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Diversification, specialisation, co-operation in organic farming: Concpets and strategies for better farm management and work organisation

Project


Project code: 2803OE4541
Contract period: 01.11.2005 - 29.02.2008
Budget: 97,886 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research

The aim of this research project was to provide farmers and extension workers with tools for the decision on farm development strategies - whether in the direction of specialisation or the direction of diversification - and to help them to handle the corresponding challenges in farm management successfully. In view of the complexity of the topic, face-to-face interviews were conducted. By means of a partially standardised questionnaire, the path of development of 40 economically successful organic farms was surveyed. Based on the past development of these farms four different strategy types were identified: the classic diversifier, the partial diversifier, the concentrating/integrating farmers as well as the purely specialising farmer. In almost all farms, a high level of added value was achieved either via the integration of processing and/or marketing activities or through primary production of high value crops such as potatoes and field vegetables. The emphasis of the empirical study was the influence of the farmer's personality on farm development. With the DISG personality profiles, interactions could be demonstrated between the behaviour types shown in the profile and the strategic direction of the farm in an explorative way. In addition to the identification of strategy types, these results were particularly important for the development of a concept for strategic consultancy in the second phase of the research project. A kit of tools for new strategic consulting was developed by the project team, which in addition to the DISG personality profile also contains other new methodical elements. In the subsequent testing phase, the new concept with its different tools was tested with eight farmers being in a decision phase on new farm orientation. In a real participatory approach with farmers, advisors and scientists involved, the whole concept was adjusted and improved until ready for practice.

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