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Mette Vaarst

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I have worked interdisciplinary for 30 years with research in organic, biodynamic and agroecological agriculture, the role of animals, the role of humans in relation to animals and wider farming and food system. I am curious and convinced about the importance of food sovereignty and changing our agriculture, wider food systems, and communities radically more sustainable.

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Egbert Lantinga

Wageningen University

Lucas Fillietaz Balcão

Clarissa Cardoso

Stefan Gunnarsson

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Harper Adams University

University of Nairobi, Kenya

Newcastle University

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Papers by Mette Vaarst

‘Whose views and ways are changing?’ Perspectives of change and transition related to cow-calf contact systems in European dairy farming

This presentation summarises some of the changing perspectives of and transitions to cow–calf con... more This presentation summarises some of the changing perspectives of and transitions to cow–calf contact systems, including identifying the challenges and benefits of the various types of systems, in particular dam-rearing and nurse-cow systems. No dairy system in the study countries was initially designed to enable cow–calf contact, but a multitude of systems allowing cow–calf contact have since been developed based on existing farm structures. Interviews and case studies show that the development requires significant changes in practices, attitudes and farm structures, all of which require a lot of investment. Research over the last two to three years in this area has considered several potential ways in which organic dairy systems could encompass forms of cow–calf contact. Whilst on the one hand these studies have acknowledged the ‘naturalness’ of cow and calf systems, including the motivation behind them and the need for the cow and calf to be together, ‘unnatural elements’ have al...

Animal health and nutrition in organic farming

Animals are important in organic farming systems, both as a part of the concept and in practice, ... more Animals are important in organic farming systems, both as a part of the concept and in practice, where there is great weight on forming an integrated system with harmony between the land, the animals and the people, involving local recirculation of feed and manure. Good animal health and welfare is an important goal for organic husbandry. In contrast to crops, animals are not just parts of the farming system, they are also sentient creatures and as such they deserve special moral consideration. They are individuals that need to be cared for, they can suffer, and they can interact with each other and with the humans and environment around them. Animal management is, therefore, very different from crop management. Humans have a moral obligation to treat animals well and to intervene before they suffer or die, as this is unacceptable. Organic farming principles go much further than promoting animal welfare in terms of avoiding suffering. One of the basic principles of organic farming r...

Økologi I U-Lande Giver Højere Udbytte

Undersogelsen viser, at okologi kan oge fodevareproduktionen betydeligt i u-landene. Pastanden om... more

In vitro anthelmintic effects of crude aqueous extracts of Tephrosia vogelii, Tephrosia villosa and Carica papaya leaves and seeds

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

The prevale that limit t nematode p to the relia extracts of papaya Lin inhibition a faecal egg l... more

Animal Health Challenges and Veterinary Aspects of Organic Livestock Farming Identified Through a 3 Year EU Network Project

The Open Veterinary Science Journal, 2008

, an EU network project 'Sustaining Animal Health and Food Safety in Organic Farming' (SAFO), was... more , an EU network project 'Sustaining Animal Health and Food Safety in Organic Farming' (SAFO), was carried out with 26 partners from 20 EU-countries and 4 related partners from 4 candidate or new member states. The focus was the integration of animal health and welfare issues in organic farming with food safety aspects. Four very consistent conclusions became apparent: 1) The climatic, physical and socio-economic conditions vary considerably throughout Europe, leading to different livestock farming systems. This limits the possibility for technology transfer between regions, and creates several challenges for a harmonised regulation, 2) Implementing organic standards at farm level does not always ensure that animal health and welfare reach the high ideals of the organic principles, 3) To overcome these deficiencies, organic farmers and farmer organisations need to take ownership of organic values and, 4) In all participating countries, a strong need for training of farmers and in particular veterinarians in animal health promotion and organic principles was identified. The article presents a summary of papers presented at the five SAFO workshops.

Sustaining animal health and food safety in European organic livestock farming

Livestock Production Science, 2005

Background: Limited information is available in Iraq regarding the causes of under-five mortality... more Background: Limited information is available in Iraq regarding the causes of under-five mortality. The vital registration system is deficient in its coverage, particularly from rural areas where access to health services is limited and most deaths occur at home, i.e. outside the health system, and hence the cause of death goes unreported. Knowledge of patterns and trends in causes of under-five mortality is essential for decision-makers in assessing programmatic needs, prioritizing interventions, and monitoring progress. The aim of this study was to identify causes of under-five children deaths using a simplified verbal autopsy questionnaire. The objective was to define the leading symptoms and cause of death among Iraqi children from all regions of Iraq during 1994-1999. Methods: To determine the cause structure of child deaths, a simplified verbal autopsy questionnaire was used in interviews conducted in the Iraqi Child & Maternal Mortality Survey (ICMMS) 1999 national sample. All the mothers/caregivers of the deceased children were asked open-ended questions about the symptoms within the two weeks preceding death; they could mention more than one symptom. Results: The leading cause of death among under-five children was found to be childhood illnesses in 81.2%, followed by sudden death in 8.9% and accidents in 3.3%. Among under-five children dying of illnesses, cough and difficulty in breathing were the main symptoms preceding death in 34.0%, followed by diarrhea in 24.4%. Among neonates the leading cause was cough/and or difficulty in breathing in 42.3%, followed by sudden death in 11.9%, congenital abnormalities in 10.3% and prematurity in 10.2%. Diarrhea was the leading cause of death among infants in 49.8%, followed by cough and/or difficulty in breathing in 26.6%. Among children 12-59 months diarrhea was the leading cause of death in 43.4%, followed by accidents, injuries, and poisoning in 19.3%, then cough/difficulty in breathing in 14.8%. Conclusion: In Iraq Under-five child mortality is one of the highest in the Middle East region; deaths during the neonatal period accounted for more than half of under-five children deaths highlighting an urgent need to introduce health interventions to improve essential neonatal care. Priority needs to be given to the prevention, early and effective treatment of neonatal conditions, diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, and accidents. This study points to the need for further standardized assessments of under-5 mortality in Iraq.

The SAFO project: outcomes, conclusions and challenges for the future

… for animal health on …, 2006

The complex nature of mixed farming systems requires multidimensional actions supported by integrative research and development efforts

animal, 2011

Mixed farming systems (MFS) have demonstrated some success by focusing on the use of integrative ... more Mixed farming systems (MFS) have demonstrated some success by focusing on the use of integrative and holistic mechanisms, and rationally building on and using the natural and local resource base without exhausting it, while enhancing biodiversity, optimizing complementarities between crops and animal systems and finally increasing opportunities in rural livelihoods. Focusing our analysis and discussion on field experiences and empirical knowledge in the Caribbean islands, this paper discusses the opportunities for a change needed in current MFS research–development philosophy. The importance of shifting from fragile/specialized production systems to MFS under current global conditions is argued with an emphasis on the case of Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and the Caribbean. Particular vulnerable characteristics as well as the potential and constraints of SIDS and their agricultural sectors are described, while revealing the opportunities for the ‘richness’ of the natural an...

To inspect, to motivate — or to do both? A dilemma for on-farm inspection of animal welfare

Animal Welfare, 2013

The ultimate aim of this paper is to study and discuss a central dilemma within inspection of ani... more The ultimate aim of this paper is to study and discuss a central dilemma within inspection of animal welfare. On the one hand, it may be argued that controllers should check only whether farmers comply or not with animal welfare regulation. Here, the key value is the rule of law, and that all offenders should be treated equally. On the other hand, it may be argued that an important component of inspections is to enter into dialogue with farmers. This may be based on a more forward-looking view aimed at motivating farmers to look after the welfare of the animals in their care. In European countries, authorities try to enforce animal welfare legislation through inspections followed up by penalties in instances where a lack of compliance is found. However, the fairness and efficiency, and ultimately the public acceptance of the system, critically depend on the performance of the individual inspector. This paper presents the results of an interview-study into how Danish animal welfare inspectors view their own role and tasks. In the main results, a theme of disagreement presented itself and revealed different attitudes in terms of the possibility of engaging in a dialogue with the farmers. The first theme focused on the preventive aspect. The second had its focus on compliance and on the avoidance of engaging in dialogue with the farmer regarding the reasons for the regulations. Moreover, a theme of agreement showed interpretation as unavoidable. We discuss how the points of view or strategies of the inspectors may affect the outcome of animal welfare inspections, both on a shortand long-term basis. We argue that this study can initiate a necessary and more open discussion of the aforementioned dilemma.

International Journal of Agricultural Extension BRIDGING EXPECTATIONS: EXTENSION AGENTS' PERCEPTION OF A GAP BETWEEN EXPECTATIONS AND EXPERIENCE WHEN IMPLEMENTING THE INDONESIAN BEEF SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAMME A B S T R A C T

Beef self-sufficiency programme (BSSP) was launched in Indonesia in 2004 in response to the massi... more Beef self-sufficiency programme (BSSP) was launched in Indonesia in 2004 in response to the massive import of beef from other countries. The objective of the present article is to explore and discuss how Indonesian extension agents perceived the practical implementation of the programme, including their own and others' expectations of their role in the implementation, as well in the programme. Semi-structured qualitative interviews of 14 extension agents (11 males, 3 females) were conducted during December 2013-January 2014 based in the Semarang Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The extension agents experienced that although the BSSP was supported by the government with a number of diverse activities such as support for artificial inseminations and concentrated feed stuff for farmers, there was no coherent support regarding how to distribute these benefits, disseminate knowledge or assist farmers on how to increase production in their farms and how to balance this with ...

The new 'local': a global review of using geographical indications

Cow calf contact in dairy herds viewed from the perspectives of calves, cows, humans and the farming system. Farmers' perceptions and experiences related to dam-rearing systems

A common practice in dairy farming is to remove the calf from its mother a few hours after birth.... more A common practice in dairy farming is to remove the calf from its mother a few hours after birth. The public debate on the subject has increased, and views on whether the calf should be allowed to stay with its dam for weeks are debated among citizens, farmers, and advisors. The aim of this article is to present, analyse, and discuss experiences and arguments on dam-rearing of calves through interviews with actors, primarily farmers, involved in organic dairy farming in four European countries. The interviews showed that dam-rearing is practiced in a wealth of different systems, and four main points of view should be considered: that of the calf, the cow, the farmer, and the farming system. Three important qualities of cow calf contact systems are described from the animals’ perspective: 1) nutrition, 2) care, and 3) learning. The discussion included ethical considerations referring to the principle of fairness as expressed by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Move...

How can veterinarians be interesting partners for organic dairy farmers? French farmers’ point of views

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Organic dairy farmers must live up to the organic goal of 'good health' in respect the organic pr... more Organic dairy farmers must live up to the organic goal of 'good health' in respect the organic principles and regulation. Veterinarians could be the organic dairy farmers' expected sparring partners in reaching this goal but have found difficulties to establish advisory relationships with them. The objectives of this study are −from organic dairy farmers' points of view-(i) to describe farmers' objectives and strategies regarding herd health, (ii) to describe private veterinarians' roles in farmers' animal health promotion strategies and (iii) to identify farmers' reasons for accepting veterinarians in an advisory role. Fourteen organic dairy farmers were interviewed using qualitative research interviews. Data collection and analysis was performed using a modified approach to Grounded Theory. Organic dairy farmers had animal health management strategies focusing on animal health promotion. Veterinarians had most often solely the role of therapist in farmers' animal health management strategies. Reasons explaining that veterinarians were not able to establish advisory roles were found in the differences between veterinarians and farmers regarding their animal health strategies and solutions to disease problems. Furthermore, veterinarians did not always share farmers' (organic) objectives, values and priorities and this could lead to disagreement on the best choice in animal health management practices. This might be further amplified in situations where there exists a lack of dialogue and mutual interest in other.

Not just any plan

Dr Mette Vaarst explains how, through a practical and integrated approach, ANIPLAN sets out to in... more

1 Animal Husbandary Practices of Smallholder Organic Farmers in Uganda : Challenges and Future Prospects

Introduction Uganda has 188,625 certified organic producers, the highest in Africa following Indi... more Introduction Uganda has 188,625 certified organic producers, the highest in Africa following India with 400,551 certified producers globally (Willer 2012). In addition 85% of farmers in Uganda practice ‘defacto’ organic agriculture based on traditional practices featuring non-use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Substantial attraction to organic farming in the recent past has been due to opportunity for exportation of organic products especially horticultural products to Europe which was created by initiatives like EPOPA (Agro Eco and Grolink 2008). Organic agriculture development has been mainly in organic crop production mainly targeting export opportunities. Currently organic livestock production is non-existent as a result of fewer efforts towards its development. The largest proportion of agricultural production in Uganda is mixed and indeed livestock has been reported to be an integral part of many organic farms elsewhere due to its role in nutrient recycling. But small...

Samarbejde i familier og lokalsamfund - omkring fordeling af mad i Vest-Uganda

Mad dyrkes, fordeles, kobes, saelges - og spises. l Vest Uganda er fodevaresikkerhed ... more Mad dyrkes, fordeles, kobes, saelges - og spises. l Vest Uganda er fodevaresikkerhed ikke bare et sporgsmal om at sikre, at der produceres mad nok. Det handler i mindst lige sa hoj grad om fordeling, organisering og samarbejde om mad indenfor familier og lokalsamfund. Pa den made haenger fodevaresikkerhed pa lokalt plan sammen med kon, familiestrukturer, viden og troen pa at kunne noget selv.

Køer og kalve går sammen i Holland. Kronik

Pa omtrent 45 hollandske malkekvaegsbedrifter har man gjort det til en rutine at lade koerne pass... more

The potential dairy farm circumstances impacting on tick and tick-borne diseases control in Mbale and Sironko Districts, Uganda

Omlægning til økologisk drift set fra dyrlægers og konsulenters synsvinkel

Gennem det seneste ar har dyrlaegerne i stigende grad forholdt sig til okologisk jordbrug. Dette ... more Gennem det seneste ar har dyrlaegerne i stigende grad forholdt sig til okologisk jordbrug. Dette er sket i takt med, at driftsformen blev mere og mere udbredt og de fleste dyrlaegepraksis blev tilknyttet en eller flere okologiske besaetninger. I lederen i Dansk VeterinaerTidsskrift den 1. Maj 1998 (81, s. 337; gengivet i appendiks) papegede man saledes, at danske dyrlaeger jaevnligt stodte pa problematiske omrader i den okologiske husdyrproduktion, og at man i okologiske besaetninger ser dyr, der skulle have vaeret behandlet eller aflivet. Man papegede ogsa, at de okologiske regler kan medfore, at sygdom bliver en kostbar affaere i okologiske besaetninger, hvorfor man var langsommere til at behandle disse dyr. Det anses blandt andet som vaerende dyrlaegens pligt at tage sig af dyrene og holde dem fri for sygdomme. Afslutningsvis udtalte man saledes folgende fra Den Danske Dyrlaegeforening: "Danske dyrlaeger vil gerne i en taettere dialog med okologerne og deres organisationer. ...

The ANIPLAN project: Reflections on the research approaches, methods and challenges

The objective of the ANIPLAN project is to ‘investigate active and well planned animal health and... more The objective of the ANIPLAN project is to ‘investigate active and well planned animal health and welfare promotion and disease prevention as a means of minimising medicine use in organic dairy herds’. The basic idea lying behind this objective is that the active development of plans at the farm level to improve herd health and welfare will enable individual farmers to practically achieve the organic principles with regard to the health and well-being of organically-farmed animals. To fulfil the objective, the project needs to be carried out in close collaboration with farmers and conducted in real farm situations. This means that the research is being carried out in an environment which is not under control the control of researchers. This, in turn means that there are inevitable methodological issues which will arise during the course of the study. This paper describes some of the issues arising during the first part of the study i.e the setting up of the project and the first yea...

‘Whose views and ways are changing?’ Perspectives of change and transition related to cow-calf contact systems in European dairy farming

This presentation summarises some of the changing perspectives of and transitions to cow–calf con... more This presentation summarises some of the changing perspectives of and transitions to cow–calf contact systems, including identifying the challenges and benefits of the various types of systems, in particular dam-rearing and nurse-cow systems. No dairy system in the study countries was initially designed to enable cow–calf contact, but a multitude of systems allowing cow–calf contact have since been developed based on existing farm structures. Interviews and case studies show that the development requires significant changes in practices, attitudes and farm structures, all of which require a lot of investment. Research over the last two to three years in this area has considered several potential ways in which organic dairy systems could encompass forms of cow–calf contact. Whilst on the one hand these studies have acknowledged the ‘naturalness’ of cow and calf systems, including the motivation behind them and the need for the cow and calf to be together, ‘unnatural elements’ have al...

Animal health and nutrition in organic farming

Animals are important in organic farming systems, both as a part of the concept and in practice, ... more Animals are important in organic farming systems, both as a part of the concept and in practice, where there is great weight on forming an integrated system with harmony between the land, the animals and the people, involving local recirculation of feed and manure. Good animal health and welfare is an important goal for organic husbandry. In contrast to crops, animals are not just parts of the farming system, they are also sentient creatures and as such they deserve special moral consideration. They are individuals that need to be cared for, they can suffer, and they can interact with each other and with the humans and environment around them. Animal management is, therefore, very different from crop management. Humans have a moral obligation to treat animals well and to intervene before they suffer or die, as this is unacceptable. Organic farming principles go much further than promoting animal welfare in terms of avoiding suffering. One of the basic principles of organic farming r...

Økologi I U-Lande Giver Højere Udbytte

Undersogelsen viser, at okologi kan oge fodevareproduktionen betydeligt i u-landene. Pastanden om... more

In vitro anthelmintic effects of crude aqueous extracts of Tephrosia vogelii, Tephrosia villosa and Carica papaya leaves and seeds

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

The prevale that limit t nematode p to the relia extracts of papaya Lin inhibition a faecal egg l... more

Animal Health Challenges and Veterinary Aspects of Organic Livestock Farming Identified Through a 3 Year EU Network Project

The Open Veterinary Science Journal, 2008

, an EU network project 'Sustaining Animal Health and Food Safety in Organic Farming' (SAFO), was... more , an EU network project 'Sustaining Animal Health and Food Safety in Organic Farming' (SAFO), was carried out with 26 partners from 20 EU-countries and 4 related partners from 4 candidate or new member states. The focus was the integration of animal health and welfare issues in organic farming with food safety aspects. Four very consistent conclusions became apparent: 1) The climatic, physical and socio-economic conditions vary considerably throughout Europe, leading to different livestock farming systems. This limits the possibility for technology transfer between regions, and creates several challenges for a harmonised regulation, 2) Implementing organic standards at farm level does not always ensure that animal health and welfare reach the high ideals of the organic principles, 3) To overcome these deficiencies, organic farmers and farmer organisations need to take ownership of organic values and, 4) In all participating countries, a strong need for training of farmers and in particular veterinarians in animal health promotion and organic principles was identified. The article presents a summary of papers presented at the five SAFO workshops.

Sustaining animal health and food safety in European organic livestock farming

Livestock Production Science, 2005

Background: Limited information is available in Iraq regarding the causes of under-five mortality... more Background: Limited information is available in Iraq regarding the causes of under-five mortality. The vital registration system is deficient in its coverage, particularly from rural areas where access to health services is limited and most deaths occur at home, i.e. outside the health system, and hence the cause of death goes unreported. Knowledge of patterns and trends in causes of under-five mortality is essential for decision-makers in assessing programmatic needs, prioritizing interventions, and monitoring progress. The aim of this study was to identify causes of under-five children deaths using a simplified verbal autopsy questionnaire. The objective was to define the leading symptoms and cause of death among Iraqi children from all regions of Iraq during 1994-1999. Methods: To determine the cause structure of child deaths, a simplified verbal autopsy questionnaire was used in interviews conducted in the Iraqi Child & Maternal Mortality Survey (ICMMS) 1999 national sample. All the mothers/caregivers of the deceased children were asked open-ended questions about the symptoms within the two weeks preceding death; they could mention more than one symptom. Results: The leading cause of death among under-five children was found to be childhood illnesses in 81.2%, followed by sudden death in 8.9% and accidents in 3.3%. Among under-five children dying of illnesses, cough and difficulty in breathing were the main symptoms preceding death in 34.0%, followed by diarrhea in 24.4%. Among neonates the leading cause was cough/and or difficulty in breathing in 42.3%, followed by sudden death in 11.9%, congenital abnormalities in 10.3% and prematurity in 10.2%. Diarrhea was the leading cause of death among infants in 49.8%, followed by cough and/or difficulty in breathing in 26.6%. Among children 12-59 months diarrhea was the leading cause of death in 43.4%, followed by accidents, injuries, and poisoning in 19.3%, then cough/difficulty in breathing in 14.8%. Conclusion: In Iraq Under-five child mortality is one of the highest in the Middle East region; deaths during the neonatal period accounted for more than half of under-five children deaths highlighting an urgent need to introduce health interventions to improve essential neonatal care. Priority needs to be given to the prevention, early and effective treatment of neonatal conditions, diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections, and accidents. This study points to the need for further standardized assessments of under-5 mortality in Iraq.

The SAFO project: outcomes, conclusions and challenges for the future

… for animal health on …, 2006

The complex nature of mixed farming systems requires multidimensional actions supported by integrative research and development efforts

animal, 2011

Mixed farming systems (MFS) have demonstrated some success by focusing on the use of integrative ... more Mixed farming systems (MFS) have demonstrated some success by focusing on the use of integrative and holistic mechanisms, and rationally building on and using the natural and local resource base without exhausting it, while enhancing biodiversity, optimizing complementarities between crops and animal systems and finally increasing opportunities in rural livelihoods. Focusing our analysis and discussion on field experiences and empirical knowledge in the Caribbean islands, this paper discusses the opportunities for a change needed in current MFS research–development philosophy. The importance of shifting from fragile/specialized production systems to MFS under current global conditions is argued with an emphasis on the case of Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and the Caribbean. Particular vulnerable characteristics as well as the potential and constraints of SIDS and their agricultural sectors are described, while revealing the opportunities for the ‘richness’ of the natural an...

To inspect, to motivate — or to do both? A dilemma for on-farm inspection of animal welfare

Animal Welfare, 2013

The ultimate aim of this paper is to study and discuss a central dilemma within inspection of ani... more The ultimate aim of this paper is to study and discuss a central dilemma within inspection of animal welfare. On the one hand, it may be argued that controllers should check only whether farmers comply or not with animal welfare regulation. Here, the key value is the rule of law, and that all offenders should be treated equally. On the other hand, it may be argued that an important component of inspections is to enter into dialogue with farmers. This may be based on a more forward-looking view aimed at motivating farmers to look after the welfare of the animals in their care. In European countries, authorities try to enforce animal welfare legislation through inspections followed up by penalties in instances where a lack of compliance is found. However, the fairness and efficiency, and ultimately the public acceptance of the system, critically depend on the performance of the individual inspector. This paper presents the results of an interview-study into how Danish animal welfare inspectors view their own role and tasks. In the main results, a theme of disagreement presented itself and revealed different attitudes in terms of the possibility of engaging in a dialogue with the farmers. The first theme focused on the preventive aspect. The second had its focus on compliance and on the avoidance of engaging in dialogue with the farmer regarding the reasons for the regulations. Moreover, a theme of agreement showed interpretation as unavoidable. We discuss how the points of view or strategies of the inspectors may affect the outcome of animal welfare inspections, both on a shortand long-term basis. We argue that this study can initiate a necessary and more open discussion of the aforementioned dilemma.

International Journal of Agricultural Extension BRIDGING EXPECTATIONS: EXTENSION AGENTS' PERCEPTION OF A GAP BETWEEN EXPECTATIONS AND EXPERIENCE WHEN IMPLEMENTING THE INDONESIAN BEEF SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAMME A B S T R A C T

Beef self-sufficiency programme (BSSP) was launched in Indonesia in 2004 in response to the massi... more Beef self-sufficiency programme (BSSP) was launched in Indonesia in 2004 in response to the massive import of beef from other countries. The objective of the present article is to explore and discuss how Indonesian extension agents perceived the practical implementation of the programme, including their own and others' expectations of their role in the implementation, as well in the programme. Semi-structured qualitative interviews of 14 extension agents (11 males, 3 females) were conducted during December 2013-January 2014 based in the Semarang Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The extension agents experienced that although the BSSP was supported by the government with a number of diverse activities such as support for artificial inseminations and concentrated feed stuff for farmers, there was no coherent support regarding how to distribute these benefits, disseminate knowledge or assist farmers on how to increase production in their farms and how to balance this with ...

The new 'local': a global review of using geographical indications

Cow calf contact in dairy herds viewed from the perspectives of calves, cows, humans and the farming system. Farmers' perceptions and experiences related to dam-rearing systems

A common practice in dairy farming is to remove the calf from its mother a few hours after birth.... more A common practice in dairy farming is to remove the calf from its mother a few hours after birth. The public debate on the subject has increased, and views on whether the calf should be allowed to stay with its dam for weeks are debated among citizens, farmers, and advisors. The aim of this article is to present, analyse, and discuss experiences and arguments on dam-rearing of calves through interviews with actors, primarily farmers, involved in organic dairy farming in four European countries. The interviews showed that dam-rearing is practiced in a wealth of different systems, and four main points of view should be considered: that of the calf, the cow, the farmer, and the farming system. Three important qualities of cow calf contact systems are described from the animals’ perspective: 1) nutrition, 2) care, and 3) learning. The discussion included ethical considerations referring to the principle of fairness as expressed by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Move...

How can veterinarians be interesting partners for organic dairy farmers? French farmers’ point of views

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Organic dairy farmers must live up to the organic goal of 'good health' in respect the organic pr... more Organic dairy farmers must live up to the organic goal of 'good health' in respect the organic principles and regulation. Veterinarians could be the organic dairy farmers' expected sparring partners in reaching this goal but have found difficulties to establish advisory relationships with them. The objectives of this study are −from organic dairy farmers' points of view-(i) to describe farmers' objectives and strategies regarding herd health, (ii) to describe private veterinarians' roles in farmers' animal health promotion strategies and (iii) to identify farmers' reasons for accepting veterinarians in an advisory role. Fourteen organic dairy farmers were interviewed using qualitative research interviews. Data collection and analysis was performed using a modified approach to Grounded Theory. Organic dairy farmers had animal health management strategies focusing on animal health promotion. Veterinarians had most often solely the role of therapist in farmers' animal health management strategies. Reasons explaining that veterinarians were not able to establish advisory roles were found in the differences between veterinarians and farmers regarding their animal health strategies and solutions to disease problems. Furthermore, veterinarians did not always share farmers' (organic) objectives, values and priorities and this could lead to disagreement on the best choice in animal health management practices. This might be further amplified in situations where there exists a lack of dialogue and mutual interest in other.

Not just any plan

Dr Mette Vaarst explains how, through a practical and integrated approach, ANIPLAN sets out to in... more

1 Animal Husbandary Practices of Smallholder Organic Farmers in Uganda : Challenges and Future Prospects

Introduction Uganda has 188,625 certified organic producers, the highest in Africa following Indi... more Introduction Uganda has 188,625 certified organic producers, the highest in Africa following India with 400,551 certified producers globally (Willer 2012). In addition 85% of farmers in Uganda practice ‘defacto’ organic agriculture based on traditional practices featuring non-use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Substantial attraction to organic farming in the recent past has been due to opportunity for exportation of organic products especially horticultural products to Europe which was created by initiatives like EPOPA (Agro Eco and Grolink 2008). Organic agriculture development has been mainly in organic crop production mainly targeting export opportunities. Currently organic livestock production is non-existent as a result of fewer efforts towards its development. The largest proportion of agricultural production in Uganda is mixed and indeed livestock has been reported to be an integral part of many organic farms elsewhere due to its role in nutrient recycling. But small...

Samarbejde i familier og lokalsamfund - omkring fordeling af mad i Vest-Uganda

Mad dyrkes, fordeles, kobes, saelges - og spises. l Vest Uganda er fodevaresikkerhed ... more Mad dyrkes, fordeles, kobes, saelges - og spises. l Vest Uganda er fodevaresikkerhed ikke bare et sporgsmal om at sikre, at der produceres mad nok. Det handler i mindst lige sa hoj grad om fordeling, organisering og samarbejde om mad indenfor familier og lokalsamfund. Pa den made haenger fodevaresikkerhed pa lokalt plan sammen med kon, familiestrukturer, viden og troen pa at kunne noget selv.

Køer og kalve går sammen i Holland. Kronik

Pa omtrent 45 hollandske malkekvaegsbedrifter har man gjort det til en rutine at lade koerne pass... more

The potential dairy farm circumstances impacting on tick and tick-borne diseases control in Mbale and Sironko Districts, Uganda

Omlægning til økologisk drift set fra dyrlægers og konsulenters synsvinkel

Gennem det seneste ar har dyrlaegerne i stigende grad forholdt sig til okologisk jordbrug. Dette ... more Gennem det seneste ar har dyrlaegerne i stigende grad forholdt sig til okologisk jordbrug. Dette er sket i takt med, at driftsformen blev mere og mere udbredt og de fleste dyrlaegepraksis blev tilknyttet en eller flere okologiske besaetninger. I lederen i Dansk VeterinaerTidsskrift den 1. Maj 1998 (81, s. 337; gengivet i appendiks) papegede man saledes, at danske dyrlaeger jaevnligt stodte pa problematiske omrader i den okologiske husdyrproduktion, og at man i okologiske besaetninger ser dyr, der skulle have vaeret behandlet eller aflivet. Man papegede ogsa, at de okologiske regler kan medfore, at sygdom bliver en kostbar affaere i okologiske besaetninger, hvorfor man var langsommere til at behandle disse dyr. Det anses blandt andet som vaerende dyrlaegens pligt at tage sig af dyrene og holde dem fri for sygdomme. Afslutningsvis udtalte man saledes folgende fra Den Danske Dyrlaegeforening: "Danske dyrlaeger vil gerne i en taettere dialog med okologerne og deres organisationer. ...

The ANIPLAN project: Reflections on the research approaches, methods and challenges

The objective of the ANIPLAN project is to ‘investigate active and well planned animal health and... more The objective of the ANIPLAN project is to ‘investigate active and well planned animal health and welfare promotion and disease prevention as a means of minimising medicine use in organic dairy herds’. The basic idea lying behind this objective is that the active development of plans at the farm level to improve herd health and welfare will enable individual farmers to practically achieve the organic principles with regard to the health and well-being of organically-farmed animals. To fulfil the objective, the project needs to be carried out in close collaboration with farmers and conducted in real farm situations. This means that the research is being carried out in an environment which is not under control the control of researchers. This, in turn means that there are inevitable methodological issues which will arise during the course of the study. This paper describes some of the issues arising during the first part of the study i.e the setting up of the project and the first yea...