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Flavor consists of taste plus aroma, with aromatic compounds presenting an important part of food selection. The aroma makes our food more pleasing to the eye, diverse, and inviting to eat. As aroma and cooking methods are critical factors influencing consumer acceptance, more information on the aromatic volatile compounds in boiled sweetpotato cultivars is needed as those currently available are insufficient. Slips (rooted cuttings) of four orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivars – Beauregard, Evangeline, Orleans, and Covington – were cultivated on the Tennessee State University certified Organic Farm. After 120 days, cultivars were harvested and cured for 7 days under controlled environmental conditions. After storage, sweetpotato roots were prepared by boiling, and the electronic nose was used to discriminate the aroma profiles of sweetpotato volatiles. The volatile compounds were identified and analyzed. Approximately 40 aromatic volatile compounds including active volatile categories were alcohols, acids, aldehydes, esters, ketones, pyrazine, terpinenes, and phenylpropenes. The ability to understand sweetpotato flavors could help researchers establish tastes and aromas that are acceptable to consumers and would lead to an increase in demand for the crop in the fresh market and potential economic gains for producers.

Row covers are gaining interest in crop production for their potential to protect crops from insect pests, frost, increase soil as well as air temperature, and extend growing season, thus producing higher crop yield. However, research on the performance of green leafy vegetables grown under row cover in organic management system is scarce. This paper reports result of field trials conducted on the growth and yield responses of leafy greens in row covers grown in organic production system at the Tennessee State University organic farm. Performance of three row covers, including insect net, Agribon cloth, and plastic, was evaluated relative to control (without row cover) in four leafy greens; lettuce, kale, swiss chard, and collard in spring 2018 and 2019 seasons and data were collected on soil temperature, insect damage, plant height, leaf number, and fresh weight. Results showed that fresh weight per plant significantly (P

Background There has been a piqued interest in alternative agricultural production systems that are environmentally friendly due to concerns on how sustainable it is to grow conventionally. However, in the producer’s point of view, economic returns are an important issue in decision-making in adaptation. The purpose of this study is to assess the economic risk of conventional and organic sweetpotato production in the Southeastern US. The primary and secondary data were used for the analysis. We identified risk variables in stochastic profit function and performed Monte Carlo simulation in analyzing profitability and economic risk of conventional and organic production systems. Results Findings from the meta-analysis suggest lower sweetpotato yields and higher selling prices, are to be expected in the organic sweetpotato production systems compared with the conventional. A higher probability of having positive net return from organically grown sweetpotato compared to conventional production systems was observed. Conclusions Increase in unit cost leads to a decrease in net profit in both conventional and organic production systems. Sweetpotato price has more effect on net return compared to its yield in conventional production systems. The higher selling price, lower yield and lower unit costs provide a higher net profit return for the organic sweetpotato production systems. Unit cost in conventional production was noted to be higher in general, inferring conventional sweetpotato production could potentially experience a higher variability in net farm income. Despite the high production cost, however, farmers are encouraged to go into sweetpotato production as it appears to be profitable. Further studies should be conducted on conventional treatments without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers as these systems perhaps, may display lower external input costs that might make them more profitable similar to organic systems.

Technologies-based production practices are critical for agricultural growth and sustainable development in low-income countries like Nepal. In the last few years, tunnel house has been increasingly promoted as tools to enhance smallholder farmers’ livelihood and tackle climate adversaries. However, little is known about what factor determines its adoption and whether it helps smallholders adapt to climate change and experience better livelihood. We address these gaps using the cross-sectional survey data collected from 62 adopters and 92 non-adopters in three municipalities of Bagmati Province. We employed descriptive analysis and probit model and found out that age, farm size, and ethnicity strongly influence the technology adoption amongst smallholder farmers. Additionally, treatment model and ordinary least square (OLS) regression were utilized to examine tunnel technology’s effect. Our study shows that tunnel significantly increases production by 32 tons/year/hectare and protects crops from climate change effects such as heavy rainfall and temperature change. Likewise, tunnel technology increases the net crop income by $1700/year/hectare. However, the economic benefit is not substantial compared to technology’s adoption cost as adopters incur enormous costs of $12,000/year/hectare on equipment, labor and resources. These results suggest policymakers should concentrate on reducing the technology’s cost, which could be achieved through subsidies, financial support, or price control mechanisms. Ensuring technology’s affordability can contribute to smallholder farmers’ sustainable livelihood in Nepal and countries with similar contexts.

Different processing methods particularly thermal treatments would impact the potato texture distinctly thus understanding the influence of different thermal treatments on textural characteristics of sweetpotato is needed. Six varieties of sweetpotato were grown on the organic farm and subjected to three thermal treatments (baking, pressure cooking and open cooking). Baking was done in an oven. Pressure cooking was done with a pressure cooker and open cooking was done using a vessel of water. Textural parameters were recorded with a texture analyzer. Objectives were to evaluate the impact of different thermal processing techniques on textural properties of sweetpotatoes and to generate the texture profile analysis of cooked potatoes. Cohesiveness (0.08-0.12%), gumminess (1.96-54.71) and chewiness (0.89-45.39) were highest in baked treatments while hardness (61.24-475.55N) and resilience (0.02-0.11%) were highest in open cooked treatments. Hardness, gumminess, chewiness and resilience reduced with pressure cooking. Based on these results desirable sensory properties can be optimized to maximize consumer acceptance.

Almost one-third of the entire U.S. is buying organic produce. It is believed that organic foods taste better and are more nutritious than conventional foods. To develop successful market positioning, the characteristics desirable to consumers, for sweetpotato must be identified. Different processing methods particularly thermal treatments would impact sweetpotato textures differently and as such affect the consumer liking and eventually product acceptability. Clear understanding of the influence of different thermal treatments on the textural characteristics of sweetpotato is therefore needed. The major objective of this research work was to evaluate the impact of different thermal processing techniques such as baking, pressure cooking, and open cooking on the textural characteristics of sweetpotato cultivars. Six cultivars of sweetpotato grown on a certified organic farm were subjected into different thermal treatments. Baking was done using an air oven for 60 min. Pressure cooking was done using a pressure cooking for 15 min and open cooking was done using a vessel filled with water (500 ml) for 1 hour. In all thermal treatments, the inside product temperature was kept constant (60±2°C). The texture parameters were recorded with a texture analyzer using a 100 mm dia probe. The samples were also penetrated 5 mm from the surface using a needle probe of 2 mm dia. Maximum peak force was set in Newtons. Across the treatments, open cooked Japanese Purple was found to be the hardest although not significantly different from Hernandez open cooked cultivar. Baked Old Yellow sweetpotato was the most gummy and chewy while the softest cultivar was the pressure cooked Old Yellow; however it did not differ significantly from the other five cultivars tested.

Organic farming is increasingly popular among the farmers of Kathmandu valley. However, the organic growers have been facing issues in production, organic certification, and product marketing. To date, little is known about the challenges faced by the organic growers in Kathmandu valley. This study aimed to explore the status of organic farming, attitudes of farmers towards organic farming, their suggestions for improvement, and strengthening the value chain of organic products. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Lalitpur, Nepal during December 2019 with 37 organic growers directly or indirectly involved in organic farming. The results showed that organic growers face challenges in marketing and institutional recognition. Challenges in product certification and marketing were reported by 45.95% of the total interviewed organic growers while they are following organic practices (transitional organic). Our study suggested that reducing the cost of production through easy access to organic inputs like organic seeds, fertilizers, and biopesticides are highly desired by the growers. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) or group certification along with collective marketing could be the policy implications to address the issues. Organic farming in Kathmandu valley is limited to a niche market, however, due to increasing consumer demand for safe, fresh, and local food the popularity of organic products is increasing to other regions within the country.

The increased demand for food and the challenge for space for agriculture production in urban centers have made the vertical growth system an interesting trend. Agriculture is no longer only the horizontal, traditional, and soil grown method. Urban agriculture has created ways for inner city growers to be able to farm in a restricted space. Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops, especially leafy vegetables such as lettuce, in vertically stacked layers, as this results in significantly higher plant population per unit area. Two research trials were conducted in the fall of 2018 and the spring of 2019 to determine the effect of substrate properties and fertilizers on lettuce yield to optimize the urban production of lettuce. Three substrates (P3 + CF7 = Perlite 30%: Coco fiber 70%, PB7 + C3 = Pine Bark 70%: Compost 30%, and PB9 + C1 = Pine Bark 90%: Compost 10%) along with full and half rates of a fertilizer blend (VertiGro Organics fermented molasses, Ohrstrom&rsquo, s Maxicrop liquid seaweed, and organic mineral blend) were evaluated on fresh and dried weight yield of lettuce. Substrate physical properties (air space, water holding capacity, total porosity, and bulk density) and substrate volumetric water content were also determined. &lsquo, Nevada&rsquo, and &lsquo, Optima&rsquo, lettuce varieties showed similar yield responses (fresh and dried weight) to substrate and fertilizer rates in both trials. In the fall 2018 trial, the highest fresh weight was observed in substrate PB7 + C3 with half fertilizer rate, with a mean plant weight of 41.13 g and 49.75 g for &lsquo, respectively. The least mean fresh weight was observed in half fertilizer rate of substrate P3 + CF7. For the spring 2019 trial, PB7 + C3 in half fertilizer strength gave the highest fresh weight for &lsquo, (45.64 g and 41.13 g, respectively). These values were statistically comparable to all other treatments except for substrate P3 + CF7 in full and half fertilizer which gave the least mean fresh weight. Volumetric water content in substrates P3 + CF7 recorded the highest average, while PB7 + C3 gave the least. Higher water holding capacity, total porosity, and lower airspace were observed in substrate P3 + CF7. Higher airspace was observed in PB9 + C1 but was comparable to PB7 + C3. PB7 + C3 gave the highest bulk density in both trials.

Los bioestimulantes son una mejor alternativa a los costosos fertilizantes orgánicos utilizados en la producción de cultivos orgánicos certificados. Los extractos de algas marinas (Stimplex®), derivado de algas marrones (Ascophyllum nodosum) presente en el agua marina, pueden ser utilizados como un ‘bioestimulante’ en la agricultura para mejorar el rendimiento de las plantas y mejorar el crecimiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue elucidar el efecto de Stimplex® sobre el rendimiento de las hortalizas de hoja verde producidas en un sistema de cultivo orgánico. Un ensayo de invernadero se llevó a cabo en el otoño de 2015 y primavera de 2016 en la granja de investigación orgánica de la Universidad Estatal de Tennessee. Seis vegetales de hoja –lechuga, mostaza, col rizada, acelgas suizas, amaranto y berza verde– se asperjaron foliarmente con Stimplex® (Tratado) bisemanalmente por seis semanas a la dosis recomendada de 3.2 ml/L (0.4 onzas/galón de agua) y seis no tratados (Control). Las plántulas se produjeron en el invernadero a partir de semillas orgánicas en macetas, y a lo largo del estudio se siguieron las prácticas de manejo orgánico según las normas del programa nacional orgánico. Por cada vegetal de hoja se utilizaron cinco plantas en maceta tratadas y cinco plantas en maceta no tratadas con tres replicaciones. Los resultados mostraron que las plantas tratadas con Stimplex® eran más vigorosos, sanos y aumentaban el rendimiento sobre las plantas no tratadas, excepto los amarantos. El aumento porcentual en el rendimiento vegetal de todos los cultivos fue entre 11% y 35%. El aumento más alto y más bajo en el rendimiento de la planta se observó en las hojas de mostaza (35.8%) y acelgas suizas (11.0%). Los resultados sugieren que Stimplex® estimula mayores rendimientos en los vegetales de hoja.

Organic farming is becoming popular among the consumers and growers in urban areas as well. Twenty-four cultivars of six leafy green vegetables were evaluated at the certified organic field at Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. In lettuce, 'Buttercrunch' provided the highest yield reaching 21,116 kg ha-1 followed by 'Merville 4 season' with a yield of 19,195 kg ha-1. 'Red Romaine' exhibited the lowest yield of 10,180 kg ha-1. 'White Russian' kale had the highest yield (20,388 kg ha-1), followed by 'Red Russian' kale (18,380 kg ha-1). The minimum yielding cultivar among kale was 'Lacinto' with a yield of 10,066 kg ha-1. In mustard greens, yields of 'Green Wave', 'Southern Giant Curled', 'Tendergreen', and 'Giant Red' were 21,734, 18,509, 31,067 and 28,823 kg ha-1, respectively. In collards, 'Champion' provided the highest yield with 20,254 kg ha-1 followed by 'Morris Heading' with 18,502 kg ha-1. The 'Rainbow Chard' yield was 19,519 kg ha-1 and the 'Golden Chard' was 16,492 kg ha-1. In amaranths, 'Love Lies Bleeding' performed better than the 'Hopi Red Dye' with yield of 11,545 kg ha-1.

As the world's population continues to increase, other methods of production are being sought after that can help conserve water and save land especially in urban communities. Vertical gardening is a technique by which plants can be grown in a vertical structure without soil, to obtain a maximum possible yield within a particular space indoors or outdoors. Organic vertical gardening is carried out without the application of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers, following the standards and approved inputs of the National Organic Program (NOP). Currently, there is a conflict on the relationship between organic vertical gardens and organic farming practices between urban growers due to the cultivation of plants without soil in the latter. Little to know studies have been done on organic vertical farms as of date. Several cultivars of lettuce, chard, kale, mustard-green, basil and coriander grown in the verti-grow system and were harvested successfully. Automated system called 'Drip Organics' provided organic nutrients to the plants. Perlite and coco fiber media was used in the stacked pots. Although modern organic farming would remain a widely food production method as evidenced by its global acceptance and steady growth, organic vertical farming has a potential to provide food security, year-round produce and ease transportation of food within urban and semi urban areas. This article discussed cultivar trials in organic vertical system on the certified organic farm of the Tennessee State University, Nashville.

There is little published information on sensory attributes and quality indices of organically grown sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas L.) even though there is a growing demand for this product. A study was conducted to identify the best cultivars based on sensory characteristics and organoleptic acceptability of sweetpotato grown under an organic management production system. Baked samples of 14 sweetpotato cultivars were evaluated by taste panelists on a 4-point hedonic scale for color, taste, texture, and overall acceptability. The cvs. All Purple (purple fleshed), Carolina Ruby (orange fleshed), and Ginseng (orange fleshed) had the highest taste, texture, and aroma scores; the white fleshed cv. Japanese Purple was least accepted overall. The most preferred sweetpotato cultivar was associated with the descriptors pasty, umami (monosodium glutamate like), sodium, and adhesive. The purple flesh color was well liked by all panelists and rated as the top color of all cultivars. Panelist preference was to...

Urban horticulture describes economically viable horticultural production activities conducted in a city or suburb. It is a growing segment of horticulture in the United States as well as in developing countries, where the enormous growth of megalopolis is not backed by a simultaneous increase of farmland or agricultural productivity. Today, urban horticulture includes food sovereignty in underprivileged neighborhoods, increased availability of vegetables and fruits in big cities, healthy and diverse diets, improved food safety, low transportation costs, efficient resource use, and the mitigation of environmental impacts of horticultural production such as the emission of greenhouse gases. The workshop “Urban horticulture: From local initiatives to global success stories,” held at the 2018 American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) conference in Washington, DC, featured present and historical success stories of urban horticulture from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the United States.

In order to overcome the challenges posed by the prevailing biotic and abiotic factors, plants have evolved various characteristics that confer survival and ensure adaptation to certain unfavorable conditions, consequently, leading to diversity. Increasing knowledge in the era of genome sequencing of organisms makes it evident that all forms of diversity have their origin rooted in the genes. In this context, genetic diversity analysis provides a powerful tool that enhances a comprehensive understanding of genetic variation and improves conservation strategies. Plant diversity refers to the variety of plants that exist on the Earth. Understanding genetic diversities among fruits and vegetable plants are of significant importance because of not only their agricultural importance but also their economic values. It is important to keep regular assessments of the conservation status of these plant species, in order to prioritize those in need of conservation action. In order to access genetic diversity easily by researchers and breeders, most crops are conserved in genebanks, seed, and/or field, typically as part of individual national germplasm systems. The improvement of fruits and vegetable plants considerably depends on the extent of genetic variability existing within the species as well as their crop wild relatives. The genetic variation that exists among plant populations is a basic requirement for efficient improvement of such populations. It also serves as an evidence to prove whether such a population can withstand unpredictable changes in the environment. Molecular studies provide insight into relationships and diversity among plant breeds. The extent and nature of genetic diversity of fruits and vegetable plants from all around the world has been investigated by typing DNA markers in a set of individuals belonging to several breeds. The availability of PCR-based molecular markers and next-generation sequencing allows for the detailed analyses and evaluation of genetic diversity in plants and to detect genes that influence certain desirable, important traits. In this chapter, we provide a comprehensive survey on the genetic diversity among some important families of fruits and vegetable plants.

This article contributes to efforts to validate a common set of parameters and principles of sustainable agriculture. Comparisons between alternative forms of sustainable agriculture and rural-to-urban community resilience are investigated. Conclusions are drawn between multiple sustainable/alternative agriculture systems and evaluated. A set of common baseline parameters and principles is proposed as a method of evolving a common structural framework for strengthening sustainability of agriculture and rural contexts. Concepts of rural-to-urban community sustainability are proposed, supporting sustainable agriculture contexts as rural and urban. In the twenty-first century, agriculture is becoming more diversified and less typified as a rural occupation. Urban agriculture is expanding as the need for fresh, affordable, accessible agriculture produce increases in urban areas. Evidence supports symbiotic relationships between sustainable agriculture and rural/urban communities, although some claim t...

Organic agriculture is a production system that maintains the health of an agro-ecosystem by enhancing biodiversity and producing healthy soils by eliminating the use of chemicals. Other practices are used to enhance properties of the soil and increase long term soil fertility and prevent pest and diseases. Globally, organic agriculture has grown approximately by 20% yearly as consumers and growers make healthier food choices and show more concern about the impacts of our actions on the environment. Organic agriculture attempts to increase the level of food security and create a more sustainable environment for future generations. Organic certification has continuously increased as the benefits steady arise for farmers looking to produce healthier food. This article will observe the history, present day, challenges, certifications, impacts and benefits of the intriguing organic agricultural world.

Best horticulture management has been practiced to reduce the amount of inorganic fertilizer in connection with net (mosquito net) for higher production of Indian spinach. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture promoted negative effect on the environment and human health in Bangladesh. The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period February to May 2016. Two factor experiments were conducted on nettings: control (N0), Netting (N1) and different fertilizers: control (F0), Vermicompost 10 t/ha (F1), Vermicompost 15 t/ha (F2), 2/3rdof F2+ 1/3rdof F4 (F3), Inorganic fertilizer (F4). Combination of mosquito net and combined of organic and inorganic fertilizers (N1F3) gave the significantly higher growth and yield of Indian spinach compared to other treatment combination. The maximum vine length (77.71 cm), after 45 days after sowing was found from N1F3 which was 72% higher compared to control. The highest yield of Indian spinach was 38.67 t/ha from N1F3 which was 80% higher compared to control. The treatment combination of N1F3 provided maximum leaf numbers per plant, leaf length.

The growing populations in urban areas and the decrease in available land are major constraints to sustainable crop production in and around cities. All over the world, many people do not get enough food and proper nourishment. Urban horticulture which is the production of vegetables, herbs, medicinal and ornamental plants around cities may serve as a solution. Worldwide, temperatures vary in different seasons and urban growers face challenges in sustaining production due to poor yield and crop losses. Therefore, urban horticultural growers may need to employ new techniques and tools to improve their practices. However, many of these recent developments require capital, access to specific information, knowledge, and resources to improve their skills on production, processing, and marketing of their produce. This paper reviews the recent developments in urbanization and urban horticulture, the types of urban horticulture as well as tools and techniques in urban horticulture. The focus of this paper is on recent developments in vertical farming systems (hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics) including organic vertical farming research. Also listed in this study are solutions that urban horticulture provides such as provision of food security and, poverty alleviation. Some of the concerns, challenges, and benefits in urban vertical farming systems would also be explored.

The impact of chemical farming and the negative consequences on the environment and human health in Bangladesh are on the rise. Organic farming is gaining attention and increasing globally because it is eco-friendly, safe and has benefits for human health. A field study was conducted at the horticulture farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, to evaluate the growth and yield performance of cabbage cv. Atlas—70 using organic and inorganic fertilizers in various plant spacing arrangements. Two factor experiments were conducted on plant spacings of 60 cm × 40 cm (S1), 60 cm × 50 cm (S2) and 60 cm × 60 cm (S3) and fertilizers vermicompost (T1), biogen (T2), integrated plant nutrient system (IPNS) Organic (⅔) + inorganic (⅓) (T3) and inorganic (T4). IPNS (T3) application increased the marketable yield (54.77 t·ha−1) of cabbage. The highest marketable yield (48.75 t·ha−1) was obtained with a plant spacing of 60 cm × 40 cm (S1). No significant variation was found in plant spacings S1 and S2. The treatment combination of S2T3 recorded the highest plant height (37.81 cm), plant spread (47.75 cm), cabbage head (21.80 cm), stem length (12.31 cm), thickness of the cabbage head (12.53 cm) and marketable yield (65.0 t·ha−1). The results suggest that IPNS (T3) combining organic and inorganic fertilizer applications with a 60 cm × 50 cm spacing (S2T3) increases the yield performance of cabbage.

Field trials were conducted on tomato for yield and quality of fruits using different types of organic and inorganic fertilizers at the horticulture farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. Fertilizer treatments were tested on two varieties of tomato ca. Roma VF and BARI 15. The fertilization treatments were T1, vermicompost (12 t/ha); T2, compost (10 t/ha); T3, integrated plant nutrient system (IPNS) or mixed fertilizers (organic 2/3 part and inorganic 1/3 part); T4, inorganic fertilizers; and a control (T5). Results showed growth and yield (20.8 t/ha) in tomato were higher in the IPNS treatment. A higher number of fruits per plant (73.7) and plant height (73.5 cm) were obtained from mixed fertilizers (organic 2/3 + inorganic 1/3) or IPNS (integrated plant nutrient system) in Roma VF than other treatments. Fruit yield and diameter were found statistically significant. No significant difference was observed in the quality (total soluble solids) of tomato fruits in both varieties’ response to the treatments. The electrical conductivity and pH of the soil were improved by the application of organic manure.

The objective of the present study is to investigate nutritional and antioxidant activity of four types of organic tomato cultivars. The differences in tomato quality are also tested between groups with or without treatment using an organic biostimulator, Stimplex. Total phenolic compounds (TPC), lycopene,β-carotene, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and color parameters were investigated in the current study. The results showed that there was no significant difference in TPC among cultivars regardless of Stimplex treatment. Higher lycopene andβ-carotene were obtained in Stimplex treated tomatoes. Lycopene andβ-carotene contents were significantly different among cultivars (P<0.05). DPPH scavenging activity in controlled group was significantly higher than that in the Stimplex treated tomatoes (P<0.05). No significant difference in reducing power was detected among cultivars treatment groups. The study showed that the darker the tomato color, the higher the lycopene andβ-carotene contents and the stronger the reducing power.

YIELD RESPONSE OF FOUR BEEFSTEAK TOMATO CULTIVARS IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Urban Agriculture is here to stay and is defined as the growing, processing, and distribution of food and other products through intensive plant cultivation and animal husbandry in and around cities. Growing food and non-food crops in and near cities contributes to healthy communities by engaging residents in work and recreation that improves individual and public well-being. Urban agriculture integrates multiple functions in densely populated areas offering an alternative land use. In addition to food production, urban agriculture also offers a wide range of other functions such as energy conservation, waste management, biodiversity, nutrient cycling, microclimate control, urban greening, economic revitalization, community socialization, human health, preservation of cultural heritage, and education.

Organic agriculture (OA) advocates against the application of chemical and genetically modified (GM) materials on farms except those approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) which consists of a voluntary team of 15 advisors selected by the secretary of the United States of Agriculture. Globally, OA has grown approximately by 20 % yearly as consumers and growers make healthier food choices and show more concern about the impacts of our actions on the environment. OA attempts to increase the level of food security and create a more sustainable environment for future generations. Nevertheless, OA is not without its challenges. In this chapter, we take a look at the history, the present, and the future of OA. Our focus is on outlining briefly the status of OA on various continents, their certification processes, global challenges, benefits and impacts, the way forward, the position of the government, policies and the institutions, and consumer behavior toward OA.

Agriculture is the principal economic activity of Nepal contributing about 35 % to the national GDP and engaging about 66 % of the population. Existing low productivity of agriculture has resulted in food insecure and food deficit nation. Degradation of resources, mainly land, water, agrobiodiversity, and forest, is believed to be the immediate cause for the low productivity. Therefore, agricultural practices those conserve and promote productivity level while regenerating the degraded natural resource are of paramount importance in Nepal. Organic farming has been proven as one of such practices as it promotes and maintains soil and human health, manages and enhances biodiversity, and offers better nutrient cycling and mineralization with favorable microclimatic regimes, and thereby less risk to farmers. Till the recent past, agriculture in Nepal was organic with self-sustained method of production relying on integration of local biodiversity using traditional knowledge and wisdom. However, for the last three decades, use of high yielding exotic crops/varieties and agrochemicals, introduced under the banner of Green Revolution Agriculture (GRA), has become pervasive. Although, GRA served its short-term propose to some extent to increase the production of major food crops, over the time, the indiscriminate use of external non-organic inputs resulted in soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, food poisoning, environmental pollution, and threat to sustainability and food security. This devastating scenario compelled the stakeholders to think of alternative resilient practices as a long-term solution to conserving the resource base and salvaging the environment. Organic agriculture, as advocated and promoted by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) based on worldwide research results, can be instrumental to address the current as well as long-term problems of agriculture in Nepal. The practice of organic agriculture is not new for Nepalese farmers because it is a traditional mainstream food production system from the time immemorial. However, as a movement, organic agriculture has emerged as a new intervention in farming in recent years. Development of addictive sense toward chemical-based farming made difficult to convince farmers about immediate and long-term advantage of organic agriculture. Therefore, non-government organizations are involved to advocate, promote, and popularize organic farming with policy support from the government. Growing health and environmental consciousness against chemical farming among consumers has helped the movement advance faster. At present, many conscious farmers, entrepreneurs, and academic and development institutions are focusing their efforts to promote organic farming in the country. Government has also formulated some policies favoring the shift from chemical-based farming to organic farming. This chapter focuses on general features on the past and present of Nepalese agriculture; its resource base; declining productivity and sustainability; and the role of organic farming as a viable option for food security and livelihood sustainability in Nepal.

Traditional medicines, the mainstay of medical treatment for virtually all minor ailments in many developing countries, have been tapped for the production of new therapeutics in the sustenance of human health and well-being. Vulnerable to the vicissitudes of globalization issues such as intellectual property rights, trade and gender are of relevance in the Pacific region that is a source of some unique traditional healing systems.

In the Caribbean, increasing food production and environmental conservation are major preoccupations, which have been exacerbated by the recent food crises and the rise in prices of imported inputs and foodstuffs (Singh et al., Competitiveness study, policy proposals: enhancing international competiveness, the CARICOM regional transformation program for Agriculture, CARICOM, 2007). Thus, there is an increasing demand for horticultural systems that produce safe food with high added value. Within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), crop production may be divided into five sub-categories namely fruits, roots and tubers, vegetables, herbs and spices and pulses and nuts. This review summarizes vegetable production systems in the Caribbean region.