J.-M. Besson and M. Olez
Among the low input technologies, biological farming has, especially in Europe, an ever increasing importance. Various biological farming methods have been developed. They all have in common that the individual farm is considered as the smallest functional unit of production, a living organism. Biological farming involves the whole farm in a structured system which is applied to all different but harmonizing branches of production. The production cycle is as closed as possible, restricting external inputs to the utmost.
There is a considerable volume of relevant research on biological farming and low input technologies. The exchange of experimental data and experiences on ongoing research and development activities could make a significant contribution to the improvement of biological farming in Europe.
In recognition this need the FAO Regional Office for Europe (REUR) in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Research Station for Agricultural Chemistry and Hygiene of Environment, Liebefeld - Bern, undertook to organize the "Expert Consultation on Biological Farming in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities".
The Consultation had following principal objectives:
1. to review and analyse the present status and development perspectives of biological farming in Europe;2. to evaluate the relevance of biological farming practices to the needs of farmers and consumers;
3. to discuss selected topics of importance to both producers and consumers, which also require government regulations such as marketing and quality control of products;
4. to promote activities and mobilize resources for the improvement of biological farming in Europe;
5. to discuss and recommend possibilities of strengthening inter-country cooperation in biological farming.
THE CONSULTATION
The Consultation was attended by about a hundred experts from 17 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany Fed. Rep., Irland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and United Kingdom) and from International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), European Economic Community (EEC), and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
The experts participated in their personal capacity.
