About Us
In 2006 the first issue of the Journal of Organic Systems was posted on this website. This resulted from several years of discussion, prompted by the need for a peer-reviewed scholarly journal in which researchers could publish their findings on ‘Organic Systems’ in the Australasian and Pacific Regions (and beyond).
In our rapidly changing world, in which we are becoming increasingly aware of the complexities of physical, bio-ecological and health-related phenomena, ‘Organic Systems’ are gaining in stature, and being challenged, in a range of areas. These now include ameliorating global warming through carbon capture, maintenance of biodiversity through the provision of suitable habitats, reduced dependence on toxic products and associated impacts of persistent chemical residues on the environment, enhanced food quality and security with benefits for wellbeing, humane livestock management, social aspects (including trade), more aesthetic landscapes and, for some, premium prices for organic produce. This last factor is leading to two particular challenges facing the organic movement: growing competition from other ‘alternative’ systems (including minimally sprayed, ‘issues-based’ labels such as Rainforest Alliance, and genetically engineered produce), and pressures to compromise organic approaches. Associated issues include tensions between both the benefits and disadvantages of the export of organic produce from developing countries, and the post-harvest handling and processing of such produce.
All of these areas require more perceptive analysis and interdisciplinary research. We welcome submissions that address these and other areas relevant to the design, management and experiences with ‘Organic Systems’, especially within our region. As well as field studies, we are also keen to receive papers relating to our supporting institutional structures and processes, including policy, extension services, research and development, education and training, and processes of change. As this is an evolving journal, we are keen to hear your ideas about it, particularly about ways in which we might better serve those interested in and working with ‘Organic Systems’ within our region .
NOTICE BOARD
International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology (IAASTD)
A series of global and regional assessment reports on international agriculture were released on 15 April, 2008. The results of this extraordinary three-year assessment process were released following the final plenary session attended by the participants FAO, GEF, UNCP, UNEP, UNESCO, World Bank, WHO, and by 64 governments, 22 civil societies and scientific institutions from around the world, meeting 7-15 April, 2008 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Go directly to the following website for complete report coverage of this important event and its three-year history leading up to the assembly and release of the final assessment:
This website also provides a comprehensive listing of documentation in the form of press releases, multimedia, and news items that have appeared daily since the report’s release to the international news-media.
For a presentation from the final plenary session, checkout the following website: www.agassessment.org/docs/
IAASTD_Pres.pdf
"BUSINESS AS USUAL IS NOT AN OPTION" "Agriculture has a footprint on all of the big environmental issues, so as the world considers climate change, biodiversity, land degradation, water quality, etc. they must also consider agriculture which lies at the centre of these issues and poses some uncomfortable challenges that need to be faced. We've got to make sure the footprint of agriculture on climate change is lessened, we have to make sure that we don't degrade our soil, we don't degrade the water, we don't have adverse effects on biodiversity. There are some major challenges, but we believe that by combining local and traditional knowledge with formal knowledge these challenges can be met."
Professor Robert Watson - Director IAASTD & Chief Scientist DEFRA
Call for papers
The editors are now calling for authors to continue submitting their papers by the first week of October, at the latest, to be in time for publication in the second issue of volume three of the Journal of Organic Systems. A likely publication date is late November/early December, 2008.
