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Conventionalization of Organic Agriculture: A Multiple Case Study Analysis in Brazil and Italy

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  • Oscar José Rover

    (Department of Zootechny and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis-SC 88034-001, Brazil)

  • Adevan da Silva Pugas

    (Department of Zootechny and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis-SC 88034-001, Brazil)

  • Bernardo Corrado De Gennaro

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

  • Francesco Vittori

    (Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy)

  • Luigi Roselli

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70126 Bari, Italy)

Abstract

The conventionalization of organic agriculture has been described as a process in which organic agriculture increasingly adopts the features of conventional modes of production based on industrial farming methods. The increasing supply of organic products to the large retailers is considered the main driver of conventionalization. This process has negative implications for the agrobiodiversity of organic farming systems. The present study aims to investigate and analyze the impact of retailing strategies on the agrobiodiversity of organic farms. A survey of farms located in rural areas near large urban centers (three metropolitan regions in Southern Brazil and four Italian regions) was undertaken. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews based on a semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis indicates that the farms surveyed maintained a high level of agrobiodiversity and active participation in alternative food networks. Our findings point out that there was a significant and positive correlation between the crop richness index and the share of farm sales through alternative food networks. We conclude that adopting various forms of direct sale is the key factor in stimulating farms’ agrobiodiversity, but proximity to densely populated areas is a necessary precondition for the development of the short food supply chains needed to stimulate the diversification of organic agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Oscar José Rover & Adevan da Silva Pugas & Bernardo Corrado De Gennaro & Francesco Vittori & Luigi Roselli, 2020. "Conventionalization of Organic Agriculture: A Multiple Case Study Analysis in Brazil and Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:16:p:6580-:d:398912
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Amy Guptill, 2009. "Exploring the conventionalization of organic dairy: trends and counter-trends in upstate New York," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 26(1), pages 29-42, March.
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