DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM PROPOSAL FOR DETERMINATION OF MINIMUM PRICE FOR SUSTAINING PRODUCTION

Sorina Costache () and Alin-Cristian Joița ()
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Sorina Costache: Romanian-American University in Bucharest
Alin-Cristian Joița: Romanian-American University in Bucharest

Journal of Information Systems & Operations Management, 2012, vol. 6, issue 1, 131-149

Abstract: According to the IFOAM 2010 Annual Report, multi-faceted, holistic, agro-ecological approaches exemplified by organic agriculture can significantly contribute to reducing poverty. The one-size-fits-all approach to farming continues to fail because it relies on unaffordable inputs and ignores biodiversity, women farmers and traditional food cultures. Smallholder farming is the backbone of agriculture and food security, not only in developing countries, but also in developed countries; not only in rural areas, but urban settings as well. 90 per cent of farms worldwide are less than two hectares and they provide employment to 1.3 billion people. Ironically, smallholder farmers are among the poorest and hungriest people worldwide; they have insufficient access to resources and lack support to build capacity. Organic is not yet mainstream but also no longer a niche. It is an industry and a community, but more importantly, it is a movement for global change. Efforts must be made in order to demonstrate that the principles of organic agriculture - health, ecology, fairness and care – when integrated into policy decisions, business relationships and individual choices, create the most credible pathway towards food security and the empowerment of all, especially the poor and marginalized. The authors introduce a decision support system in an attempt to help small producers make the correct decision concerning the price level of their products.

Keywords: Fair Trade; smallholder Romanian farmers; organic agriculture; decision support system; minimum price for sustaining production; COSP (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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