Introduction

In HealthyGrowth, eighteen mid-scale and four regional organic value chains are investigated in order to learn how they are able to combine values and increasing volumes. 

• Managing specific challenges related to growth
• Understanding success factors
• Fostering cooperation and partnership in values-based food chains

Background

A sustainable growth in the organic market depends on the ability to combine increasing volumes with measures that safeguard integrity and consumer trust based on organic values and principles. 

• Mainstream large-scale value chains have major difficulties in securing and advancing organic values
• Organic markets differ between countries and sectors; however: many face generic challenges related to growth
• Examples show that medium-scale food chains are able to increase volumes of premium quality products while mediating organic values from farmer to consumer

Main project activitites

• Literature review related to organic and other forms of sustainable food chains
• Methodological approach for the selection of case studies
• Interdisciplinary and  multiperspectival analysis of case studies
• Case studies including interviews and workshops with relevant chain partners
• Active stakeholder involvement, network building and cooperation on national and European level
• International research cooperation e.g. with US-project “Agriculture of the Middle”