Group Certification (GC) is an approach that facilitates access of smallholders to organic certification. The application of the new EU rules may significantly impact the existing groups of small farmers in developing countries. With reference to the experience of two farmers group projects, the research work aims to i) analyse the target group’s characteristics in relation to the new EU Regulation and ii) investigate factors affecting farmers’ group participation. Adopting a case study approach, two different methodologies were in parallel used. An assessment was conducted to describe groups with reference to new EU rules on GC, whereas a systematic literature review and an exploratory factor analysis were performed in order to identify factors affecting farmers’ participation.
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Two tools were developed respectively: a checklist detailing new EU requirements for GC and a closed questionnaire. Data were collected by phone interviews with key informants and farmers. According to the first research objective, the two investigated farmers’ groups are not mature for an immediate switch to organic group certification. According to the second research objective, several key factors emerged as influencing farmer’s group participation. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are drawn for Moroccan organic sector and in methodological terms for further research improvements.
