Leif Jarle Asheim

Research Scientist (OAP Agreement)

(+47) 483 52 291
leif-jarle.asheim@nibio.no

Place
Ås O43

Visiting address
Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Ås

Abstract

Interest for organic products and concerns regarding sustainable practices raise an important question for farmers: should they run their farms conventionally or organically? We address this question by means of a mathematical programming model, which aims to optimize gross margin of cattle farms. We implement the model using data from Norway, including government support stipulations and a number of other features. A computational study allows us to assess the economic performance of organic farming compared to conventional farming systems. We derive some insights into the conditions when organic outperforms conventional systems, and vice versa. These hold significant relevance not only to farmers, but also to farm advisors and policy makers.