Values about nature in organic farming practice and knowledge

The paper presents and discusses the empirical results of an investigation into views of nature, practices and knowledge in Danish organic farming. The study is primarily conducted as a case study of six Danish organic farms examining the explicit as well as the implicit views of nature, ethical stands, learning processes, knowledge sources and identity of the farmers expressed. These findings are related to actual manuring strategies, crops and product diversity and ways of treating cattle. The empirical study provides evidence for the thesis that views of nature influence practice, and that organic farming comprises a variety of practices and views of nature. Four paradigms of knowledge related to organic farming have furthermore been identified and analysed with regard to concepts of nature and philosophy of science. The paradigms are shared by farmers, agronomists in extension and advisory services and agro-scientific researchers. The findings are related to the broader discussion about the ongoing institutionalization of the organic farming. Institutionalization prioritizes certain practices and views of nature. Organic farming as a source for the development of different kinds of sustainable agriculture is thereby reduced.