The developments within organic farming and the threat of ‘conventionalisation’ have
been debated for over 10 years. This debate mostly focuses on the degree of
similarity between organic farming and conventional farming. We argue that whether
or not organic farming comes to resemble conventional farming may be less important
than whether organic farming practices stay true to the organic principles and values
that are its foundation. We thus argue that the conventionalisation debate needs to
avoid a narrow ‘back to the roots’ argument and move towards a principle-based
assessment of new practices. Once an assessment framework is developed, it could
be used by organic farmers and farmer associations and thus make the conventionalisation
debate more relevant to practitioners. It would also allow more transparency in
farming practices and support the recognition of those farmers not limiting themselves
to the minimum requirements as stipulated in the regulations
