How Historical Identity and Certification System Coexist in Organic Agriculture?: From Experiences in France

Abstract

The number of certified producers in Japan is stagnant. Compared to European countries, the organic products and food markets are supported only by the demand of some consumers, and it is thought that there are many situations in which trust promoted by close mutual relation works effectively. However, when organic farming takes a leap forward, it is necessary to merge the historical identity of organic farming and certification system. Looking at the experience in France, the fusion of the two can be summarized as follows. First, the prototype of the certification system was established through the activities and practices of organic farmers. It was created as a grassroots innovation, not only by an official and top-down decision making. Secondly, it was found that the certification system for organic agriculture is integrated in a portion of food quality policy that includes geographical indications. Third, even in the case of a participatory guarantee system, which emphasizes the principle of organic agriculture, ensuring the maximum transparency and confirming implementation to eliminate the asymmetry of information is the primary characteristic of the mechanism. Therefore, coexistence of both historical identity of organic farming and certification system are made up of the continuous efforts and trial and error.