Organic Farming as an Innovative Farming System Development Model toward Sustainable Agriculture in Bali

Organic farming has been promoted and developed in Bali since 2006 by the government in collaboration with private businesses and certification bodies. This research aimed to synthesize the development of Balinese organic production as an effort toward sustainable agriculture. Data from the in-depth interview and critical review were analyzed. As of 2012, the following have been certified as organic farms: 22 groups of food crop and horticulture farms such as rice/red rice, vegetables, flowers, salak, grape, mangosteen, papaya, banana, ginger, red onion, and mushroom; 8 groups of cashew farms; and 7 groups of coffee farms. The Balinese organic production systems are potentially sustainable since the sustainability criteria were fulfilled. Many constraint factors affect organic production in Bali, including limited organic fertilizer sources, limited fresh irrigation water resource, certification budget availability, and buyers who are willing to pay a premium for organic products. Success in removing the constraint factors would pave the way for sustainable organic agriculture in Bali.