From conversion payments to integrated action plans in the European Union

Organic agriculture is one of the most rapidly developing market segments in OECD countries. Policy measures have been introduced in many of these countries to encourage and promote organic farming. But what is the contribution of organic agriculture to sustainable development? What issues should be addressed by policies? And what are governments doing and how effective have their actions been? This book examines these issues. Based on papers presented at an OECD workshop held in September 2002 in Washington DC, it shows that organic agriculture is less stressful on the environment, but that its economic performance is mixed. The book also concludes that organic agriculture is disadvantaged by current support policies and that the proliferation of standards and labels may confuse consumers and inhibit trade. This book contains papers by the leading experts in the field and covers the key issues facing organic agriculture today. Anyone with an interest in organic agriculture will find this a fascinating and valuable book.