New strategy for Danish research
in organic farming
Many of the current research activities in the Danish Research Centre for Organic Farming (DARCOF) will conclude at the end of 2004. In order to create the basis for new research initiatives that will consider both the needs of society in general and the development potential in organic farming, the Management Committee of DARCOF has in cooperation with its user group prepared a draft strategy for future research.
The draft is entitled International research collaboration and integrity in organic farming and builds on five central objectives. These are:
- The initiation and coordination of research based on organic farming principles that promotes integrity and efficiency throughout the whole production chain – from farmer to consumer
- Generate further knowledge on how organic farming may contribute to a sustainable development of society
- Ensure scientific research quality at a high international level and the maximum utilization of the research resources
- Contribute to a strengthened European and international collaboration in research and research training in organic farming and food production
- Ensure the relevance and applicability of research through dissemination, communication and cooperation with the user of research and research environments
The problems, challenges and research potentials are described for each objective. For example, the first objective describes various problems in the production, processing and sale of organic foods. This includes both the direct expectations of consumers relating to the product in terms of its health and quality aspects, but also the more indirect expectations, i.e. that an organic production system must give special consideration to the environment, nature, animal welfare, etc. This objective also describes some of the requirements that have to be met before organic products will be able to meet consumer demands, i.e. where further knowledge is required and what research is needed in order to acquire this knowledge.
The second objective focuses on how organic farming may contribute to sustainable development in society. This is both from a local perspective, focusing on the development of environmentally friendly production methods, but also from a global perspective, where cross-border cooperation will enable increased consideration to be given to the nature, environment and social and development matters.
The last three objectives focus in particular on the continued development of the quality and relevance of research, as well as on the possibilities for strengthening international research cooperation.
You will find the complete draft on the DARCOF web pages. From these pages, it is also possible for you to send us your comments on the draft.
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