Atlas: Organic Seeds for Localised Renewal. by Mel Edwards

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ISTR Sixth International Conference
Toronto, Canada / July 11-14, 2004
Contesting Citizenship and Civil Society in a Divided World

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Organic Seeds for Localised Renewal.
by
Mel Edwards
Associate Lecturer, University of Technology, Sydney

Organic Seeds for Localised Renewal. Food is one of the fundamental necessities of existence. Nature is the primeval provider of this sustenance. Destruction of the natural environment for the benefit of financial gain disrupts the balance of ecosystems, inevitably poisoning our existence. On a global scale agricultural practices that employ heavy use of chemicals, pesticides and mono cropping to enhance productivity have sacrificed the health of the land and living organisms. In Australia, the industrialisation of agricultural production has resulted in physical signs of erosion and salinity, decreased soil fertility and industrial pollution. Continual degradation of the natural capital; soil, water and the biosphere, have threatened future productivity and diminished financial projections. Agricultural produce sales are the main provider of economic capital and secondary commercial businesses (i.e. retail outlets, banks, and restaurants). Without this injection of financial capital in the local community, rural centers will gradually disappear as younger generations move to urban centers for employment (Onyx and Leonard, 2000). This process of rural decline indicates a fundamental interconnection between the development of economic capital, the preservation of natural capital and the generation of social capital. A sustaincentric approach emphasizes a development approach which encompasses a reconciliation of these three imperatives; the economic, social and ecological (Dale, 2003).

Using an in-depth field study technique, this paper builds upon assumptions of a sustaincentric model to explore these connections between social networks, local economy and preservation of the natural ecosystem within an organic farming community; the plentiful valley. Utilising a non-profit organisation as the initial source for entry in the field, a central concern of the study is to explore the role that community organisations play in the reconciliation of the three imperatives. Multiple data collection methods included participant observation within the WWOOF program, semi-structured interviews and collation of written information. The Plentiful Valley case study provides evidence that localised participatory structures rich in social capital have the capacity to renew the local economy. If this is integrated with a commitment to preserve the natural environment, then the economic activity is sustainable over the long term. In the case study example, a small group of organic producers committed to their environmental values and a common vision for the development of a local growers market (PPOM), developed a social network that enabled the generation of economic capital.

Established in 1999, the PPOM resulted from collective action from members of the grassroots Organic Producers Community Organisation (OPCO). The PPOM provides a weekly commercial and social outlet for certified growers to exchange produce and information regarding growing techniques. Additionally, it is a melting pot whereby the growers meet with consumers and members of the broader community. Essentially the PPOM provides an organisational framework for the development of bonding social capital. Of significance the PPOM has derived a unique set of benefits for the community. Firstly, a sense of community and support for local growers and others with common beliefs about the ecological and health benefits of organic produce. Characteristic of the ‘deep green’ environmental philosophy, these producers constructed the growers market upon the assumption that nature is non-substitutable. Local distribution of small-scale production encompassing principals to protect the biosphere prioritizes the natural capital. Secondly, this community “love story” has created a feeling of openness and the free flow of information exchange vital for enhancing local expertise concerning organic production techniques. Finally, product exchange at the market provides a source of economy for sustaining the livelihood of the community. Reduction of transportation and distribution costs through the PPOM and a basket delivery system not only preserves the natural environment but also retains financial capital within the local economy.

Centering upon the dynamics of the community networks established at the PPOM, this paper explores the derived economic, social and environmental benefits. Within a sustaincentric framework, conclusions drawn suggest high levels of social capital and preservation of the natural capital is integrated with generation of economic capital. The role of community organisations is critical in the development of the social networks. More broadly, this suggests that a strong civil society that prioritises preservation of the environment will have a ‘healthy’ economy: a seed to generate rural renewal?

References. Dale, A (2000) Sustainable Development: A Framework for Governance. University of British Columbia Press: Vancouver.

Onyx, J. & Leonard, R. (2000) Rural Renewal and Social Capital: the Case of Sweden and Australia. Working Paper 46, Center for Australian Community Organisations and Management, University of Technology, Sydney.

Date received: October 10, 2003