Agronomy journal, Vol. 70 No. 3, 2008.
Professional paper
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE – THE FUTURE OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL PRODUCERS IN POPOVO POLJE VALLEY
Gordana Radovanović
; Movement for Peace-MPDL, Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
García B. Pérez
; Movement for Peace-MPDL, Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract
Present activities have been implemented under the scope of the “Agricultural Development of Rural Communities in Eastern Herzegovina” project whose main objective is to create appropriate conditions for the integrated reactivation of the agriculture in the Popovo polje valley. Within this framework, two integrated pilot projects for the introduction of organic agriculture have been carried out complemented with a specific research on market possibilities for organic production, in order to contribute to the correct management of the natural resources of the area, as well as to give impulse to productive and commercial capacities of the farmers. One pilot project was production of potato and onion, while the other one was plantation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP). Within both pilot projects activities were oriented to provide assistance and technical training for farmers as well as assistance on organic certification procedure and assistance on marketing the production. Results of both pilot projects proved that organic production was possible from agro-technical and agro-ecological aspects in Popovo polje. Analysis of essential oils of the cultivated MAP showed that quality was good to very good and production was easily marketed with a comparative profitability as against initial investment needs. Among cultivated MAP, dill production came out to be the most attractive taking into consideration money and work invested for production. In case of vegetables, figures related to profitability, if compared with those related to conventional production; confirm the potential of organic farming vegetables to provide a slightly higher margin of profitability especially once the initial investment of land conversion is mortgaged. As regards the results of the market research, the analysis of the demand showed the limitations: organic products have higher prices than those conventionally produced, and distrust of the organic products label and the conditions in which these products are actually grown. In any case, they also showed consumers low level of awareness of the importance of organic farming, and he existence of an official certification body. Considering all the prof and contras, in the present situation of development of agriculture market in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and looking for better opportunities for the Popovo Polje valley small producers who compete in conventional agriculture with bigger farmers and companies, it has been proved that organic agriculture can be a profitable alternative for small producers as well as better long-term choice.
Keywords
natural potential; small farmers; comparative competitiveness; pilot experiences; Popovo Polje
Hrčak ID:
28619
URI
Publication date:
15.10.2008.
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