This organic agriculture support project was a pilot, aimed at implementing the law; and more particularly, introducing a collective certification system for organic agriculture. Within the framework of the project, 31 cooperatives (located in 11 soums of Selenge aimag) were to support the development of organic agriculture through the introduction of value added organic products onto the market. The largest expected result of the project was to be the introduction of a ‘collective certification’ system, through the development of the multilateral partnerships. 

IRIM used both qualitative and quantitative research methods.  

• Questionnaire. The sample consisted of the members and beneficiaries of the cooperatives. This data collection was to determine the types and organizational practices of the members in the cooperatives, as well as the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to organic agriculture. 

• Group and individual interviews. This was conducted in each soum which included cooperatives, members, government representatives and other interested parties. This data collection was to determine the nature of cooperation - and the roles of stakeholders - in organic agriculture, as well as the direction to be followed.  

• Literature research. This was to review the linkage between relevant legal documents, projects and programs. 

251 members of 31 cooperatives in 11 soums of Selenge aimag participated in the questionnaire survey, while 24 people, including head of cooperatives and government officials in charge of agricultural matters in soum, participated in individual interviews. Moreover, eight FGDs were organized within 26 members of eight targeted soums.