What drives German organic farming networks to partner with particular international actors and target particular im- and export countries and sectors?

Background: Organic farming is increasingly subject to global trade. At the same time, it is a highly complex value and supply chain which, in addition aims to organize in line with particular values and standards. Organic produce could be sourced worldwide, which is increasingly done. To some extent, these chains also relate to development perspectives of countries of origin which may be fostered by international donors.

Aim: This thesis wonders what determines the configuration of networks that source organic produce abroad and import it into Germany. What role do public, private and civil society agents in Germany and abroad and as intermediaries play, what role to associations play, what role to pull factors in particular countries play and what role do costs, levels of trust, development initiatives and broader push and pull factors in countries of origin and in Germany play.