Aspects of Interdisciplinary Research on Nature Quality in Organic Farming Systems

The conflict between conservation of the rare and high quality nature and management of the common widespread nature is discussed based on the concept of Natural Capital Index. Nature Quality on farms should include considerations for both types of nature challenging the methodological research approaches behind. Background Organic farming is often considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional farming based on numerous results of a more varied biota in the organically grown fields. However, the expectation that organic farming favours land use and farm practises that supports ecosystem functioning and to a higher extent contribute to nature qualities (Stoltze et al. 2000) are thus generally not well documented. The EU regulations in Natura 2000 and Agenda 2000 provide a policy framework for planning at national and regional levels. The aim, however, of the two instruments is very different. Natura 2000 focus on the rare and threatened species and habitats, whereas the AES in Agenda 2000 provides tools for integration of nature considerations for the less threatened, common species and habitats in e.g. the agricultural landscapes