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      • Trusted Partner
        May 2021

        Mocked, Battled, Desired

        With organic pioneer Ulrich Walter through five decades

        by Heike Leitschuh

        The small district town of Diepholz lies between Bremen, Oldenburg and Osnabrück, and no one could possibly describe it as “well-known”. Quite unlike the Lebensbaum company, which was founded here by Ulrich Walter in 1979. Those who eat mindfully will probably also be familiar with the coffees, teas and spices of this pioneering organic company, which frequently and repeatedly receives a range of awards for sustainability and now employs around 200 people. Heike Leitschuh draws a lifelike portrait of an entrepreneur of the organic founding generation who turned a small shop into a successful medium-sized company, played a key role in shaping the organic industry, and has offered perspectives for its future.

      • Trusted Partner
        Agriculture & related industries
        September 2003

        Organic Fruit Growing

        by Karl Lind, Gottfried Lafer, Karl Schloffer, Georg Innerhofer, Hans Meister

        Descriptions of fruit varieties suitable for organic production Plant protection, pests and diseases and how they can be countered in organic systems Includes tables, diagrams graphs and photographsThere is great interest in organic horticulture and this title is a timely and much needed addition for practical, science-based guidance. It is a translation of a volume which has been very well received in German and is the product of collaboration between authors in Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The contents include the basics of organic fruit growing, but also cover orchard construction, cultivation, protection and the commercialization of the organic products.

      • Trusted Partner
        Technology, Engineering & Agriculture
        November 2019

        Organic Food Systems

        Meeting the Needs of Southern Africa

        by Raymond Auerbach

        Organic agriculture world-wide allows farmers to produce healthy food with low levels of external inputs, and often shortens the value chains, giving farmers a higher share of the consumer dollar. This book reports on long-term comparative organic farming systems research trials carried out over the last four years in South Africa's Southern Cape, as well as research on the organic sector and the technical tools it requires in South Africa, Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. The trials show how the yield gap between organic and conventional crops was closed over 3 years. Water use efficiency was also greater in the organic farming system, and pests and diseases were effectively controlled using biological products. Farmer training approaches, soil carbon analysis, participatory guarantee systems, the Zambian organic farming sector (agronomy) and Ugandan organic farmer training support, and a sector plan for southern African organic farming are examined.

      • Trusted Partner
        Sustainability
        March 2011

        Organic Farming

        An International History

        by Jessica Aschemann, Thomas Cierpka, Gunter Vogt, Michael Sligh, Deborah H Stinner, Urs Niggli, Susanne Padel, Otto Schmid, Bernard Geier, Philip Conford, Inger Källander, Dina Foguelman, Els Wynen, Katherine DiMatteo. Edited by William Lockeretz.

        Beginning as a small protest to the industrialization of agriculture in the 1920s, organic farming has become a significant force in agricultural policy, marketing, and research. No longer dismissed as unscientific and counterproductive, organic techniques are now taken seriously by farmers, consumers, scientists, food processors, marketers, and regulatory agencies in much of the world. Organic farming is both dynamic and forward-looking but is also rooted in tradition. It is these traditions that can provide valuable starting points in debates over how organic farming should meet new challenges such as globalization, the emergence of new production techniques, and growing concern over equity and social justice in agriculture. Complementing general discussions with case histories of important organic institutions in various countries, this comprehensive discussion is the first to explore the development of organic agriculture.

      • Trusted Partner
        Agriculture & related industries
        August 2006

        Organic Agriculture

        A Global Perspective

        by Edited by Paul Kristiansen, Acram Taji, John Reganold

        There is a growing niche market world-wide for organic produce. However there are considerable problems in expanding organic production and it is often considered a lifestyle or philosophical choice rather than an alternative source of ideas to improve farming systems. This book provides an overview of organic systems, from production through to the economic, social and political aspects. It presents a critical appraisal of the successes and limitations of organic production systems and highlights recent innovations. The book concludes by looking at the future challenges facing the organic agriculture industry.

      • Trusted Partner
        Agriculture & related industries
        October 2007

        Organic Farming

        An International History

        by William Lockeretz, Jessica Aschemann, Thomas Cierpka, Gunter Vogt, Michael Sligh, Deborah H Stinner, Urs Niggli, Susanne Padel, Otto Schmid, Bernard Geier, Philip Conford, Inger Källander, Dina Foguelman, Els Wynen, Katherine DiMatteo

        Beginning as a small protest to the industrialization of agriculture in the 1920s, organic farming has become a significant force in agricultural policy, marketing, and research. No longer dismissed as unscientific and counterproductive, organic techniques are now taken seriously by farmers, consumers, scientists, food processors, marketers, and regulatory agencies in much of the world. Organic farming is both dynamic and forward-looking but is also rooted in tradition. It is these traditions that can provide valuable starting points in debates over how organic farming should meet new challenges such as globalization, the emergence of new production techniques, and growing concern over equity and social justice in agriculture. Complementing general discussions with case histories of important organic institutions in various countries, this comprehensive discussion is the first to explore the development of organic agriculture. This title is now also available in paperback.

      • Trusted Partner
        Poultry farming
        July 2008

        Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Poultry

        by Robert Blair, J Jacob

        Organic poultry production Has increased significantly in recent years in response to increasing consumer demand for orgnaic eggs and meat. Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Poultry is the first comrehensive text on feeding organic poultry; presenting advice on selecting suitable ingredients, preparing appropriate feed mixtures and intergrating them into organic poultry production systems.The international standards of organic feeding, the species and breeds of poultry most suitable for organic farming , up-to-date information on the nutritional requirements of poultry, and examples of diets formulated to organic standards are all discussed.

      • Trusted Partner
        Limnology (freshwater)
        December 2004

        Organic Phosphorus in the Environment

        by Edited by Benjamin L Turner, Emmanuel Frossard, Darren S Baldwin

        Organic phosphorus is involved in almost every biological process. Organic forms of phosphorus often dominate in soils and aquatic systems and many organisms possess complex mechanisms enabling them to access phosphorus from organic compounds. However organic phosphorus remains the most poorly understood aspect of the global phosphorus cycle. This book brings together the latest research and opinion on the biogeochemistry of organic phosphorus from a wide range of disciplines and focuses specifically on the characterisation and transformations of organic phosphorus in terrestrial and aquatic systems. It examines analytical procedures for the chemical characterization of organic phosphorus in environmental samples, processes regulating organic phosphorus in the environment, and integration of the process at the ecosystem level. Ecological, chemical, microbiological and analytical aspects are explored. Written by a team of leading experts, the book will provide an invaluable reference for all those interested in organic phosphorus.

      • Trusted Partner
        Agriculture & related industries
        June 2003

        Organic Agriculture

        Sustainability, Markets and Policies

        by OECD

        Organic agriculture is one of the most rapidly developing market segments in OECD countries. Policy measures have been introduced in many of these countries to encourage and promote organic farming. But what is the contribution of organic agriculture to sustainable development? What issues should be addressed by policies? And what are governments doing and how effective have their actions been? This book examines these issues. Based on papers presented at an OECD workshop held in September 2002 in Washington DC, it shows that organic agriculture is less stressful on the environment, but that its economic performance is mixed. The book also concludes that organic agriculture is disadvantaged by current support policies and that the proliferation of standards and labels may confuse consumers and inhibit trade. This book contains papers by the leading experts in the field and covers the key issues facing organic agriculture today. Anyone with an interest in organic agriculture will find this a fascinating and valuable book.

      • Trusted Partner
        Agriculture & related industries
        March 2011

        Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Cattle

        by Robert Blair

        The practice of organic cattle farming has continued to increase in recent years, backed by consumer demand, organisations and governments. Beginning with an overview of the aims and principles behind organic cattle production this book presents comprehensive information about how to feed cattle so that the milk and meat produced meet organic standards. Nutrition and Feeding of Organic Cattle provides a comprehensive summary of ruminant digestive processes and nutrition. The author, past-President of the World Association for Animal Production, utilises years of animal nutrition experience to describe the effects of feeding programmes using approved organic ingredients on cattle productivity, health and welfare. The book also provides up-to-date information on consumer aspects of organic meat and milk, and on production of greenhouse gases by cattle raised organically. Completing a trilogy of books specifically designed to address the feeding of organic farm animals, this text will be of particular interest to producers, researchers, lecturers, regulatory agencies, feed manufacturers, food producers and veterinarians.

      • Trusted Partner
        Fertilizers & manures
        December 2000

        Sustainable Management of Soil Organic Matter

        by Edited by Robert M Rees, B Ball, C Watson, C D Campbell

        Includes some fifty edited and revised papers from an international conference on Sustainable Management of Soil Organic Matter, held by the British Society of Soil Science in Edinburgh in September 1999. The book explores the results of recent research studies examining how organic matter functions in soils, factors affecting organic matter quality and quantity and how management of organic matter can be optimised in order to achieve sustainable farming practices.

      • Trusted Partner
        Agriculture & related industries
        July 2006

        Sociological Perspectives of Organic Agriculture

        From Pioneer to Policy

        by Edited by Georgina Holt, Matthew Reed

        This book takes a fresh look at understanding the dynamics of the organic agricultural sector in Europe, Australia, South America and the US. Many of the authors explore the use of combined methodology, drawing on theory from a range of social sciences to demonstrate that the complexity of organic agriculture lies in the close connection between nature, society and the economy. Likewise, whilst the book depicts organic agriculture as an engine of growth for the organic sector, it reflects also the important role played by, not only producers but also, other actors in the supply chain, such as consumers and certification standards.

      • Trusted Partner
        Animal breeding
        December 2003

        Animal Health and Welfare in Organic Agriculture

        by Mette Vaarst, Stephen Roderick, Vonne Lund, William Lockeretz, Ewald Weber

        The rapid growth of organic farming has been amongst the most remarkable changes in global agriculture in recent decades. Initially, more attention was paid to the crop side of organic systems, but that has now changed and there is greater recognition of the need to understand animal health and welfare better. This book will further the understanding of organic animal husbandry, demonstrating practical solutions and innovative methods, and drawing mainly on research and practical experience with organic farming in Europe.

      • Trusted Partner
        Technology, Engineering & Agriculture
        December 2017

        Handbook of Pest Management in Organic Farming

        by Vincenzo Vacante, Urs Niggli, Serge Kreiter, Massimo Benuzzi, Jorge E Peña, Gavino Delrio, B. Merle Shepard, Hüseyin Baspinar, Carmelo Bonsignore, Dominique Bordat, Qiang Xiao, Bernard Dufour, Régis Babin, Alberto Pantoja, Josep Anton Jacas Miret, Raija Komppula, Beate Bursta

        This book is an up-to-date and comprehensive reference covering pest management in organic farming in major crops of the world. General introductory chapters explore the management of crops to prevent pest outbreaks, plant protection tools in organic farming, and natural enemies and pest control. The remaining chapters are crop-based and discuss geographic distribution, economic importance and key pests. For each pest the fundamental aspects of its bio-ecology and the various methods of control are presented. Understanding of the scientific content is facilitated with practical advice, tables and diagrams, helping users to apply the theories and recommendations. Handbook of Pest Management in Organic Farming: · Consists of rational approaches and advice. · Is authored by a team of international specialists in pest control. · Represents the only available comprehensive review of insect pest management in organic systems. This is an essential resource for researchers and extension workers in crop protection, integrated pest management and biocontrol, and organic farming systems.

      • Trusted Partner
        Technology, Engineering & Agriculture
        December 2017

        Fair Trade and Organic Agriculture

        A Winning Combination?

        by Priyanka Parvathi, Ulrike Grote, Hermann Waibel, Arnab Basu, Lee Buyers, Rene Capote, Ricardo Fort, Ulrike Grote, Casey Goldvale, Ulrich Hamm, Pradyot Ranjan Jena, Linda Kleemann, Katharina Krumbiegel, Julia Lernoud, Priyanka Parvathi, Yu Hui Qiao, Ruerd Ruben, Rosa Scheenbecker, Till Stellmacher, Romane Viennet, Hermann Waibel, Helga Willer, Meike Wollni, Katrin Zander

        The markets for organic and fair trade certified commodities are growing rapidly, with environmentally sound and more equitable certification systems likely to offer benefits for both small-scale farmers and society at large. Despite much debate about their contribution to sustainability, there has been little scientific analysis, so it is vital to assess if it is technically and economically feasible to meet growing consumer demands regarding food safety, quality and ethics through smallholder and marginal producers. Overall, there is a need to explore the potential of these certification systems as emerging areas in research and development cooperation. This book includes: - Worldwide case studies (from the supply side in Asia, Africa, and Latin America; and from the demand side in Europe and North America) to put theory into practice. - Analyses of sustainable development and poverty reduction through organic and fair trade markets. - Insights into the conditions where it is beneficial for developing country smallholder producers to adopt fair trade and organic certification systems. - Investigation into whether consumers will pay more for a product that is both organic and fair trade certified. This book is an important read for researchers and students in agricultural and development economics, and it is also a useful resource for policy makers and practitioners involved in organic and fair trade agriculture.

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics

        Hydroponics and Protected Cultivation

        A Practical Guide

        by Lynette Morgan

        A comprehensive, practical text which covers a diverse range of hydroponic and protected cropping techniques, systems, greenhouse types and environments. It also details the use of indoor plant factories, vertical systems, organic hydroponics and aquaponics.Worldwide hydroponic cropping operations can vary from large, corporate producers running many hectares of greenhouse systems particularly for crops such as tomato, cucumber, capsicum and lettuce, to smaller-scale growers growing fresh produce for local markets.Included in this book:Detailed technical information to help growers and students to design and run their own hydroponic operations.In-depth research to explain the factors that influence plant growth, produce quality, post-harvest life and hydroponic plant nutrition.New advances such as the use of organic nutrients and substrates, completely enclosed indoor plant factories and the growing number of small-scale, non-commercial applications.Hydroponics and Protected Cultivation is fully illustrated with colour images and photographs to illustrate key topics and help identify problem areas. It is suitable for growers, researchers and students in horticulture. Table of contents 1: Background and History of Hydroponics and Protected Cultivation 2: Greenhouses and Protected Cropping Structures 3: The Greenhouse Environment and Energy Use 4: Greenhouse Operation and Management 5: Hydroponic Systems – Solution Culture 6: Substrate-based Hydroponic Systems 7: Organic Soilless Greenhouse Systems 8: Propagation and Transplant Production 9: Plant Nutrition and Nutrient Formulation 10: Plant Health, Plant Protection and Abiotic Factors 11: Hydroponic Production of Selected Crops 12: Plant Factories – Closed Plant Production Systems 13: Greenhouse Produce Quality and Assessment 14: Harvest and Postharvest Factors

      • Trusted Partner
        Rural communities
        October 2006

        Going Organic

        Mobilizing Networks for Environmentally Responsible Food Production

        by Stewart Lockie, Kristen Lyons, Geoffrey Lawrence, Darren Halpin

        This book sets out to examine what really is going on in the organic sector socially and politically. In the process, it debunks a number of apparently common-sense beliefs: that organic consumers are wealthy environmental and health extremists; that growth in the industry will inevitably undermine its environmental values; that mainstream media is antagonistic to organics; and that the industry is driven by consumer demand. This book seeks to make a practical contribution to the development of more sustainable food systems by articulating what it takes to get people involved in organics at each stage of the food chain.

      • Trusted Partner
        Pharmaceutical industries
        September 2008

        Health Benefits of Organic Food

        Effects of the Environment

        by Edited by D I Givens, Samantha Baxter, Anne Marie Minihane, Elizabeth J Shaw.

        Public concern over impacts of chemicals in plant and animal production on health and the environment has led to increased demand for organic produce, which is usually promoted and often perceived as containing fewer contaminants, more nutrients, and being positive for the environment.These benefits are difficult to quantify, and potential environmental impacts on such benefits have not been widely studied. This book addresses these key points, examining factors such as the role of certain nutrients in prevention and promotion of chronic disease, potential health benefits of bioactive compounds in plants, the prevalence of food-borne pesticides and pathogens and how both local and global environmental factors may affect any differences between organic and conventionally produced food.With contributions from experts in a broad range of related disciplines, this book is an essential resource for researchers and students in human health and nutrition, environmental science, agriculture and organic farming.

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