Sustainable standards? how organic standards in the eu and australia affect local and global agrifood production and value chains

Abstract

As production processes become more globalized, the impact of public and private standards can reach far beyond nation-state borders. This is the case, as in the area of food standards, where market regions set standards that have to be followed and met by producers and manufacturers in locations all over the world. The effects of this development reach from improved production processes (e.g. environmentally or regarding worker protection) on the one hand, to an exclusion of large numbers of potential producers (e.g. smallholder farmers in developing countries) on the other. There has also been discussion on the impacts of these standards on global and local food security. By the example of two national organic standards systems with differing regulatory implications, the European Union (EU) (legally mandatory certification) and Australian (voluntary certification), this chapter aims to give an insight into the impacts and significance of these standards in (international) trade coordination, which key drivers are behind their implementation, and which positive but also challenging consequences can arise for the affected actors along the organic value chain at different geographical locations. With special focus on the sustainability potential of these standards for local and global agrifood systems and the potential contribution of organic agriculture to food security, it is shown that (1) while organic standards explicitly prescribe more environmentally friendly farming and production methods, there is scope for further research which scientifically proves its long-term sustainability and contribution to food security, (2) government regulation is important to promote the growth of sustainable certified organic food systems, and (3) there is need for further mutual recognition of standards worldwide to reduce exclusion of suppliers from developing countries.