Within the organic sector, it remains important that innovation and enterprise be recognised and rewarded where appropriate. I have already commented on the importance and functionality of the producers cooperative, particularly in marginal economies where establishment costs of farming equipment and primary infrastructure might be shared amongst several members. The additional benefits of this model might include the ability to distribute practical agricultural knowledge and experience and to negotiate improved terms of trade. Producer Cooperatives in prosperous regions often have the additional resources which enable them to undertake more sophisticated operations. This might include capacity to engage specialist technical consultants, managerial...

The emergence and recent focus upon organically certified wine production has contributed to a reassessment of soil characteristics as an important element in new vineyard selection. Compared with the primary status afforded to climate, soil has been frequently neglected or rather taken for granted by a large section of the industry. One of the general rules for vineyard selection is to avoid deeply fertile soils. While these are often responsible for supporting valuable remnants of very old vines, they can be inappropriate for establishing new plantings and maintaining the healthy development of commercially productive rows. The soil profile becomes increasingly relevant in cooler regions where surface evaporation is less effective. In the...

The winemakers’ craft begins long before the annual harvest, when important decisions are made regarding the cultivation principles and ongoing management of carefully selected vines. Understandably, the organic approach specifies the importance of balancing each viticultural endeavour within the wider context of the surrounding ecosystem. A well managed organic vineyard should provide insight for individuals keen on recycling and avoiding the wasted resources which tend to accumulate in other agricultural enterprises. Since the widespread acceptance of mass-produced wines, there have been fewer opportunities to appreciate the individual components which contribute to regional character, complexity, and coarseness, on many occasions. It is...

The history of cane sugar has been shaped to a large extent by the plantations of the West Indies, Pacific Islands, and several regions within Latin America. Iturbe, Paraguay has recently distinguished itself as the official headquarters of the Asociación Agricola Cañera del Sur. Since the emergence of democratic government in 1989, agricultural cooperatives have become central to the lives of Paraguay’s primary producers, including those involved in the organic sugar sector. For a variety of reasons, most sugar producers are not in a position to raise the capital required to modernise operations and secure their access to international markets where organic products are desperately sought. Smaller producers have generally missed out...

To follow up recent comments on the importance of cooperatives within the organic sector, it seems fitting to identify then describe a selection of these. Organic Valley is the US based producer’s cooperative which is currently representing more than 1100 farmers, or approximately 10% of the organic farming community nationwide. Together, these farmers contribute organically certified foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, meat, soy milk, juices, and gluten free products. In their promotional material, Organic Valley are prepared to distinguish themselves from the corporate influences which control many of the food resources distributed throughout the US today. Based on their alternative business model, Organic Valley seeks to support the integrity...