Organic Farm Management Handbook 2023

About this book

The Organic Farm Management Handbook 2023 is a trusted manual of knowledge and guidance for organic farmers navigating the complexities of modern agriculture. Authored and edited by experts and informed by rigorous research, this handbook offers a comprehensive overview of essential principles, practices, and strategies vital for success in the organic farming sector.

It provides a detailed exploration of budgeting and business performance analysis as well as insightful discussions on market trends and environmental sustainability, each chapter delves deep into key aspects of organic farm management. The authors' and editors' expertise shines through in their ability to distil complex concepts into practical, actionable advice that resonates with both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.

One of the most commendable aspects of this handbook is its relevance to the real-world challenges faced by organic farmers today. By addressing pressing issues such as fluctuating market prices, soil health management, and regulatory compliance, the handbook equips readers with the knowledge and tools needed to overcome obstacles and thrive in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.

Moreover, the handbook's emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship reflects the growing importance of organic farming in mitigating climate change and promoting biodiversity. By promoting regenerative practices and holistic approaches to agriculture, the handbook empowers farmers to cultivate healthy, resilient ecosystems while also reaping the economic benefits of organic production.

The Organic Farm Management Handbook 2023 is an indispensable resource for organic farmers, agricultural advisors, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture. Its comprehensive coverage of the whole organic sector, practical insights, and relevance to real-world challenges make it a must-have addition to the library of anyone seeking to excel in organic farming. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, this handbook offers invaluable guidance on the path to success in organic agriculture.

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Biography

Nic Lampkin trained as an agricultural economist at Aberystwyth University and has been researching economic and policy as well as other aspects of organic farming since 1983. He published the best-selling textbook on Organic Farming in 1990 and with Susanne Padel edited the first book on the Economics of Organic Farming in 1994. In that year he also completed his PhD thesis on the economics of converting to organic farming that year and with Mark Measures published the first edition of the Organic Farm Management Handbook. Together with Susanne Padel they have provided the technical expertise necessary for the creation of all 12 editions, over the last 30 years. Since 2019, he has been working on organic farming policy in the EU at the Thünen Institute in Germany.

Mark Measures is a farmer’s son from Dorset. A conventional farm manager turned organic grower in the 1970s, he joined The Organic Research Centre (ORC) as farm manager in 1983. He set up the ORC Organic Advisory Service and headed it for 15 years before establishing and running the Institute of Organic Training and Advice for 10 years. He was also instrumental in the establishment and initial management of the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (now Organic Herd). Mark is now an independent organic agriculture consultant specialising in provision of on-farm advice and training in farm business management, soil, crop and animal husbandry and conversion planning. He has provided policy advice to Government and has been involved in many research projects, providing technical advice and dissemination. He is a partner in a 150-acre organic mixed farm in the Shropshire Hills producing beef and lamb for local and other markets. Mark has been editor of the Organic Farm Management Handbook since its inception in 1994.

Susanne Padel worked as a consultant for farmers interested in organic farming in North Germany before becoming a Research Associate at Aberystwyth University. She worked for ten years for the ORC as a senior researcher/programme manager, followed by a move to Germany and part-time work as a researcher in the Thünen Institute for Farm Economics on a project about women on farms. She now works part-time as a consultant on business and policy issues and continues her engagement in the organic sector in the UK and in Europe. Susanne has much experience in working with various socio-economic aspects of the organic sector, both in the UK and in Europe. Her research experience includes projects related to organic market data, market development, supply chains, organic conversion and whole farm planning, farm management, the regulatory regime and support policy development. Susanne has led a Defra study on UK organic regulation options post Brexit and a study for the Land Use Policy Group on transition to Agroecology. She worked on numerous EU funded projects (including case studies of supply chains in the EU funded DIVERSIFOOD) and was involved in several external studies for the DG AGRI including on value added in organic supply chains and the EU Organic Regulation. Susanne also was a member of the first board overseeing the establishment of Agricology and is a tutor on the SRUC programme MSc/PG Dip Organic Farming. Susanne has contributed to the Organic Farm Management Handbook from the start and has been a co-editor for the last 8 editions.