Based on papers presented at an OECD workshop in September 2002 in Washington DC, this book 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.
Introduction - organic agriculture, sustainability and policy, D. Jones; what is organic agriculture? What I learned from my transition, B. Liebhardt. Part 1 Organic agriculture and sustainability: organic agriculture and the environment - overview; organic agriculture and the environment - case studies; economic and social aspects of organic agriculture. Part II The organic market: marketing and trading issues for organic products; issues for producers for organic products; issues for consumers of organic products; labelling, standards and regulations; conversion and support payments; research information and communication.