The study “Organic by Default: Myth or Reality? Evidence from the Lao PDR” analyzes the impact of certified organic rice farming under a Helvetas project. Comparing organic, ex-organic, and non-organic farmers, it finds that certified farmers are generally younger, more educated, and better endowed, with improved farming and marketing practices and higher prices. However, organic farming proved unsustainable for the most vulnerable, leading some to drop out, showing that certification is not suitable for everyone.
