Study on the scope for reconstruction of the grazing livestock sector of Xinjiang based on organic farming methods

Jun Chai (), Bill Slee (), Maurizio Canavari, Tong Chen and Hasimu Huliyeti
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Jun Chai: Xinjiang Agricultural University
Bill Slee: The Macaulay Institute
Tong Chen: Xinjiang Agricultural University
Hasimu Huliyeti: Xinjiang Agricultural University

No 8001, DEIAgra Working Papers from Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Department of Agricultural Economics and Engineering

Abstract: This paper explores the feasibility of developing organic livestock farming in the pastoral area of Xinjiang, in order to address the problems of grassland degradation and to promote the sustainable development of the grazing livestock sector. Research shows that organic grazing farming may reduce the stocking rate of grassland and relieve the strained relationship between animal and grassland, as well between man and nature. As a result, the value of multifunctional grazing systems may be more widely recognized. As well as including production and economic objectives, cultural, social and environmental implications will also be taken into account. Additionally, herders may also have an improved source of income to poor rural people. The potential markets for organic products are very big and the traditional ruminant livestock husbandry systems in Xinjiang are very close to organic livestock farming. It is considered necessary to change from a production-oriented approach to farming system research to a wider consideration of the systems and policies needed to support the development of organic grazing livestock alongside consideration of how to fund the relevant research and training and establish the systems of quality guarantee associated with organic production.

Keywords: Grazing Livestock; Organic Farming; Xinjiang; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr and nep-env
Date: 2008-04
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