Framework for Re-thinking Ethics in the Organic Movement - Re-Thinking Organic Food and Farming in a Changing World - page 256

They practice diverse production and processing activities, do not rely on off-
farm inputs, and are primarily engaged in local and regional direct marketing,
as well as in smaller organic associations. They seek to develop an innovative
food and energy autarky, and to integrate environmental, economic and social
innovations into their groups (e.g., Sargisson and Sargent 2004 ). Those with
“ethical” orientations and holistic lifestyles represent a group of “societal transition
innovators” seeking a sustainable society.

13.1.2.2 Enviro/Protest

For these farmers, there is no question that organic is the best way to farm.
Environmentally sound and healthy practices are central (consistent with the
IFOAM Principles of Health and Care). They may also take a pragmatic view of
organic practices that allow them to accept some exceptions to organic principles on
a case-by-case basis (see e.g., Jones, Chap. 11 ) . Marketing their organic products
may involve cooperating with non-organic retailers, but they prefer marketing via
farmer groups that operate with their own rules and values, and seek economic
independence. These farmers also are engaged in diverse types of collaboration e.g.,
machinery, processing and storing products or to develop new solutions for energy
independence.
This type also includes farmers who are engaged in publically promoting the
organic movement. Those farmers often assume positions in international, national
or regional organic associations, and develop processing and market structures,
are linked with political organizations or work on promoting more subsidies and
participating in control and certification activities. They tend to cooperate with
others involved in nature protection, climate change, religious communities or
educational associations, including those who practice new types of societal and
economic collaboration. However, in contrast to the Nature/Philo type, they pursue
their more pragmatic approach through more established structures. Their role is to
ensure that the organic movement protects and practices its values, but without being
extreme or “revolutionary” (see Hunt et al., Chap. 10 ) . In addition, they seek to bring
organic into the societal debate without provoking or demanding comprehensive
societal change, as is the case with the Nature/Philo type.

13.1.2.3 Econo/Market

For the Econo/Market organic farmer, economic and marketing concerns are the
key motivations for practicing organic; ecological and social values, including the
IFOAM Principles, are less central to their practices. In short, these farmers practice
organic farming only when they see a convincing economic advantage to do so
(see Constance et al., Chap. 9 ) . It is widely understood that financial considerations
for both farmers and the corporate food industry has become a significant reason
for adopting organic (Hall and Mogyorody 2002 ). This type of large, corporate