rirdc sub-program 2.5 organic produce

RIRDC Completed Projects in 1999-2000 and Research in Progress as at June 2000

RIRDC Sub-Program 2.5

ORGANIC PRODUCE

August 2000 RIRDC Publication No 00/84

© 2000 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 58115 0 ISSN 1440 6845 "Research in Progress as at June 2000 - 2.5 Organic Produce" Publication No 00/84 The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. RIRDC Organic Produce Research Manager Mr Ewan Colquhoun RIRDC Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 07 3831 7330 Fax: 07 3832 7298 Email: [email protected] RIRDC Publications Manager Cecile Ferguson Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 3186 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in August 2000 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

Foreword This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June '00, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 1999-00 for all of the Corporation’s 20 program areas. The complete report on all the programs is only available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au The following report is a hardcopy extract covering Sub-program 2.5. It contains all entries from completed and continuing Organic Produce research projects funded by RIRDC. This program aims to optimise the profitability of Australian organic production in both domestic and overseas markets and to promote the utilisation of organic farming systems as a means of enhancing the sustainability of Australian agricultural systems. This report is the newest addition to our extensive catalogue of almost 400 research reports, videos and CD-Roms of projects supported by RIRDC. Please contact us for the latest publications catalogue or view it on our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Peter Core Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

Contents

2.5 ORGANIC PRODUCE COMPLETED PROJECTS

PROJECT

No PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE

No AHM-3A Identifying organic practices with wider significance

to science or agriculture Mr Jason Alexandra (03) 9431 3426 Jason Alexandra & Associates 5

DAW-85A Evaluate the production potential and marketing processes for potential in providing clean (organic, natural, low-input) food for export

Mr Gerry Parlevliet (08) 9368 3333 Agriculture Western Australia 8

GUK-1A Organic Links – Dairy Mrs Fiona Chambers (03) 5441 4821 Rendell McGuckian 9 KDI-20A An information package for organic farming in

Australia Mr Garry McKenzie (08) 9478 3343 Kondinin Group 11

TAR-2A Economics of soil and environmental amelioration in intensive temperate rotations

Dr Rowland Laurence (03) 6430 4901 University of Tasmania 13

UA-49A Soil nutrient management for increased production on broadacre organic farms

Mr Chris Penfold (08) 8303 7735 University of Adelaide 15

2.5 ORGANIC PRODUCE RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

PROJECT

No PROJECT TITLE RESEARCHER PHONE ORGANISATION PAGE

No AGC-3A Organic polyculture systems: design principles,

risks and benefits Mr Larry Geno (07) 4936 3604 Agroecology Association

Consultants 17

BIP-1A Changing Agriculture – curriculum development for facilitating the adoption of organic systems

Ms Liz Clay (03) 5628 9557 Bioscape 18

DAQ-254A Identify, disseminate and promote information/practices which establishes organic as a viable mainstream food production system in Southern Queensland

Mr Lindsay Coghill (07) 4688 1334 Department of Primary Industries – Queensland

19

DAT-37A Integrated development of intensive organic vegetable production systems

Dr Jason Dennis (03) 6428 3555 Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tas)

20

DAV-142A Development of organic crop and pasture systems for south east Australia

Ms Carol Hollier Ms Viv Burnett

(02) 6030 4500 Department Natural Resources and Environment

21

DAW-96A Seminars to create awareness about organic industry opportunities

Mr Gerry Parlevliet (08) 9368 3219 Agriculture Western Australia 22

EGO-1A Presentation of ecological sustainable land management systems to farmers

Mr Alan Broughton (03) 5156 8547 East Gippsland Organic Agriculture Association Inc.

23

IMP-1A Pest management strategies for organic agriculture Dr Paul Horne (03) 9710 1554 IPM Technologies Pty Ltd 24 RWO-2A Non-conventional options for effective nematode

control in ‘organic’ sheep production Dr Rob Woodgate (08) 9841 6920 The Write Science 25

UNE-65A Sustainable weed management for organic herb and vegetable production

Dr Brian Sindel (02) 6773 3747 University of New England 26

2.5 ORGANIC PRODUCE COMPLETED PROJECTS

Project Title

Identifying organic practices with wider significance to science or agriculture

RIRDC Project No.:

AHM-3A

Researcher: Mr. Jason Alexandra Organisation: Alexandra & Associates Pty Ltd

16 Homestead Rd ELTHAM VIC 3095

Phone: (03) 9431 3426 Fax: (03) 9431 3426 Objectives

• To identify and document organic farming practices which have

wider applications in Australian • farming systems. • To improve understanding of organic or IPM practices with good

prospects for wider adoption. • To identify important R&D possibilities which could enhance

clean food production generally. • To better understand the principles and practices applied in

Australian organic systems. • To improve communciation between growers, researchers and

industry organisations. • To identify and document organic farmers' priorities for R&D.

Background

Around the world public confidence in agricultural industries and agricultural science is possibly at all time low due to mad cows, chemical contamination scares and fears about the uncertain impacts of biotechnology. Concerns about the environmental effects of industrial agriculture have increased over the last three decades. In response there is increasing attention being devoted to the sustainability and multi-functionality of agriculture systems. As industrial agriculture is suffering from this "crisis in confidence" community, government and market support for organic agriculture is rising. The rise in support for organic farming represents a marked change in the trajectory of modern agricultural development.

The project sought to tap the understanding of people currently involved in organic agriculture because organic agriculture needs to be understood not simply in terms of another production technology, but as a fundamental shift in the relationships between markets and producers, producers and technology and producers and the environment.

In virtually every primary industry there are successful examples of commercial organic production on a large commercial scale. Many organic farming practices have been developed in isolation from the mainstream of agricultural research and development, yet they could potentially provide a rich source of information on clean food production and/or insights into important R&D possibilities. This project was designed to explore this in selected industries.

Research The project has examined the prospects, impediments and R&D needs of five major Australian primary industries (rice, vegetable, wine grapes and viticulture, sugar and the dairy) through holding one-day workshops accompanied by interviews and field trips. Five workshops have been held in 4 States with representatives of growers, researchers, industry and agencies. Workshops explored prospects for refining farming practices in areas such as soils management, and pest and disease management, sustainable production, and IPM were discussed. Research and industry development needs and/or marketing possibilities were identified. Additional investigations into conversion, investment and business development issues have been undertaken via semi structured interviews with wholesalers, retailers, exporters, manufacturers and traders. Future arrangements for organic R&D seminar was held in Canberra to present findings of several RIRDC Organic program projects and to investigate the potential for R&D partnerships that focus on organics and ecologically based agricultural systems.

Outcomes

The project found that in five major Australian industries there is growing activity and confidence in organic production systems and markets. In each industry, both individual producers and major agri-business entities are involved in exploring, supporting and trialing organic production methods. However, for each commodity investigated there are real risks and technical impediments to adopting organic production systems. There is much scope for increasing production, processing and marketing capacity in order to fulfil growing domestic and exported demand. The Australian rural industries' capacity to supply the increasing global demand could be enhanced by further R&D investments. These need to focus on both refining production systems to reduce risk and uncertainty, and to ensuring effective links along value chains. There are several factors that account for increasing interest and confidence in organic productions systems:

• strong market demand for organic product with several reporting an inability to satisfy the demand.

• increasing acceptance of QA and HACCP which makes adoption of transparent and independently verified standards seem a far less daunting task.

• Australia's favourable climatic conditions, relatively clean environment and abundant land resources represent a competitive advantage to those industries wishing to expand organic production.

Constraints to adopting organics include:

• an image problem - organic is perceived as fringe; • uncertainty about markets and mixed market signals; • risks of conversion losses and pest and disease problems; • limited access to advice on agronomic practices; and • phobia or "aesthetics" that determine weed and pest

management practices.

Processors and exporters could do much to overcome these constraints through offering forward contracts and extending advice to growers.

Implications

The final report contains 15 recommendations that the authors regard as high priorities for the development of the organic industry. Recommendations cover improvements in labelling rules, education and training, information exchange, the need for the commmodity RDC's and other research organisations to become more involved in organics, generating economies of scale in processing, resourcing and streghtening of existing networks and future research directions and arrangements

Publications Symbisios Unlimited - 126 pages

Various media articles, radio and press reports

Project Title

Evaluate the production potential and marketing processes for potential in providing clean (organic, natural, low-input) food for export

RIRDC Project No.:

DAW-85A

Researcher: Mr Gerry Parlevliet Organisation: Agriculture Western Australia

Locked Bag No. 4 BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE WA 6983


• To increase the export opportunity for clean product able to be

produced in Australia by identifying Japanese market opportunities and by developing best-bet management packages for a selected short list of products

Background

The Japanese market for clean and organic agriculture products has been estimated at an 1996 Organic Agriculture Symposium held in Canberra as being $US 40 billion. Australian and Western Australia in particular are well located to supply part of this market. Until recently the organic industry has been fragmented resulting in small quantities and unreliable supplies being produced. The organic industry had not had a market focus and has had little support from research organisations to help develop production systems. The Symposium participants identified the need to focus more clearly on market needs.

Research

The review involved a desktop analysis of trade and market information on organic and conventional commodities to all major markets. The regulations and standards regarding organic in these markets were determined. Australian production potential was examined. Interviews with organic exporters and buyers were used to fine-tune the information. A priority list of commodities was determined in conjunction with a reference panel. Interviews with organic growers and a review of the literature of production systems were used to develop production guidelines for the selected priority commodities.

Outcomes

World trade for organic products was estimated at $US 11 billion in 1997. The main markets were USA, Japan and Europe. Currently Australia has an industry worth $200-$250 million with $30-40 million exported. The main markets have strong interest in all organic food products. The trend is for processed and convenience products. The production systems used by Australian organic producers vary from individual to individual. A report outlines guidelines for production on wheat, beef, carrots, wine and oranges. These are designed for new entrants into the organic industry.

Project Title

Organic Links - Dairy

RIRDC Project No.:

GUK-1A

Researcher: Mrs Fiona Chambers Organisation: Rendell McGuckian

Box 2410 Mail Centre BENDIGO VIC 3554

Phone: (03) 5441 4821 Fax: (03) 5441 2788 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• Stage 1 Industry Forum for key dairy industry stakeholders • As a result of the forum activities, stakeholders will: • Acknowledge organic production as a sector within their

mainstream industry • Agree that it is a priority to take advantage of untapped market

opportunities • Identify priority tasks to enable the expansion of the organic

dairy sector • Establish a working group to take the appropriate next steps • At the conclusion of the forum a report would be completed to

summarise the key outcomes. 25 copies of the report would be bound and printed, with 2 x word format copies made available for subsequent copying

Background

World sales of organic products are estimated to be $US 11 billion (1997), with a projected trade of $US100 billion by 2006. Australia has established a good international reputation for its national organic standard and related export regulations. Australian Dairy products have been identified as one of the high priority commodities for further development into organics

Research

Six industry leaders (from Australia, UK and New Zealand) provided an overview to the global trends and opportunities for Australia Organic Dairy Productions. Following the forum, participants were divided into workshop groups to identify key issues and barriers and priority actions.

Outcomes

Nine key industry recommendations and the formation of a national dairy organics working group are direct outcomes from the forum. The working group is now developing an action plan for the expansion of the organic dairy sector within the mainstream Australian Dairy Industry.

Implications

This project has identified that the rapidly expanding international market for organic produce is providing a number of key opportunities for the Australian Diary Industry. On-farm conversions to organic practices have shown to provide substantial financial, environmental and social benefits in Britain where farmers have made strategic alliances with supermarkets and processors in a deregulated market environment.

Project Title:

Organic Farming in Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

KDI-20A

Researcher: Pamela Horsley Organisation: Kondinin Group Phone: (02) 6921 4047 Fax: (02) 6921 4182 Email: [email protected] Objectives

To produce an information manual on organic farming that will assist both new & prospective farmers in their quest for good quality independent information that will help them make more informed decisions.

Background

Increasing global concern over the use of chemicals in agriculture is behind a growing trend of using organic methods of agricultural production. While adoption of organic practices doubled from 1990 to1995 it is believed this rate of adoption would increase if there was a greater level of understanding achieved throughout the agricultural community about the factors involved in organic farming. But the absence of a clear understanding of the issues involved with organic farming and the opportunities available continue to impede adoption of these methods by conventional producers.

Research

Through liaison with existing industry organisations and through farmer surveys and focus groups an appropriate information manual has been developed. This includes a detailed explanation of organic farming principles and conversion procedures, methods of pest and weed control, certification procedures, potential marketing strategies, industry contacts and an evaluation of the performance of organic methods of production compared to conventional farming. The project brings together existing published research and extension information with practical guidelines from established organic producers and consultants. The report has been compiled into an easy to read and understand information package which will help guide conventional farmers into the organic farming industry.

Outcomes

There has been a high level of interest in the organic industry in recent months, from both agricultural producers and consumers. Demand is even outstripping supply in some industries, in both the domestic and export markets. It is hoped the information generated by this project will be used to increase the level of organic production in Australia in a wide range of agricultural industries.

Implications

As the organic industry grows with the help of reports like this one, the benefits will be far reaching, in both economic and environmental terms with growth in the domestic and export industry, as well as the long term benefits of more sustainable agricultural production.

Publications

National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce OPAC 1998 (Second Ed). Can be bought through Australian Government Bookshops by quoting ISBN 0-646-35460-4. IFOAM 1998. Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processing. Contact the Manager AQIS Food Programs, ph: (02) 6272 4783, fax (02) 6272 3682, e-mail [email protected] or NASSA.

Acres Australia, the national newspaper of sustainable agriculture. Hassall & Associates (1995), The Domestic Market for Australian Organic Produce. An Update. Prepared for Rural Industries and Development Corporation. RIRDC, ph: (02) 6272 4539 fax: (02) 6272 5877 email: [email protected] Website: www.rirdc.gov.au

Project Title

Economics of soil and environmental amelioration in intensive temperate rotations

RIRDC Project No.:

TAR-2A

Researcher: Dr Rowland Laurence Organisation: Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research

University of Tasmania North West Centre GPO Box 447 BURNIE TAS 7320


• To report on the feasibility of carrying out, in Tasmania and

southern Victoria, long term replicated field research and demonstration in order to measure and demonstrate, over time, the economic costs and benefits of implementing rotations and cultural practices leading to profitable yields and sustainable improvements in environment quality

Background

Maintaining the productivity of soils and sustaining the rural environment in the face of declining farm profitability is seen as the single most important issue in many agricultural industries today. Over-supply and retail strength are placing demands for product quality on producers, and pressure on prices and rotations. Reduction in water-stable soil aggregates and packing of soil surfaces on slopes lead to soil erosion, for which the perceived cost and inconvenience of control measures have made for slow commercial uptake. More intensive cropping of sandier, inherently less-stable soils is increasing and sustainability issues are beginning to arise. Market driven reduction in the use of artificial pesticides is also increasing the demand for crop rotation to control insect pests, weeds and diseases and field comparison of rotations offers a method for practical testing of integrated management methods.

Research

The work comprised: • Contacts to raise the awareness of the project among a wide

range of potential stakeholders • A review of literature relating to the role of long-term

investigation in sustainable cropping • An appraisal of relevant European field studies • A workshop to determine the level of commitment among

prospective stakeholders for a project proposal to measure and demonstrate the costs and benefits of implementing more environmentally sustainable cropping systems and to explore what such studies might involve.

Outcomes

The key outcomes of the study are: • While some long-term investigations have suffered through

limited strategic planning and stakeholder involvement, others have provided insight and understanding otherwise impossible to achieve. It is not possible to practically measure changes in the sustainability and profitability of farming systems without long-

term, well planned field investigations • To ensure success in such investigations, they must exhibit some

key attributes • Research commitment in Europe to long-term investigation is

increasing. As in Australia, the effects of not attending to these attributes, particularly stakeholder involvement, in the planning phase have limited outcomes but there are many successful examples

• The workshop reached general agreement that a proposal should be developed and that further discussion with individual stakeholders will be necessary to ensure the successful incorporation of their objectives

Implications

This study has shown that there is broad support for long-term, large-scale field investigations to improve the environmental sustainability of intensive cropping systems and to demonstrate the magnitude and location of associated costs and benefits. There appears to be recognition that such field investigations/monitoring sites have a fundamental role in bringing about required change and providing measures for assessing the success of associated programs. It is recommended that, on acceptance of this report, discussions be renewed as soon as possible with individual prospective stakeholders.

Project Title

Soil nutrient management for increased production on broadacre organic farms

RIRDC Project No.:

UA-49A

Researcher: Dr Chris Penfold Organisation: University of Adelaide

Department of Agronomy and Farming Systems Roseworthy Campus ROSEWORTHY SA 5371


• This project will perform a vital initial function in providing an

answer to the critical question of nutrient supply for Australian broadacre organic farms. Within the scientific literature, and minds of farmers, scientists and consultants, there is expected to be a considerable body of knowledge addressing this issue, though such a compendium is not yet available. The compilation of this information into a report for the organic industry, will provide farmers with some of the answers to this vexing question, and researchers with directions for further investigation

Background

The plant availability of phosphorus has been established by long term trials, on farm trials and farmer observation to be a major limiting factor to broadacre organic grain production. Organic agricultural systems have their origins in Europe, where plentiful supplies of animal manure or compost can be applied cheaply to intrinsically fertile soils for mineralisation during their warm, moist summer growing period. Over the large areas of less fertile soil on Australian broadacre farms, with cold winter growing conditions, these systems are unsuitable. Plant available phosphorus is now likely to be a major limitation to productivity on many broadacre organic farms. The cost of fertilisers acceptable for organic certification is a major reason for this predicament. The environmental and economic benefit of redressing this situation and thereby improving the sustainability of organic broadacre farming will be substantial.

Research

This research has shown there are options available to organic farmers that are likely to maintain or improve productivity on soils which are presently non-responsive to phosphate fertiliser addition. On soils which respond to phosphorus, it may still be possible to improve production through the application of rock phosphates, but this will depend on the soil type, rainfall, form of phosphorus and the ability to apply large amounts in a single year. Other practices, such as the importance of seed P, sowing time, fertiliser application methods and rotation management will all influence phosphorus nutrition. The potential of humic acids for enhancing available P, particularly in alkaline soils, may also be worthy of further investigation.

Outcomes

The supply of adequate phosphorus for optimal production of a broad range of plant species in southern Australia using organic farming practices is very difficult. However, there are several management practices which will be applicable to some farming environments which will greatly assist in improving crop and pasture productivity.

Implications

The issues involved in phosphorus nutrition for broadacre organic farmers in southern Australia have been highlighted in this review. It is a major problem which must be investigated further, so farmers wishing to convert to organic farming for whatever reason can do so with confidence that productivity can be maintained over the long term without the use of synthetic fertilisers. For this reason, research ranging from microbiological to applied systems based work is required to help provide practitioners with the information necessary to improve their farming systems.

2.5 ORGANIC PRODUCE

RESEARCH IN PROGRESS Project Title

Organic polyculture systems: design principles, risks and benefits

RIRDC Project No.:

AGC-3A

Start Date: 30/04/99 Finish Date: 30/05/00 Researcher: Mr. Larry Geno Organisation: Agroecology Associates Consultants

434 Ilkley Road ILKLEY QLD 4554

Phone: (07) 5478 8815 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• To make informationavailable on organic polyculture systems

design that is currently in existence, nit not widely available, through collecting analysing and distributing the principles of successful organic polyculture farming in a report to RIRDC.

Current Progress

A literature search of some 250 items covering the principles, benefits and risks of polyculture practices in multiple cropping, agroforestry, and intercropping, as well as the ecological basis for polyculture function, has been completed. From this extensive literature review, the principles and design characteristics responsible for polyculture yield advantage, risk reduction, pest management and landscape interaction benefits are drawn from traditional and third world organic examples as well as cases within industrial agriculture. This literature survey has been structured into a conceptual framework that summarises the principles underpinning polyculture farming systems with an emphasis on plant components. Given some evidence that Australian farmers may be using polyculture practices, a survey of 7000 certified organic, sustainable, and conventional primary producers was conducted to determine principles, benefits and risks as perceived by the producer. The survey allows comparison of Australian producers with practices utilised overseas, and illuminates any Australian innovations. A subsample group of polyculture producers revealed by the survey are interviewed on-farm to further understand polyculture practice and uptake and to deepen the understanding of polyculture benefits and risks.

Project Title

Changing agriculture - curriculum development for facilitating the adoption of organic systems

RIRDC Project No.:

BIP-1A

Start Date: 8/06/99 Finish Date: 30/06/01 Researcher: Ms. Liz Clay Organisation: Bioscape

Powelltown Road PIEDMONT VIA NOOJEE VIC 3833


• To develop and deliver curriculum for the transfer of knowledge to

assist in the conversion of comptent farmers to organic practices Current Progress

The aim of the program is to develop a stand alone learning module that prepares farmers for their conversion to organic farming systems and beyond. Four key competencies have been identified. These are: Understanding the meaning of organic - Linking organic farmers and

organic consumers. Knowing and interpreting the standards. The most commonly asked

questions. Farm inspection and certification requirements. Systems Thinking Identifying, overcoming, and avoiding organic

hazards. Planning conversion to organic agriculture. Developing an organic

farm plan. The module covers all aspects of the regulatory process and the theory fundamental to the meaning of organic, and is designed to skill farmers in short and long term planning for their conversion to organic agriculture. Participants are introduced to organic networks and resources both in Australia and overseas. By the end of the module farmers should be well positioned to make an informed assessment of the risks involved in converting to organic systems. The program uses adult leaning principles and depends on the participants collective experiences to work through tasks. Field trips and classroom work sessions are combined to ensure farmers are able to apply their learning.

Project Title

Identify, disseminate and promote information/practices which establishes organic as a viable mainstream food production system in Southern Queensland

RIRDC Project No.:

DAQ-254A

Start Date: 1/01/99 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: Mr. Lindsay Coghill Organisation: Department of Primary Industries (Qld)

PO Box 102 TOOWOOMBA QLD 4350


• identify, collate and disseminate information and knowledge and

integrate informtion sharing in the region for the benefit of organic enterprises and industry

• improve understanding of the organic practices and the prospects for wider adoption

• identify limiting factors at all steps in the value-chain and provide options for solutions

• facilitate the adoption of organic as a viable mainstream food/fibre system

• faciltate communciation and networking between growers, researchers and industry

Current Progress

Key achievements were: Fostering Industry development – Further development of the farmlink Organic segment in order to encourage more producers to the industry by the provision of information, and supply and demand market signals. This included: Increasing the number of producers registered on Farmlink so as to

improve the dissemination of information and encourage information sharing between growers, researchers and industry.

Trialing the concept of posting partially researched product-specific market opportunities on Farmlink and providing a ‘forum’ to promote and gauge interest in the opportunity.

Trialing the facilitation of industry seminars to further explore the opportunity and the formation of production and marketing groups.

Developing a network of stakeholders to support the production and marketing group to achieve a commercial outcome.

The project team has been active using Farmlink and conventional means to encourage more producers to the industry by the provision of technical information and market signals. Disseminate Information – In response to the requests received at field days and seminars at Roma, Harrisville and Toowoomba, a flow-on effect has been recognised where further events have been staged (Growforce, Guano seminar, Organic bus tour, Cunnamulla, Barcaldine, Brisbane) to transfer information between participants interested in the organic industry.

Project Title

Integrated development of intensive organic vegetable production systems

RIRDC Project No.:

DAT-37A

Start Date: 9/06/99 Finish Date: 30/05/03 Researcher: Dr Jason Dennis Organisation: Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (TAS)

PO Box 1283 DEVONPORT TAS 7310


• To test and document organic production protocols for carrots,

broccoli, swedes and possibly onions in a balanced rotation with pasture and livestock. These protocols will be developed from collation, adaptation and demonstration of technical knowledge sourced from both organic and conventional IPM systems. The final two years will focus on providing information and training in organic production protocols for existing and prospective growers.

Current Progress

The first pilot commercial carrot crop (1ha), grown in compliance with NASAA pre-conversion requirements, yielded 64t gross and 45.5t net (75.4% pack out), which compares favourably with conventionally grown crops of the same variety that on average yield 66t gross and 42t net (63% pack out).

In the absence of WWOOFers and a large itinerant labour force, the logistics and cost of hand weeding were identified as potential impediments to future industry expansion. One possible solution to this situation was demonstrated in a second 1.4ha carrot crop; where the crop was successfully hand weeded by a community group seeking to raise funds.

Class 1 product from the first carrot crop was sent to Japan, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne for test marketing. Although the market feedback was very positive regarding quality, all the markets indicated that premiums for pre-conversion and conversion organic produce are difficult to achieve. Data from the first crop indicates that organic carrot production will cost $100-$130 a net tonne more than conventional crops. This poses a difficult financial dilemma for the pre-conversion and conversion periods in the absence of a suitable market premium. The experimental shallot crop has been lifted, cured and sent for test marketing, where feedback to date is similar to the carrot situation. The pilot Broccoli crop (1ha) was ploughed in before harvest due to excessive insect damage.

Project Title

Development of organic crop and pasture systems for south east Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

DAV-142A

Start Date: 1/01/98 Finish Date: 30/06/01 Researcher: Carol Hollier and Viv Burnett Organisation: Department of Natural Resources & Environment

RMB 1145 Chiltern Valley Road RUTHERGLEN VIC 3685


• Increased area devoted to organic production systems (30%) and

increase in organic producers (20%) in south eastern Australia as a result of step-wise adoption of known technologies by year 2001.

• Expanded grower network to facilitate communication and link market opportunities.

• Increased share of organic export food market to Japan and Northern Asia by the year 2001.

Current Progress

This project aims to increase the area under organic production, exports of organic food, and the number of organic producers, and enhance communication between producers, marketers and the broader organic industry. These aims are being met through conversion sites, workshops and field days, surveys and newsletters. The project has facilitated the establishment of two organic conversion sites on mixed farms in south-east Australia. These conversion sites have produced both crop and pasture in 1999 and have been re-established in 2000 to demonstrate to broadacre producers the methods employed in organic farming systems through field day participation and articles in the rural press. The network amongst broadacre producers has been enhanced with the quarterly publication of the Broadacre Organic Newsletter that is distributed to over 120 interested producers. The project has conducted two major workshops for broadacre producers interested in organic farming systems. The second workshop was held in March 2000 and was directed towards conventional broadacre producers interested in proceeding with organic production. Both events have been highly successful and evaluation by participants has shown that the delivery of information has been excellent. The project has conducted an extensive survey of TopCrop® producers to gauge their interest in organic production. Preliminary results from this survey have shown that more than 60% of respondents are very interested in organic farming and want more information about methods and results. Information collected from certified organic producers via research and conversion sites, and surveys, will provide data for benchmarking of organic methods.

Project Title

Development of organic crop and pasture systems for south east Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

DAW-96A

Start Date: Finish Date: Researcher:

26-Aug-1999 30 Aug 2000 Mr Gerry Parlevliet

Organisation: Agriculture Western Australia Locked Bag No. 4 BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE WA 6983


• The project will specifically arrange several seminar/forums to

promote opportunities for organic production and marketing. • The output will be several seminars. The outcome is anticipated to

be a greater awareness of organic opportunity and understanding of the organic industry by Western Australian Agriculture Industry.

Current Progress

Two seminars were planned under this project. They were designed to increase the awareness of the Western Australian Agriculture industry about opportunities in organic farming and marketing. One seminar was held on May 13th 2000 at the University of Western Australia. It was a joint activity with the University RIRDC and Agriculture Western Australia. The target audience was he whole community but particularly the farming and agribusiness industry. Press releases saw pre seminar publicity in the Western Australian as well as rural press. One hundred and twenty people attended. Speakers (Rod May, NASAA and Scott Kinnear, OFA) were flown across and provided well-received presentations; the Gerry Parlevliet provided a review of the RIRDC funded project results DAW 85A). Several speakers from the organic and biodynamic industry gave in-sightful presentations about the real organic world. The responses since the seminar have been positive. A second seminar is scheduled to be held in Margaret River on Organic Viticulture on July 7th 2000. This will look specifically at the organic wine industry. The RIRDC project funds have been utilised to bring David Bruer from South Australia and Tony Scherer from Tasmania to discuss their operations. Local organic and industry people will provide other topics on production, marketing etc. It is anticipated 40-50 people will be attending. The benefit of the RIRDC support has been to enable high profile seminars to be run in Western Australia.

Project Title

Presentation of ecological sustainable land management systems to farmers

RIRDC Project No.:

EGO-1A

Start Date: 15/07/99 Finish Date: 30/11/00 Researcher: Mr. Alan Broughton Organisation: East Gippsland Organic Agriculture Association Inc

35 Haggers Rd SARSFIELD VIC 3875

Phone: (03) 5156 8547 Objectives

• To give farmers the knowledge, impetus and confidence to convert to

more sustainable land management practices in order to improve their economic and environmental viability.

Current Progress

The East Gippsland Organic Agriculture Association has completed most of the project, having presented two sustainable soil management workshops to farmers, run by soil consultant Gwyn Jones in 1999. These soil workshops included: • Soil science made easy • Soil PH • Major and minor soil elements • Physical soil identification • Plant and animal health an mineral deficiencies • Overview of organic conversion. Farmers from all over Gippsland attended the workshops. Farming enterprises represented included dairy, beef, sheep, goats, alpacas, vegetables, berries, fruits, flowers and herbs. Manufacturers and processors wanting organic produce also attended. Grow Organic 2000 was attended by 130 people. Speakers and their topics included: • Dr John Williams – Topsoil protection in extreme weather

conditions. Avoiding nutrient loss. • Ms Sue Smart – Producing organic beef. • Mr Peter Frazer – The energy field of living organisms. Human

health and agriculture. • Mr Phil Rowe – Organic fruits and berries. Marketing. Pests and

disease control. Permaculture and soil fertility. • Mr Jason Alexander – Constraints to organic conversion and

methods. Workshops were also a feature of the Grow Organic 2000 weekend. A booklet containing a profile of the speakers and a written edited version of the taped presentations is still in the production stage. A survey of the participants, evaluating the success of the Grow Organics 2000, is currently being compiled.

Project Title

Pest management strategies for organic agriculture

RIRDC Project No.:

IPM-1A

Start Date: 15/07/99 Finish Date: 30/06/02 Researcher: Dr. Paul Horne Organisation: IPM Technologies Pty Ltd

PO Box 560 HURSTBRIDGE VIC 3099


• To provide specific pest management recommendations for key pests

in organic production. • To test the efficacy of pesticides suitable for organic production (that

is, of botanical, elemental, viral, bacterial and fungal origin) and so provide data to support registration of suitable products.

• To provide information on the effects of the pesticides tested on beneficial insects and mites and so provide the basic information required for development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

• To test the effectiveness of augmentative releases of mass-reared beneficial insects.

Current Progress

Organic farmers do not use synthetic chemical pesticides but many rely heavily on naturally occurring beneficial insects and mites and/or just a few pesticides such as pyrethrum and BT-based insecticides. The level of control achieved with background beneficial insects is often insufficient, and the reliance on pyrethrum and BT is not sustainable, is expensive, and certainly not desirable in terms of pest management. This project will test new products for effects on beneficial insects (predators and parasites) as well as on pests. It aims to provide organic producers with a suite of compatible control measures that will increase the level of pest control and increase the control options available. The project aims to provide information on how growers can achieve more effective and more sustainable control of major pests by maximising biological control agents and suitable insecticides. This project aims to provide specific pest management recommendations for key pests in organic production. It involves testing the efficacy of pesticides suitable for organic production (that is, of botanical, elemental, viral, bacterial and fungal origin). This is now providing information on the effects of the pesticides on beneficial insects and mites, in addition to pests, and so is contributing the basic information required for development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. In addition to looking at the effects of pesticides, the project is also testing the effectiveness of augmentative releases of mass-reared beneficial insects and mites. This involves using predatory (or parasitic) species against pests where the beneficials are not present in sufficient numbers to achieve control, or in crops where they have not previously been used.

Project Title

Non-conventional options for effective nematode control in 'organic' sheep production

RIRDC Project No.:

RWO-2A

Start Date: 15/07/99 Finish Date: 30/06/02 Researcher: Dr. Rob Woodgate Organisation: 35 Martin Road

ALBANY WA 6330 Phone: (08) 9841 6920 Fax: (08) 9841 6075 Email: [email protected] Objectives

• The overall aim of the project is to collect, summarise and

investigate and successfully validate or refute current, often anecdotal evidence circulating about non-conventional sheep endoparasite treatment and control methods.

Current Progress

The first year of the project has involved literature search and review, discussions with ‘organic’ farmers and other industry members and consultation with a range of scientists. From this activity a wide array of more than 45 different ‘anthelmintic’ possibilities have been identified. The practicalities and potential of these are currently being reviewed with an aim of selecting some to be initially trialed in pilot field studies during the second year of the study. The results of this pilot work will determine further activity. The work thus far has also highlighted the potential contribution to overall sheep worm control through ‘non-treatment’ options, which are also less selective with regard to parasite resistance. These include the selection of stock with enhanced natural resistance and resilience to nematode parasites, management of stock grazing and pastures and methods of biological control.

Project Title

Sustainable weed management for organic herb and vegetable production

RIRDC Project No.:

UNE-65A

Start Date: 27/07/98 Finish Date: 30/11/01 Researcher: Dr. Brian Sindel Organisation: University of New England

Division of Agronomy & Soil Science University of New England ARMIDALE NSW 2351


• To remove weeds as a major agronomic constraint to organically

grown medicinal herbs and vegetables by developing effective and flexible weed management systems that suppress in-crop weeds, reduce the germinable weed seed population in the soil, and which integrate readily adoptable and environmentally friendly sustainable methods.

Current Progress

The organic weed management research project has achieved several major outcomes during the past twelve months. The second year field trials have been completed, with a broad range of weed management techniques being studied, including cover crops, tillage, organic mulches and hand-weeding. The effectiveness of the treatments are measured by their weed suppression, impact on crop yield and, importantly, the cost of implementation. Aspects of the field trials are being further investigated in a series of glasshouse and laboratory experiments. These tests are designed to look at some of the factors related to weed suppression in greater detail. The mail-out survey results have been compiled into a large database of current organic weed management practices and principles in Australia. Searches can be made for particular weeds, crops, weeding methods, geographical regions, etc. Further analysis of these data are planned. Extension and communication activities have been a significant component of the project. Articles about the research have appeared in various industry newsletters and two conference papers have been presented to national audiences. A web site has been maintained since November 1998 and receives more than 100 hits each month. Informal requests for information about particular weeds or crops are regularly received from the general public through email, post, fax or phone. Information is provided through verbal discussion or from the researchers’ archive of printed materials and research database. Seminars on organic weed management have also been presented to Rural Science students at UNE.

rirdc sub-program 2.5 organic produce

Documents