The role of organic agriculture in networks for rural development

The paper presents results on the societal contributions of organic agriculture that go beyond environmental benefits derived from organic standards of production. Based on a survey and case studies, the differing contributions toward rural development by organic farms in Brandenburg (Germany) are demonstrated, including their social and regional engagement, building of bridges between urban and rural areas, and promotion of regional marketing and tourism. Further, the paper highlights the organizational context of these entrepreneurial activities and differentiates between entrepreneurial networks, networks of sustainable regional development, and civil networks. Looking closer at the types of networks the farms are part of and their significance for the societal engagement of organic farms, allows the drawing of conclusions regarding strategies of support for regional development. The identification of key actors and structures that promote regional development seems to be especially important for peripheral rural areas

Was trägt die Biobranche zu „Zukunftsfähigem Wohlstand“ in Berlin-Brandenburg bei?

Enterprises of the organic food sector contribute in various ways to sustainable devel-opment, wealth, and quality of life in their region. We present a preliminary description and evaluation of these multi-dimensional effects (telephone interviews with directors of 58 enterprises) and the institutional framework conditions of the organic food sector in the region of Berlin and Brandenburg in north-east Germany

Umstellung öffentlicher Küchen in ländlichen Räumen auf Biolebensmittel: eine Wirkungsanalyse der externen Beratung

In a pilot project, public kitchens in two rural areas of Northeastern Germany are being supported in using more organic products, preferably from the region. A concomitant research project analyses the impacts of this pilot project, focussing on production, processing, kitchens and consumers. After the first research phase, first conclusions regarding the problems and chances of non-investive support in rural development processes can be deducted