Organic farming systems aim for sustainable production and consumption of agricultural produce. They are an increasingly accepted alternative to conventional methods of farming. As time goes on, however, there are new questions about goals, definitions, ways of looking (paradigms), about long-term effects and about issues like organic farming and food-security, rural development etc. Such questions require reflection and exchange of ideas and it is felt that recent insights from (complex-)system theory help in the process of priority setting for organic farming in this period of consolidation and challenge.
This workshop is planned to exchange and generate views on current and new issues in organic agriculture. Part of the program is used to discuss how modern system thinking can be of help to orient this process. Formal presentations are combined with intensive interaction for maximum generation and exchange of ideas. The workshop is organised in consultation with partners in and around Wageningen University, with other groups in the Netherlands and with individuals and institutions from elsewhere in Europe and beyond.
The workshop will update participants on developments, it facilitates networking to avoid that groups or individuals re-invent the wheel, and it will generate/develop new ideas for production, policy, teaching and research.