Action Research on Innovations in the Organic Economy

Since 2007 organic farming in France has doubled in scale, heightening price competitiveness that risks undermining its founding social and environmental values. To address this, FNAB launched an action research program in which producers formulate research questions, explore relevant concepts with academics, and co-construct an analytical framework for economic organization in a sustainable, relocalized organic economy. Emphasizing interdependence and diversity, the resulting model of agri-food governance was validated through 13 open interviews with organic producer organizations. The study highlights organizational innovations that allow cost optimization while preserving—and even enhancing—environmental and social performance.