Policy Decision Framework

In the Global Policy Toolkit on Public Support to Organic Agriculture, we present a total of 26 categories of support measures which can be taken to boost supply and/or demand of organic products. However, it will not be possible for a strategic organic action plan to implement the 26 categories of measures (mostly because public resources are limited). In addition, not all measures are suitable in all contexts. Priorities will be set and choices will have to be made.

In order to help policy makers and stakeholders participating in strategic organic planning, we have developed this decision-helping framework that helps filters the most suitable measures depending on the national context. Please pick the scenario that best corresponds to your situation for each question below, to discover which measures are most recommended in your context. This does not mean that other measures are not feasible: only that typically, in such a context, they might not be a priority, at least at the national level.

Stage of development of organic agriculture (How is the present situation?)

Embryonic stage (exports not well developed, domestic market very small or non-existent)

Exporting country (exports of organic agriculture well developed but domestic market very small or non-existent)

Importing country (domestic market well developed, but domestic OA production not well developed: OA market supplied essentially with imports)

Well developed production and consumption (domestic market is important, OA production also well developed, even if there may be supply-demand imbalances in either direction)

Organic regulatory context (How is organic agriculture regulated?)

No organic regulation, no officially referenced Organic Guarantee System

No organic regulation but an officially referenced Organic Guarantee System defining what is considered organic in terms of standard and control systems

Organic Regulation applies only for export, and there is no officially referenced guarantee system for the domestic market

The organic market is fully regulated (for domestic market and trade)

Culture of government intervention on the agricultural sector (What is the political culture?)

Free market approach, but with significant government intervention on the agricultural markets - eg. taxes and subsidies to correct market deficiencies and to support the agricultural sector.

Government has significant control of the agriculture market, but focusing on regulations, own programs and development cooperation projects, rather than permanent incentives.

Government prefers to let market forces drive the agricultural sector and market development (low level of market interventionism).

Logic of policy intervention (What are the objectives? Or what do you want to achieve with supporting Organic Agriculture?) - multiple choices possible

Wanting to build OA export sector as strategy for earning foreign currencies and for poverty alleviation

Wanting to encourage the production of positive externalities (environmental and societal benefits of OA) and the avoidance of negative externalities (hidden costs of conventional agriculture for the society)

Wanting to increase self-sufficiency in sector with high consumer demand (reducing imports)

Wanting to increase access to healthy food products for all citizens (popularize organic comsumption)

Decision Aid for Organic Policy-Setting & Strategic Action Plans: Choosing Relevant Support Measures

Stage of development of organic agriculture (How is the present situation?)

Organic regulatory context (How is organic agriculture regulated?)

Culture of government intervention on the agricultural sector (What is the political culture?)

Logic of policy intervention (What are the objectives? Or what do you want to achieve with supporting Organic Agriculture?) - multiple choices possible