, practice, living lab, science and research infrastructure, and training and education. Results: Results show that the term agroecology is not commonly used in Austria and Germany, where the concept is mainly associated to a scientific discipline. Practices considered agroecological are implemented primarily through organic agriculture, which is very developed in Austria and to a lesser extent in Germany. Many networks, food policy councils, associations, and scientific projects related to agroecology exist, each with specific purposes and ambitions to change farming and food systems. While most selected initiatives do not explicitly refer to agroecology, all follow certain agroecological principles and aim at contributing to accelerate the agroecological transition. Conclusions: Clarifying the concept of agroecology, overcoming economic and political barriers as well as fostering participation of a multitude of stakeholders in the transition is essential for the future development of agroecology in Austria and Germany.

• Is it really organic? Credibility factors of organic food–A systematic review and bibliometric analysis, Nagy, László Bendegúz ; Lakner, Zoltán ; Temesi, Ágoston ; Restani, Patrizia; PloS one, 2022-04, Vol.17 (4), p.e0266855-e0266855, Article e0266855.
  
  Abstract: Consumer trust and organic food product credibility play a crucial role in understanding consumer behavior. The aim of this review is to identify extrinsic factors which influence consumers' perceived trust in organic food. The research was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. During our search, 429 articles were found, from which 55 studies were selected for further analysis. To assess the connection between the selected articles, a bibliometric analysis was done with VOSViewer and CitNetExplorer software. The following factors were identified as influencing the credibility of organic food: labeling, certification, place of purchase, country of origin, brand, price, communication, product category, packaging. From these, labeling, certification, and country of origin are well-researched factors in relation to credibility. The significance of the other discovered factors is supported; nonetheless, further research is needed to evaluate their effect on consumer trust.

• The relative productivity of organic agriculture must be considered in the full food-system context. A comment on Connor (2022), Einarsson, Rasmus ; Billen, Gilles ; Aguilera, Eduardo ; Garnier, Josette ; Gingrich, Simone ; Grizzetti, Bruna ; Lassaletta, Luis ; Le Noë, Julia ; Sanz-Cobena, Alberto; Agricultural systems, 2022-05, Vol.199, p.103413, Article 103413.
  
  Abstract: Sweden One of the great questions of our time is how agro-food systems can be reshaped to feed the growing world population while limiting climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. There is a continued need to explore possible futures in terms of resource use, environmental impacts, and socio-economic sustainability. We therefore welcome David J. Connor's recent paper in Agricultural Systems (Connor, 2022), which quantitatively explores the land-use efficiency of organic (OA) and conventional agriculture (CA) using data from Sweden.

• Bioconversion of organic wastes into value-added products: A review, Chavan, Shraddha ; Yadav, Bhoomika ; Atmakuri, Anusha ; Tyagi, R.D. ; Wong, Jonathan W.C. ; Drogui, Patrick; Bioresource technology, 2022-01, Vol.344 (Pt B), p.126398-126398, Article 126398.
  
  Abstract:  Rapid urbanization has increased the demand for food, feed, and chemicals that have in turn augmented the use of fossil-based resources and generation of organic waste. Owning to the characteristics like high abundance, renewability, and ease of accessibility, valorization of organic wastes serves as a potential solution for waste management issues. Several industrial wastes, due to their organic and nutrient-rich composition, have been utilized as a resource for the production of value-added products such as biofuels, biopesticides, biohydrogen, enzymes, and bioplastics via microbial fermentation processes. The process consists of pre-treatment of the waste biomass, production of value-added product in reactors and downstream processing for product's recovery. The integration of new comprehensive technologies for organic waste utilization will also stimulate the transition towards a circular economy. Therefore, the feasibility and sustainability of the production of various value-added products from biowastes and byproduct streams will be discussed in the present review.

• How can the EU Farm to Fork strategy deliver on its organic promises? Some critical reflections, Moschitz, Heidrun ; Muller, Adrian ; Kretzschmar, Ursula ; Haller, Lisa ; Porras, Miguel ; Pfeifer, Catherine ; Oehen, Bernadette ; Willer, Helga ; Stolz, Hanna; EuroChoices, 2021-04, Vol.20 (1), p.30-36.

  Abstract: The European Commission's Farm to Fork (F2F) Strategy sets ambitious targets to transform the whole food system towards greater sustainability, but we are critical about its strong focus on technical innovations while neglecting the social and structural aspects in transforming food systems. Also, the target of 25 per cent of EU's agricultural land under organic production by 2030 can only be reached if policy measures go beyond production to include processing and retail, and develop the demand side; otherwise, we could witness collapsing markets with strongly decreasing farm prices. An Organic Action Plan needs to include flexibility for implementation, accounting for the respective national situations; and specific objectives for each farming sector should be formulated. The strategy's call for a ‘shift to healthy, sustainable diets’ needs a comprehensive approach, involving all relevant stakeholders, such as processors, retailers and consumers to identify the most suitable leverage points and support changes in consumption patterns and habits. The Member States need to equip their AKIS accordingly and educate advisors, researchers, knowledge brokers and others for the required change in attitudes and practice. With a view to the necessary comprehensive transformation, the AKIS should be extended to a Food and Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System.

• Regenerative Agriculture : An agronomic perspective, Giller, Ken E ; Hijbeek, Renske ; Andersson, Jens A ; Sumberg, James; Outlook on agriculture, 2021, Vol.50 (1), p.13-25

  Abstract: Agriculture is in crisis. Soil health is collapsing. Biodiversity faces the sixth mass extinction. Crop yields are plateauing. Against this crisis narrative swells a clarion call for Regenerative Agriculture. But what is Regenerative Agriculture, and why is it gaining such prominence? Which problems does it solve, and how? Here we address these questions from an agronomic perspective. The term Regenerative Agriculture has actually been in use for some time, but there has been a resurgence of interest over the past 5 years. It is supported from what are often considered opposite poles of the debate on agriculture and food. Regenerative Agriculture has been promoted strongly by civil society and NGOs as well as by many of the major multi-national food companies. Many practices promoted as regenerative, including crop residue retention, cover cropping and reduced tillage are central to the canon of ‘good agricultural practices’, while others are contested and at best niche (e.g. permaculture, holistic grazing). Worryingly, these practices are generally promoted with little regard to context. Practices most often encouraged (such as no tillage, no pesticides or no external nutrient inputs) are unlikely to lead to the benefits claimed in all places. We argue that the resurgence of interest in Regenerative Agriculture represents a re-framing of what have been considered to be two contrasting approaches to agricultural futures, namely agroecology and sustainable intensification, under the same banner. This is more likely to confuse than to clarify the public debate. More importantly, it draws attention away from more fundamental challenges. We conclude by providing guidance for research agronomists who want to engage with Regenerative Agriculture.

• L’agriculture biologique, levier caché de la décroissance économique ?, Gil Kressmann; Dans Paysans & société 2021/1 (N° 385), pages 25 à 30.

  Abstract: Nous n’aborderons pas la question de savoir si le bio est meilleur pour la santé ou pour l’environnement. La bio répond incontestablement à un besoin du marché qu’il faut satisfaire. Mais que se passerait-il si l’agriculture bio devenait le modèle agricole dominant, voire exclusif selon le projet avancé par certains ? Partons d’un fait incontestable. En passant au bio, on diminue les rendements des cultures de 10 à 50 %, soit en moyenne de 25 %. C’est le chiffre retenu par la plupart des études recensées que nous avons analysées. Notons qu’il n’y a pas que le passage au bio qui réduit les rendements. On peut aussi engager l’agriculture dans la voie de la décroissance en dressant toute une palette d’obstacles à la protection des plantes (génétique « dégénérative », création d’impasses techniques…) ou à l’implantation des cultures (distanciation des traitements chimiques/voisinage, surfaces agricoles réservées à la biodiversité…) ou à l’utilisation et la gestion de l’eau (obstacles au stockage de l’eau) alors qu’il n’existe pas de solutions alternatives. Comment alors nourrira-t-on le monde dont les besoins alimentaires augmentent avec un modèle agricole qui diminue l’offre disponible sans être obligé d’augmenter les surfaces cultivables dont on connait les dangers pour la biodiversité et le réchauffement climatique ? Oui, c’est possible de nourrir le monde avec l’agriculture bio disent plusieurs études parues récemment, ce qui permet aux adeptes de l’agriculture biologique de crier victoire. Mais ils omettent souvent de préciser que ces études conditionnent la réussite de ce scénario à deux conditions : c’est possible, si on diminue de 50 % les gaspillages tout au long de la chaine alimentaire et c’est possible si, en plus, on diminue significativement, voire supprime, la consommation de viandes parce que l’élevage utilise des surfaces agricoles dont l’agriculture bio a besoin pour compenser les rendements déficients de ses productions végétales. Si ces deux conditions pour nourrir la planète avec la seule agriculture biologique semblent incontournables, sont-elles à notre portée ?

• Repenser le système alimentaire; Michel Duru; Études; 2021, Vol. 6, p. 33-44.
  
  Abstract : Nous sommes confrontés à la conjonction de divers maux : la diminution de la biodiversité favorise le développement de nouvelles pandémies qui trouvent un terrain fertile dans nos modes de vie, en particulier alimentaires. On sait de mieux en mieux à quel point l’alimentation est essentielle à la santé. Son amélioration suppose une recomposition de ses sources, en particulier dans le champ agricole.

• Estimating Pesticide Inputs and Yield Outputs of Conventional and Organic Agricultural Systems in Europe under Climate Change, Rasche, Livia ;  Agronomy (Basel), 2021-06-26, Vol.11 (7), p.1300.
  
  Abstract: Simulating organic agriculture is a considerable challenge. One reason is that few models are capable of simulating crop-pest interactions and the yield losses they cause. Here, a recently developed process-based crop-pest model (Pest-EPIC) was used to simulate conventional and organic agriculture in the European Union for the years 1995–2100. Yields and pesticide application rates were calibrated against FAOSTAT and Eurostat data. Results indicate that current pesticide application rates may be sufficient to control pests and diseases even at the end of the century. The range of simulated yield differences under organic and conventional agriculture under current conditions (e.g., wheat 21–55% (mean 34%) lower yields; potatoes 20–99% (mean 56%) lower yields) closely matched recorded values. Under climate change, the gap between yields under conventional and organic management will remain constant for some crops (e.g., at 3 t/ha for potatoes), but others—susceptible to a larger number of pests and diseases—may experience a widening of the yield gap (e.g., increase of yield difference from 0.8 to 1.6 t/ha for wheat). The presented results-dataset may in future be a valuable resource for integrated assessments of agricultural land use and policy planning, but the inherent uncertainty is still very high.

• Systèmes agroalimentaires : Nouvelles perspectives, Innovations 2021/1 (N° 64), Éditeur : De Boeck Supérieur, 254 p.

  Abstract: Face aux diverses crises économiques, sociales, sanitaires, survenues depuis la fin du XXe siècle, le monde agricole et alimentaire doit relever de nombreux défis sociaux, environnementaux et économiques. L’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur des systèmes agroalimentaires est concerné : consommateurs-citoyens, entreprises, agriculteurs, monde associatif et décideurs. La nécessité, devenue quasiment unanime, de repenser les systèmes alimentaires contraint les modes de production existants à se transformer et permet l’apparition de nouveaux systèmes agricoles (agriculture urbaine, par exemple) et l’émergence de nouvelles formes de consommation et de distribution. Les auteurs de ce cahier thématique d’Innovations, Revue d’économie et de management de l’innovation explorent différents types d’innovations, des innovations technologiques aux innovations sociales fondées sur la société civile, et diverses initiatives composant les systèmes alimentaires. In fine, les auteurs permettent de mettre en lumière la dynamique actuelle de l’innovation au sein des systèmes alimentaires en matière de durabilité et le rôle des acteurs (entrepreneurs, associations, pouvoirs publics) qui y participent : de la sélection variétale à la consommation (« de la fourche à la fourchette »).

• Agroforestry and organic agriculture, Rosati, Adolfo ; Borek, Robert ; Canali, Stefano; Agroforestry Systems 95, 2021, p. 805-821

Abstract : Current conventional agriculture is considered unsustainable and inadequate to address great societal challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, food security, dependence on fossil energy as well as the decline of natural resources and biodiversity. Many of these problems are related to agricultural specialization (i.e. monoculture) and the consequent simplification of the agroecosystem. In this respect, efforts aimed at improving individual agronomic techniques and at increasing the use-efficiency of external inputs (e.g. synthetic inputs, fossil fuels), without modifying the structure and functions of the whole system, appear to be insufficient to achieve sustainability in most conventional and intensive farming systems. Current organic farming systems adopting the so-called input substitution approach remain intensive and highly specialized and not necessarily able to significantly improve their sustainability. This would require system diversification and redesign of the agroecosystem to increase the spatial and temporal diversification of all its components and promote positive ecological relationships between them. Agroforestry is an agricultural approach based on the diversification of the agroecosystem production components (woody perennials, such as trees or shrubs, plus crops and/or livestock) and on the intensification of the agroecological relationships between these components. As such, it has transformative potential, providing an opportunity for increasing the sustainability of organic farming. In this article we review how the adoption of agroforestry practices could contribute to increasing sustainability in organic farming, and discuss the challenges and opportunities of this adoption.

• Food that Matters: Boundary Work and the Case for Vegan Food Practices, Hirth, Steffen; Sociologia ruralis, 2020-07-13

  Abstract: Meat and, less so, dairy are contested for their significant ethical and social-ecological impacts. Abjuring animal products, veganism is conventionally treated as a dietary ideology related to consumer identities. Drawing upon practice and materialist turns, this article explores variations in the performance of veganism and how its boundaries are drawn. Yet, rather than an eating practice, I suggest to look at veganism more broadly and conceptualised as a food practice which also involves provisioning. By example of stockfree organic agriculture (SOA), a production-based, processual understanding is outlined by which plant foods are ‘vegan’ if animal by-products are not used as fertilisers in crop cultivation. Thereof, a conceptual case is made to shift the focus away from veganism as a consumer identity and towards performative vegan food practices (VFP) as a global responsibility to reduce the ‘long shadow’ of livestock and maintain Earth as a relatively safe operating space.

• What does “organic” mean for farmers? A qualitative study on their perceptions and motivations about organic farming, Capdevila, Carmen; Ager (Zaragoza, Spain), 2020, Vol.2020 (30), p.45-67

  Abstract: Organic production involves multiple techniques and it is interpreted in different ways by the agents involved. They would act according to their preferences, values and expectations but also determined by the current system of food production, distribution and commercialization. At the same time, farmers experience a change in their perception regarding their business, themselves, and the relation with nature. For these reasons, it is relevant to study how this change contribute to the development of rural spaces and sustainable agrifood systems. The overall objective of this research is to find out producers’ views about organic agriculture and farm labour. In order to do so, I have analysed the discourses and experiences from thirteen deep-interviews to different agents related to organic production whose activity takes place in the region of Aragon (Spain). The study gives evidences about the change in the meaning of “farming” in organic production and their implications in the development of this sector, based in the ideal of sustainability. It shows how organic farming is not only driven by economic motivations but also farmers’ ecological commitment to sustainability.

• Organic Greenhouse Production: Towards an Agroecological Approach in the Framework of the New European Regulation—A Review; Fabio Tittarelli; Agronomy; January 2020; Vol. 10 Issue 1; p. 72.

Abstract: The next challenge of organic farming, according to many authors, is to overcome the horizon of a method of agricultural production towards a wider agroecological perspective whose main objective is to change the dominant agri-food system. In parallel with the discussion on the future of organic farming, in the European Union (EU), the more intensive systems of organic production in protected conditions have been the object of debate among the main actors of organic farming in the Member States (MS). The introduction of common measures for greenhouse production in the new European regulation on organic production represents the first important step in the implementation of more resilient cropping systems in protected conditions. This paper has the ambition of describing the evolution of the scientific and technical debate on organic greenhouse production in Europe over the last decade, and aims to show how the new regulation on organic farming has partially embedded some of the conclusions of the multi-actor discussion on the main production issues in protected conditions.

• The impact of food legislation on sustainability: Organic vs conventional?, Bourges, Leticia, European food and feed law review, 2020, Vol.15 (1), p.18-24.

  Abstract: The article presents the impact of food production on the environment and climate change. Topics include requiring significant amounts of energy, water and other resources, and also generating waste; use of chemical products such as herbicides and pesticides also impact on the environment; and producing large amount of methane impacting global warming.

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