Module Identifier RS31110  
Module Title ORGANIC FARM BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND POLICY  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Susanne Padel  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr Nicolas H Lampkin  
Course delivery Lecture   1 x 2 hour lecture per week  
  Practical   2 x 3 hour practicals during semester  
  Other   2 day study tour  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours WRITTEN EXAMINATION  100%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours WRITTEN EXAMINATION  100%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Identify the regulations relating to production, processing and trade in organic products within the European Union
   and major trading partners and evaluate the implementation of these regulations in individual countries, the   
   relation to objectives of organic agriculture and their impact on sector development.

2. Describe the policy-environment for organic agriculture in Europe, including production and rural development
   based support schemes, and assess their influence on the current and potential future adoption of organic
   agriculture

3. Identify the factors influencing the financial performance of organic crop and livestock enterprises and assess
   their combined impact on the performance of whole farm systems, both during conversion and once fully
   established.

Brief description

The module aims to enable students to understand and evaluate the business organisation and performance of organic farming systems, in the context of the regulatory, policy and market environment for organic agriculture as well as broader sustainability and ethical considerations, with a focus on the constraints and opportunities faced by farmers/managers in converting, developing and optimising their businesses.

Content

Module Skills

Problem solving This will be part of the business planning practical  
Communication Active participation in the lectures will be encouraged through reading material  
Team work Study tour and conference provide for significant opportunities for group interaction and discussion  
Information Technology Word processing and internet usage for personal study spreadsheets and specialist farm planning software for practicals  
Application of Number In financial performance data and business planning  
Personal Development and Career planning Industry contacts will be made during study tour and practical field visits.  

Reading Lists

Books
** General Text
Organic farming in Europe: Economics and Policy Series (Vols 1 - 10) University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart
(2001) Organic food and farming: towards partnership and action in Europe. Conference proceedings, May 2001 http://www.fvm.dk/konferencer/organic food farming/index.htm Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries
Lampkin, N H and Padel, S (editors) (2006) The economics of organic farming - an international perspective CAB International
Soffe, R J (editor) (2004) Agricultural notebook Blackwell Science

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6