Sustainable agriculture: Development of organic farming. Case study of the Czech Republic
Sustainable agriculture: Development of organic farming. Case study of the Czech Republic

Author(s): Pavel Kotyza, Luboš Smutka
Subject(s): Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Business Economy / Management, Agriculture, Energy and Environmental Studies, Business Ethics
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego w Poznaniu
Keywords: organic agriculture;Czech Republic;sustainability;sustainable developement;organic farming;organic food industry;
Summary/Abstract: Sustainability is a crucial topic in today’s agricultural policy discussion. Agriculture faces 2 challenges—feeding increasing number of people, while being sustainable and reducing negative environmental effects. Agriculture will require “structural transformation” to meet goals of global society—the Sustainable Development Goals. Land management, bio-diversity and soil degradation are often correlated with farming practices. Thus, having sustainable agriculture requires transformation of farming practices, and organic farming belongs to potential directions. For over 3 decades, organic farming has gained on importance, market share as well as popularity among consumers, producers and policymakers. Health concerns, public support and market potential convinced farmers to introduce non-conventional farming practices. On the contrary, organic farming is often criticized for lower production potential, higher pricing and labour intensity. In the Czech Republic current organic production is rather extensive (on pastures), and products are not sold as organic due to the market oversaturation. However, slow but increasing trend in crop production, which could lead to improved farm economies is observed. The future of organic farming development as individual by side effects related to organic farming are considered to be of the key significance for long-term sustainability of agricultural activities. Organic farming is not a solution to current society issues, butit could be considered as innovative alternative approach for future generations.

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