Organic kiwifruit orchard soils were compared with conventional ones in Korea. Soil structure of organic soil had higher gaseous and liquous phase as well as soil porosity in the surface soil. Although the nutritional level of each orchards were quite different among soils, the analysis of both system revealed that organic kiwifruit orchard soil had similar or even higher nutrient level (N and organic matter content in surface soil) compared to conventional ones. The organic matter content of deep soil also had the high tendency in deep soil of organic soil. Higher level of nitrogen in organic surface soil is presumably due to the excessive application of organic compost and liquid fertilizer rather than the contribution by grasses such as green manure. Available phosphorous level of organic system was quite high but similar in surface soil of both system, compared to the recommended level. Potassium, calcium and magnesium levels were also enough in organic kiwifruit orchard soils.

Organic kiwifruits were smaller fruit size but had higher magnesium and dry matter content than conventional, meanwhile, fruil soluble solid content was similar to conventional. There were no significant difference in polyphenol contents and antioxidative capacity between organic and conventional although there were considerable variations among sample orchards. Several minerals were also similar levels in both systems.

Organic production practices varied among producers. Generally, organic producers were relying on imported input materials such as organic compost and liquid fertilizer even more than conventional producers. Very few organic farmers had composting facilities or sites for the own supply of compost in need. The productivity of organic kiwifruit orchard (92%) was not as low as that of conventional while the net income (243%) was more than double that of conventional. This was mainly aftributed to high farm gate price of organic fruits, low paid labour use and electricity. As a consequence, organic kiwifruit production seems to become a feasible option in Korea. However, high dependence on imported farming material, fuel and labour for too frequent liquid fertilizer spray should be addressed to achieve long term sustainability of organic kiwifruit production.

Most of European countries have certain support measures of small holder organic producers in their policy system but they need to be more positive with this issue. Recent EU regulations and any other governmental organic farming measures are hardly emphasising on small holders’ issues except a few measures. In order to secure small producer organic farming, the extensive efforts are needed. Developing new logos and differential support system for small producer organic at every aspects from production, marketing and public procurement level will become more positive actions to take, for example.

This study compares and contrasts the Wales and England Organic Action Plans (WOAP and EOAP) and a Korean regional Life-Food Development Plan (KLFDP) in order to facilitate the development of the organic sector in Korea. Early action plans, for example, the first WOAP (1999) focused support on developing the supply of organic products whereas later action plans focused on marketing and consumer. OAPs may not only provide specific issue-solving roles by proposing new policy measures but also perform a regulatory role as a controller for organic sector development as a whole. The current KLFDP seems to stick to the former role but hardly has the latter role such as setting priorities， harmonizing various conflicting p이ïcy measures and factors and performing evaluation process for further progress. To secure better harmonized and sustainable development of Korean organic farming sector, constructing comprehensive national-Ievel organic action plan, which has policy developing, implementing, regulating, evaluating and evolving functions, might be the most efficient choice.