A literature review dealing with organic farming and the barriers (mostly barriers ) and benefits that it faces, with an addition of a case study which is Organic Farming in Scotland.
My chosen topic is Organic farming. Though organic farming may be considered a sustainable initiative, it undergoes quite a few barriers, such as:
• Pricing - It tends to be quite expensive to get the materials and seeds used. This is due to the fact that, one needs to acquire organic certification and also because they are mainly not available. Given the fact that it is locally undersupplied, the cost of shipping for a single buyer is immense. Shipping costs can actually cost more than the product.
• Risks of Disease- There are risks of transmission of different types of diseases in the food supply, caused by the use of "green" manure as fertilizers. One can get E.Coli and other types of pathogens often found in manure.
• Qualities of standard- Consumers tend to pick out food with "Barbie-doll features". Food, which does not contain any, bumps or bruises and blemishes. This proves to be a challenge, as majority of organic food tends to have blemished products.
• Profitability is low- Majority of small organic farms are not profitable businesses while the land is expensive.
A case study is: Organic Farming in Scotland
Organic farming practices are being followed on a variety of farm enterprises in Scotland.
Blackruthven Farm, Perth (low ground cropping farm)
The farm started conversion to organic in 1998. Owned by Revd and Mrs Anker-Petersen, it is contract-farmed by Hugh Grierson of Newmiln Farm, Tibbermore. It extends to 119 ha, all eligible for Arable Aid Payment Scheme.