International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability
International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 3 (2006) 122–129
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Methodologies for the Comparison of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems
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Howard Lee
Hadlow College, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 0AL, UK
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Abstract
The development of organic farming in many parts of the world has depended upon a critical comparison with other, largely conventional, production systems. This paper attempts to review the methods used for such comparisons and to highlight their advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions are that classic experimentation has a valuable part to play but that more qualitative assessment can also be useful and should be encouraged. Careful allowance should be made for major background differences in farm management when making comparisons. Longer-term case studies, which try to monitor organic systems in their own right, should also be considered and which utilise models to help rationalise complex data where appropriate.
Keywords: comparison, organic, conventional, farming, systems
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