Organic farming policy development in the EU: What can multi-stakeholder processes contribute?

This paper discusses if and how multi-stakeholder involvement can make a worthwhile contribution to the development of agricultural policy in the enlarged EU, using the example of organic farming. A methodological approach to policy design and learning developed and implemented during the design phase for national implementations strategies of the Rural Development Plans in 11 European countries is introduced. Examples of results obtained by this methodology are presented. Conclusions for the design of future bottom-up policy development processes are drawn.