The major characteristics of environmental policies and agro-ecological technologies to be studied in Test case 2

Agricultural and Food Policy, Environmental Economics and Policy, Farm Management, Land Economics/Use,

Perceptions of land abandonment in the Swiss Alps and the role of Regional Natural Parks in revitalizing them

Agricultural and natural ecosystems are major shapers and products of a landscape; over time, the perception of interactions between the two has evolved significantly. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of agriculture's dual role in sustaining both human livelihoods and natural habitats, signaling its potential significance in nature conservation efforts. Moreover, the phenomenon of land abandonment has emerged as a pivotal trend influencing landscapes, particularly in mountainous regions. By exploring local actors’ perceptions of land abandonment within the Trient Valley, a mountainous area in the Swiss Alps currently in the process of becoming a Swiss Regional Natural Park, this study establishes a groundwork for understanding the role that Regional Natural Parks can assume in supporting the agricultural sector to reverse or prevent land abandonment (LA). A reflexive photography approach, combining a photo taking activity, interviews and group discussions, in two distinct segments of study was applied. One part focused on understanding local farmers’ perception of LA through their activities and how Regional Natural Parks can support them. The other part focused on how the potential Regional Natural Parks in the Trient valley can engage non-farmers in the mitigation of LA, by studying their perception of this phenomenon, of its possible mitigation and of their potential role in the latter. It underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, drawing on local engagement, ecological considerations, and cultural preservation as guiding principles. This study found that Regional Nature Parks can counter land abandonment by fostering understanding, supporting various revitalization strategies and revitalizing the importance of agriculture and cultural heritage among locals and visitors, thus aligning themselves with their overarching objectives of conservation, biodiversity enhancement and sustainable development

Options for Economic Growth in Mali through the Application of Science and Technology to Agriculture

Prepared For The United States Agency for International Development Initiative To End Hunger In Africafood security, food policy, Mali science and technology research, research and extension, International Development, Q18,

Growth Trends in European Organic Food and Agriculture

In Europe today, organic agricultural land, operators4 and markets5, in almost all countries, continue to develop and grow. Furthermore in a global context Europe continues to be a forerunner in organic agriculture. This positive development in Europe and in particular in the European Union (EU) is due to a number of reasons, including strong consumer demand, legal protection and requirements for organic production and labelling as set out in EU and national legislation, and the development of private organic standards. In addition, policy support measures, such as conversion and maintenance payments for organic production and other relevant measures, provided for in most countries under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) and support for research and advice, contribute to sectoral development. More coordinated policy approaches have also been promoted through national organic action plans which seek to link support measures with further development and growth. The organic sector also benefits from strong organisations, represented by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) EU Group, which plays an important role in the development of organic food and farming in Europe. The chapter presents the latest area, operator and market data for Europe (2012 data

Country Reports

The country reports presented in this section provide a snapshot in time of the prospects in different countries as well as outlining the diversity of European organic farming and markets. This section builds on the information and analysis in Chapter 5, with reports from over 30 countries. The reports begin by summarising the key indicators for 2012, from developments in the area of agricultural land under organic production and the number of different organic operators to the latest information on the organic market and trade. In addition the authors observe the sector’s current highlights and history, key institutions, production base and the market for organic products. The reports also consider the application of organic standards, legislation and logos and public policy and research and advice environment in each country. Finally the authors look at the challenges and outlook for the future as well as sources for finding further information. Austria Elisabeth Klingbacher Belgium Paul Verbeke Bulgaria Stoilko Apostolov Croatia Darko Znaor Czech Republic Andrea Hrabalova Denmark Tomas Fibiger Norfelt Estonia Merit Mikk Finland Sampsa Heinonen France Elisabeth Mercier Germany Diana Schaack and Helga Willer Greece Nicolette van der Smissen Hungary Zoltan Dezseny and Dora Drexler Iceland Gunnar A Gunnarsson Ireland Grace Maher Italy Marta Romeo and Marie Reine Bteich Latvia Gustavs Norkārklis Liechtenstein Klaus Büchel Lithuania Virgilijus Skulskis Luxembourg Raymond Aendekerk Montenegro Nataša Mirecki Netherlands Marian Blom Norway Gerald Altena Poland Dorota Metera Portugal Catarina Crisostomo Romania Boldizsar Megyesi Serbia Jelena Milic Slovenia Anamarija Slabe Spain Victor Gonzalvez Sweden Johan Cejie Switzerland Helga Willer Turkey Uygun Aksoy United Kingdom Susanne Pade

Organic in Europe - Prospects and Developments

This publication provides an overview of developments and future prospects from the perspective of public policy support and market growth. EU agricultural and food policies continue to have a significant impact on the development of organic farming not only in the EU-28, but also across Europe influencing market trends in EU Candidate and Potential candidate countries as well as countries within the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Divided into three sections the publication firstly assesses the latest developments in EU organic food and farming policy, secondly it considers case studies of organic farming policy in action both in the EU and other European countries and finally it provides a detailed overview of organic farming and market development in Europe from the latest market trends to detailed reports of the sector in different countries. We hope that the information presented in this publication will be a valuable resource for organic stakeholders, policymakers, journalists, and other interest parties

The World of Organic Agriculture Statistics and Emerging Trends 2020

Organic agriculture is practiced in 186 countries, and 71.5 million hectares of agricultural land are managed organically by approximately 2.8 million farmers. The global sales of organic food and drink reached more than 96 million euros in 2018. The 21st edition of The World of Organic Agriculture, published by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and IFOAM – Organics International, provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in global organic agriculture. It includes contributions from representatives of the organic sector around the world and presents detailed organic farming statistics that cover the area under organic management, specific information about land use in organic systems, the number of farms and other operator types, and selected market data. The book also contains information about the global market for organic food, information on standards and regulations, organic policy, and insights into current and emerging trends in organic agriculture in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania. In addition, the volume includes reports about the organic sector in Australia, Canada, the Pacific Islands, and the United States of America and brief updates for various countries in Asia. This book has been produced with the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Coop Sustainability Fund of Coop, and NürnbergMesse. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinions of ITC, SECO, or NürnbergMesse. +++ Affiliates of IFOAM – Organics International order the book at a reduced price directly from IFOAM – Organics International . Tel. +49 (0)228 926 50-10+49 (0)228 926 50-10; [email protected]; www.ifoam.bi

The World of Organic Agriculture. Statistics and Emerging Trends 2017

The 18th edition of The World of Organic Agriculture, published by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and IFOAM – Organics International, provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in global organic agriculture. It includes contributions from representatives of the organic sector around the world and provides comprehensive organic farming statistics that cover the area under organic management, specific information about land use in organic systems, the number of farms and other operator types, and selected market data