Analysis of conditions for organic food production in the north –eastern part of Slovenia

Abstract

In June 1999, an opinion poll survey was carried out among farmers who are already keen on in producing organic food. The survey was aimed at analysing the posibilities of introducing organic farming with regard to the existing conditions for food production in the north- eastern part of Slovenia (Celje region). The survey included fifty randomly selected farms. The results shoved that the food production methods of 64% of farmers were subjected to the control in compliance with the guidelines for organic food production (European convention 2092/91 and guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of the R Slovenia). 56% of all farms included in the survey are located at the altitude of above 600 m. Most farms (36%) have between 20 and 30 ha of land (arable land, forests). The questionnaire included questions related to organic farming, real estate (buildings, building lots, arable land), mechanisation, equipment and livestock. The values of farms range between 100,000 and 500,000 DM. 40% of farmers estimate that their annual income is between 10,000 and 20,000 DM. For the majority of farms (36%) the estimated annual costs also amount to 10,000- 20,000 DM. The organic food production is regarded as a basic principle and the way of life by 50% of farmers included in the survey. This work was supported by the Research Support Scheme of the Open Society Support Foundation, grant No.:108/1998.