Organic cropping: what's in it for conventional agriculture?
Integrated Development of Intensive Organic Vegetable production Systems (Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation-RIRDC).
Objectives: To test and evaluate on a pilot commercial scale, organic production protocols for a range of vegetable crops to provide case study data about the production protocols, cost, net yields achieved, market premiums and cost-effectiveness of intensive organic vegetable production.
To develop, test and document strategies used in organic production that can be readily transferred to conventional cropping and reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides in conventional production.
Work undertaken to date: Two of three international sabbaticals have been completed and recommendations arising from the study tours collated plans for the demonstration phases of the projects. An 'In-conversion' organic farmlet has been established consisting of a total area of 10 hectares. A pilot crop of carrots and large-seeded broadbeans were grown with compliance to organic pre-conversion requirements and were marketed nationally and internationally. A crop of shallots was also grown. The farmlet, currently certified 'In Conversion', will be certified organic for cropping this season. All inputs have been recorded so that the economics of 'going organic' can be fully assessed by conventional growers.
Results to date: The sabbaticals have generated in access of 40 recommendations related to IPM/organic methodologies that have formed the planning framework for this season's demonstrations. Weed control in the absence of herbicides has been the dominant management highlighting need to improve efficiencies in non-herbicide weed management (focus of demonstration work 2001/02). Detailed conversion carrot cropping protocols have been produced resulting in two successful carrot crops (Packouts 76%, yields 42T and 58T).
History
Publication title
ARAC Research and Extension Day HandbookPagination
25-25Department/School
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)Place of publication
AustraliaEvent title
ARAC Research and Extension DayEvent Venue
Devonport, TasmaniaDate of Event (Start Date)
2001-01-01Date of Event (End Date)
2001-01-01Repository Status
- Restricted