Engaging the Organic Conventionalization Debate - Re-Thinking Organic Food and Farming in a Changing World - page 166

throw doubt on the bifurcation elements (both ideological and structural) of the
conventionalization thesis” (Lockie and Halpin 2005 , p. 304).
Research from Texas provided mixed support for the conventionalization thesis.
Constance and associates (Constance et al. 2008 ) found that certified and non-
certified organic producers did often align with the predicted bifurcation types.
While both groups exhibited similar and strong ideological support for organics, the
certified producers tended to be larger, have a more economic orientation, and focus
on indirect markets. The non-certified producers tended to be smaller operations
that sold in direct markets. Certified organic farmers tended to have farmed longer
overall, farm full time, and use more hired labor. Constance et al. ( 2008 ) did not
find the expected differences in length of time farming organically, the path to
organic farming (start organic or transition), tenure pattern (own/rent), or plans for
expansion. They did find that the two groups expressed opposing opinions of the
value and necessity of organic certification.
Best's ( 2008 ) research in Germany found some support for conventionalization.
The newer organic farms tended to be larger and more specialized, with a growing
proportion of the organic farmers who do not share pro-environmental attitudes.
He found a trend toward less diversified organic farms and away from traditional
organic marketing channels. Since 2000 several large and highly specialized
livestock and poultry farms had entered the organic market. Like other authors, Best
argues that the California case may be unique and care should be taken in trying to
generalize the California model to other regions or countries.
Guptill's ( 2009 ) research on the dairy industry in New York revealed mixed
support for the conventionalization thesis. She found that government regulations
supported the commodification and conventionalization of organic milk and the
cost-price squeeze has accelerated in recent years as major firms expanded into
to market. She also found that in response to conventionalization, many organic
producers embraced the movement aspects of organic through deeper commitment
to local sourcing and a value-driven lifestyle.
The conventionalization thesis has generated a lively and valuable discussion.
The evidence indicates substantial evidence of conventionalization, but less so
for bifurcation. The evidence on bifurcation reveals competing manifestations and
interpretations of the structure. Whereas the California model argues it marginalizes
deep-organic producers, research from Australia and New Zealand reports a stable
and relatively virtuous arrangement. Additionally, there are significant regional,
national, and commodity differences that in the short term call into question the
inevitability of Guthman's California model. Finally, research indicates that the role
of the state in creating an institutional environment that supports “deep organics”
or “organic lite” is crucial regarding the process of conventionalization. Whether
organic social movement advocates can influence the state to hold conventional-
ization at bay is a topic ripe for future research. The recent change in the Farm Bill
designed to enhance adoption is salient evidence of the role of the state in facilitating
conventionalization.