The social responsibility in organic rice cultivation in Italy|La responsabilité sociale dans la culture de riz bio en Italie

This work is based on the experience of some Italian farmers who grow biological rice following organic agricultural practices and methods. In Italy, this biological approach is still a niche phenomenon which involves only a very few pioneers. More specifically, our project concerns an informal network of some dozen rice farmers who share an identity proximity and closeness in their procedures. We discovered a very strong interpersonal confidence along with the institutional confidence stemming from the organic label and the relationship with an organic distribution company. Our approach is based on a case study combining participatory observations derived from ethnographic research methods with some focused interviews. Their aim was to explore the social learning process as well as mutual support and self-reinforcement within a highly heterogeneous group. This work highlights the strengths and weaknesses of this network, and provides a platform for further actions. The results of this participatory research project show that the farmers are well capable of assuming their own responsibilities, as well as regaining self-reliance and developing creativity, and that they can carry much weight in decision making in both agronomic research and policy recommendations.