o rganic far Ming: lessons for n ew p layers

1suMMary: This article presents some of the best findings of a research done by the author with the in tent to characterize some market opportunities for producers of organic agriculture production (OAPs) and the management techniques necessaries to take competitive advantage of those market opportunities. In doing so, initially is characterized what historically is comprehended as organic agriculture; after that is identified a lot of market opportunities, mainly in the devel oped countries. Next step, it is presented a lot of ways of getting access at those markets with various focus and approaches demanded by those distinct markets. After that, a lot of managerial tools are identified with the intention of orienting the OAPs producers in choosing and ameliorating their businesses management, mainly their commercial activities in those distinct markets. Finally are presented three generic systems for sustainable management which will be able to adequate the business practices of the OAPs producers to the growing demands of the target markets, as with the society in general. Desertification/deforestation, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide build-up, ozone layer de pletion, and water shortages and contamination are issues that demand attention in any farming process. In some way, each of the afore mentioned global conditions have resulted from contemporary farming practices and the way we view food on and off the field. Global awareness of human health and environmental issues has grown significantly over the last two decades. At the root of this is a strong consumer movement in developed countries. In developing countries as well, the rapid and widespread environmental degradation has led to a growing recognition that environmental integrity is a necessary condition for human prosperity and sustainable development. The practice of organic agriculture and the harnessing of its production and export potential could provide opportunities for developing countries to meet their long term environmental and development needs: it is the focus of this paper. BacKground Organic agriculture is said to have had its beginnings in Germany at the turn of the 19thcentury during the land and food Reform movement. The movement originated as a reaction to the negative impacts of the Industrial Revolution on people. However, even up to the mid-1990s in most markets (with the exception of Denmark and Switzerland), Organic agriculture products (OAPs) retained a very small share of total food sales. Since the mid 1990s however, organic food sales have increased dramatically in Europe. Today the EU is the leading producer of, and the largest market for, organic products in the world. A much larger segment of the population is now interested in OAPs, although they may be less willing to pay higher prices.