Digital Decision Support Systems for Sustainable Organic Farming

Abstract

Environmental concerns have gained growing attention since the late 20th century. Many of today’s challenges related to climate, soil, and water are rooted in previous agricultural policies. As a result, environmental protection has become a key priority, with farmers now bearing more responsibility for sustainability than ever before. Organic farming has emerged as a viable alternative, as it minimizes environmental harm. However, in the context of a global economy, maintaining competitiveness and ensuring efficient production remains essential. This efficiency can be achieved through the development of an optimal production plan. This paper explores an integrated decision support system designed for organic farms. The authors initially developed the system with a Linear Programming (LP) model that simulates the organic farm environment and optimises production. The model also generates an optimal schedule for key farming activities throughout the year, taking into account both farm-specific conditions and market needs. Today, a variety of more advanced solutions are available. These decision support systems help in planning effective farm management strategies and allow users to assess the potential impact of proposed changes on the entire farming system.