Search

In the EU funded research project Ecropolis (www.ecropolis.eu) sensory properties and sensory profiles from organic products as well as consumer expectations were collected and analysed in six European countries (CH, DE, FR, IT; NL, PL).Recommendations were made for organic associations, producers, processors, retailers and wholesalers, in particular through the interactive on-line data base OSIS (http://osis.ecropolis.eu). There are mainly two areas, where strategic options can be developed: a) the product development and b) the sensory quality communication strategies. Communication measures can emphasise the most preferred sensory attributes in order to better attract specific consumer segments. In those countries, where organic labelling has not a positive influence or even a negative image for certain products, attributes other than organic should be communicated. In a differentiation strategy more emphasis should be given on the communication of sensory differences and specific characteristics (example of yoghurt). Research needs in this area are outlined.

Organic farming and demand for organic products is continually a growing trend all over the world (Willer et al., 2013). In Estonia the share of organic land is 15% of all agricultural land and the number of organic farmers is also growing (Vetemaa, Mikk 2013). Estonian organic food market is still in forming stage being affected by local organic farming development, marketing situation, economic situation and consumer attitudes. Organic processing has clearly not kept up with organic farming development and market demand so far. At the end of 2012 there were 158 certified processors, but most of them are just packaging or storing, not producing new products (Agricultural Board). Market share of organic food products is marginal (1,6% of total food market in 2011 according to official statistics (TNS Emor 2012a) and significant share of organic raw material is still processed as conventional food. There have been studies of organic farming topics but no knowledge about the challenges and perspectives of organic food processors. The main purpose of the study was to find out the current situation of organic processing companies in Estonia: what is the structure and characteristics of companies; how do they evaluate compliance with legal regulations and requirements related to organic processing; what are their main problems; how do they see the future of their business and organic market.

s There have been growing trends of exports from countries dominated by smallholder agriculture to many of developed world (Kledal and Kwai, 2010). This shows that smallholders’ farmers development perspectives have gained interests in global markets and Value chain Approaches. However, apart from standard constraints in economics that impede participation of smallholder farmers in value chains at production and marketing, transaction costs do also constrain smallholder farmers in participating in value chains. To understand transaction costs effects on smallholder farmers’ participation in global value chains a study on governance of global value chains for organic ginger exports was conducted in Tanzania. The study employed a case study method, using transaction cost theory in a value chain approach. General characteristics that describe the smallholder farmers (such as small acreage size, proximities to and status of markets infrastructures, the levels of dependence on agriculture farming, household business structure) and the institutions they operate in were found to be the main reasons for high transaction cost proxies, hence the main reason for failure of smallholders to participate in global markets. This is because they cause high frequency of transaction, high asset specificity, high uncertainty, opportunism and bounded rationality. When developing global value chain these characteristics of Smallholders should be taken care of apart from the other measures that describe the trading between countries and those which determines production and productivity.

A Q-Method study was carried out as part of the Sustainable Organic and Low Input Dairying Project (SOLID) to investigate the acceptability of innovations in organic and low input dairy supply chains in the UK, FI, IT and BE.

Traceability enhances information sharing and disclosure thereby increasing trust among stakeholder along value chains. This research evaluated information flow along organic fresh produce value chains using a participatory study of organic certified farmers and outlets around Nairobi in 2012. Traceability was limited as majority of stakeholders were smallholders who had no functional traceability system. Presence of traceability was positively related to two factor groups; organizational activities and personnel perception. Variables in the organizational activities were also interrelated and include documentation, certification by other quality management standards, training on food safety and traceability system and monitoring. In addition, group activities increased trust among value chain actors. Extension services emphasizing on documentation, quality management certification, employee training, group activities and system monitoring should be conducted to improve traceability.

This article tries to find a reason why the Finnish organic food chain has not developed to reach the goals the authorities has set for the production volume and consumption. The reason is not that the organic products would not meet the needs of the consumers, but that the consumers have been left outside the food chain development and the decisions for to the food selection. The criteria to evaluate the stakeholders’ objects and results are only quantitative and financial instead of qualitative and built facing the values of the consumers. According to many research on consumers opinion about organic production and food, people value safety, ecology, health, ethicality and taste. Adding those factors to the evaluation criteria, the food chain would take consumers as co-creators and enable the development to better face the challenges and meet the goals set for the organic food chain.

The project ’Productivity and Growth in Organic Value Chain (ProGrOV)’ is a combined research, development and capacity building project that focuses on different aspects of organic value chains in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. It is addressing the need for sustainable development of smallholder farming systems in East Africa with focus on value chains for local high-value markets as well as export chains through PhD and MSc projects at universities in the three countries. While some research has focused on improving productivity and Natural Resource Management of smallholder farmers in Eastern Africa this has most often not been linked with studies of how to link improved production to market access and quality demands. The project is developing a value chains approach with emphasis on information flow between researchers and stakeholders with the students acting as intermediaries compiling and translating information as part of their research projects. Feed-back information between researchers and stakeholders is, however, often not taking place in a systematically form and can be difficult to conceptualise. Initial finding are also indicating that it is a challenge to find a balance between participatory approach in MSc and PhD research projects and the academic requirements of universities.

This article tries to find a reason why the Finnish organic food chain has not developed to reach the goals the authorities has set for the production volume and consumption. The reason is not that the organic products would not meet the needs of the consumers, but that the consumers have been left outside the food chain development and the decisions for to the food selection. The criteria to evaluate the stakeholders’ objects and results are only quantitative and financial instead of qualitative and built facing the values of the consumers. According to many research on consumers opinion about organic production and food, people value safety, ecology, health, ethicality and taste. Adding those factors to the evaluation criteria, the food chain would take consumers as co-creators and enable the development to better face the challenges and meet the goals set for the organic food chain.

s There have been growing trends of exports from countries dominated by smallholder agriculture to many of developed world (Kledal and Kwai, 2010). This shows that smallholders’ farmers development perspectives have gained interests in global markets and Value chain Approaches. However, apart from standard constraints in economics that impede participation of smallholder farmers in value chains at production and marketing, transaction costs do also constrain smallholder farmers in participating in value chains. To understand transaction costs effects on smallholder farmers’ participation in global value chains a study on governance of global value chains for organic ginger exports was conducted in Tanzania. The study employed a case study method, using transaction cost theory in a value chain approach. General characteristics that describe the smallholder farmers (such as small acreage size, proximities to and status of markets infrastructures, the levels of dependence on agriculture farming, household business structure) and the institutions they operate in were found to be the main reasons for high transaction cost proxies, hence the main reason for failure of smallholders to participate in global markets. This is because they cause high frequency of transaction, high asset specificity, high uncertainty, opportunism and bounded rationality. When developing global value chain these characteristics of Smallholders should be taken care of apart from the other measures that describe the trading between countries and those which determines production and productivity.

Traceability enhances information sharing and disclosure thereby increasing trust among stakeholder along value chains. This research evaluated information flow along organic fresh produce value chains using a participatory study of organic certified farmers and outlets around Nairobi in 2012. Traceability was limited as majority of stakeholders were smallholders who had no functional traceability system. Presence of traceability was positively related to two factor groups; organizational activities and personnel perception. Variables in the organizational activities were also interrelated and include documentation, certification by other quality management standards, training on food safety and traceability system and monitoring. In addition, group activities increased trust among value chain actors. Extension services emphasizing on documentation, quality management certification, employee training, group activities and system monitoring should be conducted to improve traceability.

Organic farming and demand for organic products is continually a growing trend all over the world (Willer et al., 2013). In Estonia the share of organic land is 15% of all agricultural land and the number of organic farmers is also growing (Vetemaa, Mikk 2013). Estonian organic food market is still in forming stage being affected by local organic farming development, marketing situation, economic situation and consumer attitudes. Organic processing has clearly not kept up with organic farming development and market demand so far. At the end of 2012 there were 158 certified processors, but most of them are just packaging or storing, not producing new products (Agricultural Board). Market share of organic food products is marginal (1,6% of total food market in 2011 according to official statistics (TNS Emor 2012a) and significant share of organic raw material is still processed as conventional food. There have been studies of organic farming topics but no knowledge about the challenges and perspectives of organic food processors. The main purpose of the study was to find out the current situation of organic processing companies in Estonia: what is the structure and characteristics of companies; how do they evaluate compliance with legal regulations and requirements related to organic processing; what are their main problems; how do they see the future of their business and organic market.

In the EU funded research project Ecropolis (www.ecropolis.eu) sensory properties and sensory profiles from organic products as well as consumer expectations were collected and analysed in six European countries (CH, DE, FR, IT; NL, PL).Recommendations were made for organic associations, producers, processors, retailers and wholesalers, in particular through the interactive on-line data base OSIS (http://osis.ecropolis.eu). There are mainly two areas, where strategic options can be developed: a) the product development and b) the sensory quality communication strategies. Communication measures can emphasise the most preferred sensory attributes in order to better attract specific consumer segments. In those countries, where organic labelling has not a positive influence or even a negative image for certain products, attributes other than organic should be communicated. In a differentiation strategy more emphasis should be given on the communication of sensory differences and specific characteristics (example of yoghurt). Research needs in this area are outlined.

A Q-Method study was carried out as part of the Sustainable Organic and Low Input Dairying Project (SOLID) to investigate the acceptability of innovations in organic and low input dairy supply chains in the UK, FI, IT and BE.

The project ’Productivity and Growth in Organic Value Chain (ProGrOV)’ is a combined research, development and capacity building project that focuses on different aspects of organic value chains in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. It is addressing the need for sustainable development of smallholder farming systems in East Africa with focus on value chains for local high-value markets as well as export chains through PhD and MSc projects at universities in the three countries. While some research has focused on improving productivity and Natural Resource Management of smallholder farmers in Eastern Africa this has most often not been linked with studies of how to link improved production to market access and quality demands. The project is developing a value chains approach with emphasis on information flow between researchers and stakeholders with the students acting as intermediaries compiling and translating information as part of their research projects. Feed-back information between researchers and stakeholders is, however, often not taking place in a systematically form and can be difficult to conceptualise. Initial finding are also indicating that it is a challenge to find a balance between participatory approach in MSc and PhD research projects and the academic requirements of universities.

Calves need high concentrations of protein with high protein quality in their feed ration for proper growth. Soya bean meal is widely used in the world as a protein feed of good nutritional quality but the ethics around the cultivation of the beans are often questioned. Home grown or locally produced feeds, such as nitrogen fixating forage and grain legumes as well as rapeseed products, are shown to give less contribution to environmental problems than imported feeds. The objective of the study was to compare dry matter intake, live weight gain, feed efficiency and profitability in calves fed two levels of forages with high inclusion of red clover together with two different amounts of rapeseed cake vs. soya bean meal. Soya bean meal gave the highest live weight gain and the best profitability. However, a greater amount of rapeseed together with clover/grass silage also gave a good live weight gain and profitability, close to the results for soya bean meal.

Sustainability is a concept developed from economic, ecological and social strategies in the decision-making process. Quality of life and quality of work life are two indicators very related to the viability and sustainability of farms. They are located into the social sustainability but in some cases the production system affects all three aspects of sustainability and transcends into a lifestyle. Organic production in several small ruminant farms analyzed in Spain provides quality of life and quality of work significantly better than conventional ones.

Enhancing plant-based diversity within agroecosystems may be an efficient way to achieve the objective of designing more resilient and low-input agricultural systems. The objectives of this study were (i) to describe the plant-based diversity practices implemented in organic or conventional agriculture in France and (ii) to identify the motivations of the farmers to apply such practices. It was also to compare the integration of such practices in organic or conventional farming systems. The survey was carried out in five French regions with 196 farmers that apply at least one plant-based diversification practice. Five diversification practices were studied: diversified crop rotations, use of catch crops, simultaneous intercropping, agroforestry and semi-natural landscape elements. Simultaneous intercropping and agroforestry are less applied compared to catch crops and semi-natural landscape elements because they imply a deeper change in the cropping system. Nevertheless, organic farmers apply more often such practices (simultaneous intercropping and agroforestry) and 40% of them applied more than 4 of these practices at the same time (compared to less than 20% of the conventional farmers). Organic farmers seem thus to be a step further than conventional farmers with regard to the transition towards agroecological systems.

To control late blight in organic potato production currently copper fungicides are used. Due to problematic aspects of copper fungicides, it's necessary to develop alternative methods to control Phytophthora infestans. In this context also the use of cover crops and particularly the method biofumigation are discussed. Because there's barely literature about the effectiveness of biofumgiation in organic potato production, the method is evaluated with laboratory experiments and field trials. Brassicacea have the potential to inhibit in vitro the growth of P. infestans, but in an one year field experiment it wasn't possible to observe positive effects to late blight infestation and tuber yields.

Two field experiments were carried out in order to test the effect on weed management of living mulch introduction in organically managed cauliflower in Central Italy and leek in Denmark. Burr medic and Dyers Woad were sown as living mulch in Central Italy and Denmark, respectively. Different living mulch managements and cultivars were tested in strip plot designs. The main objective of the research was the evaluation of their effects on both crop growth and weed suppression. Biomass of crops, living mulches and weeds were measured and competitive indices were used to assess their competitive relationships. The results showed the effect of the agronomic choices (interseeding timing and crop cultivar) on weed suppressiveness and in avoiding living mulch competitiveness on crop.

The interaction between winter pea sole or intercropping and ploughing depth was investigated in field experiments in Northern Germany in the growing seasons 2008/09-2010/11 with regard to weed infestation. A normal-leafed (cv. E.F.B. 33) and a semi-leafless winter pea (cv. James) were grown as sole crops and in intercrops with oilseed rape or triticale. The two ploughing depths were short-term shallow ploughing to a soil depth of 8-10 cm and deep ploughing to 25-27 cm. The normal leafed winter pea cv. E.F.B. 33 showed a better weed suppressive ability than James. Moreover, winter pea-triticale intercrops were more effective than winter pea-oilseed rape intercrops in suppressing weeds. No beneficial effect of intercropping the semi-leafless cv. James and oilseed rape was found with regard to a reduction in weed infestation. The ploughing depth had mostly no significant effect on the weed infestation in winter pea sole or intercrops. Intercropping E.F.B. 33 and triticale, however, compensated for a higher weed infestation after shallow ploughing in 2008/09.

On the basis of seven years of field investigation we conclude that inclusion of mungbean in rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) enhanced grain yield, soil fertility and profits over RWCS. Use of FYM with crop residues and biofertilizers gave maximum profits and sustained soil fertility.

Ecological services may be exploited by use of living mulches in intercropping systems for production of vegetable crops. But may high yields be attained in intercropping systems for production of resource demanding crops such as cauliflower? In the frame of the InterVeg (Core Organic II) project, four field experiments were carried out in IT, SLO, DE and DK in order to study the effect of the living mulch introduction in cauliflower based cropping systems on crop yield and yield quality. The preliminary results, obtained after the first year project, showed yield and produces quality equal to those obtained in the sole cropping system if the system is properly managed (i.e. LM is late sown or its growth is controlled by root pruning).

In semi-natural grasslands, plant diversity has shown to correlate with increased primary production and reduced weed invasion. If such positive effects also apply to low input agricultural grasslands, the resource-use efficiency could be improved. To investigate whether other grassland species and diverse grassland mixtures could be more productive, a grassland on a shallow sandy soil in the south of the Netherlands was sown in April 2009 with seven non-leguminous grassland mixtures. Though some sown species vanished quickly, diverse mixtures proved less susceptible for invading species three years after sowing (p<0.05). Yields in 2010 and 2011 were 11% higher for mixtures with two functional groups of grassland species compared with mixtures with only one functional group (p<0.05). A further increase in species diversity did not further increase production though overyielding was significant, transgressive overyielding was not apparent, mainly due to the strong effect of one specific functional group: mixtures containing tussock grass had a 14% higher production than mixtures without tussock grass. Tussock grass (mainly Dactylis glomerata) also had a major effect on botanical composition: Trifolium repens did invade into mixtures without tussock grass to a much higher extent (19% of the ground cover) than into mixtures with tussock grass (6%; p<0.01). However, total ground cover by invading species was mainly influenced by the number of functional groups present in the sown mixture. The results suggest that diverse grassland mixtures can improve agricultural production and reduce the susceptibility of grass sods for invading species, but that the specific composition of the mixtures has a strong influence.

In the present study, there were studied the effects of mulch with the residues of two aromatic and medicinal plants (Sideritis scardica Griseb and Echinacea purpurea) on weed flora and first growth of a maize crop. A field and a pot experiment were conducted at Agricultural University of Athens. In particular, the field experiment was conducted under organic conditions, while in the pot experiment special attention was paid to the first growth of maize plants under the effect of plant residues. Our results showed that there was a significant effect of plant residues on weed flora. The incorporation of Sideritis sp. residues resulted to a lower number of different weed species (low richness) and an intense effect on most weed species. During the early growth stages of maize there was a satisfactory control of the broadleaf weeds after the incorporation of S. scardica, resulting to a significantly lower biomass. However, this effect progressively disappeared, with E. purpurea mulch progressively showing a higher phytotoxic activity. The pot experiment revealed that there was not any negative effect of mulching on maize seed germination, emergence and early growth.

The choice of crop rotations in organic stockless cropping systems is the first leverage used to manage technical issues (to maintain soil fertility, to control pest and weeds) and economic issues (to insure income). The RotAB project (French Casdar funding 2008-2010) implemented complementary approaches to better knowing, characterizing and assessing arable crop rotations. Their conception depends on numerous factors such as the types of soil and climate (on which depend the types of crops, yield potential, possibility of mechanical weed control…) or the economic context (existence of outlets and continuity of markets). If nitrogen supply and weed control are the most important agronomic issues of organic farmers in stockless cropping systems, phosphorus availability appears to be the next important issue for soil fertility and system sustainability.

Little is known about root growth in biopores. The aim of this study was to quantify differences of root-length density (RLD) in biopores between a tap root system (mallow) and a fibrous root system (wheat). A field experiment was undertaken near Bonn, Germany on a Haplic Luvisol developed from loess. Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) were grown as precrops in a field trial followed by spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and mallow (Malva sylvestris L.). Biopore density was measured on horizontal areas of 50 x 50 cm. RLD was estimated using the profile wall method to 160 cm soil depth. Roots growing in biopores with a diameter > 2 mm were recorded separately from the roots in the bulk soil. Biopore density was higher after chicory compared to lucerne cultivation. RLD of wheat in the topsoil was higher and in the subsoil lower than RLD of mallow. RLD in biopores of mallow was higher than of wheat. Both crops showed higher RLD in biopores after chicory. The results indicate that the response of root growth to the presence of biopores is more pronounced for tap root systems than for fibrous root systems.

A significant increase in the domestic organic market, especially in Buenos Aires city can be observed in Argentina. Horticultural products represent a large percentage of the total organic volume traded. Within these, increasingly evident interest in heritage type products, niche type or heirloom can be observed. As the development of these products is almost incipient, varieties of tomatoes were rescued to characterize its production profile for possible adoption by organic horticultural producers in the area of Buenos Aires. A greenhouse trial with 14 varieties of tomatoes was developed. They were: PeaceVein, Ildi Red and Yellow, Black Plum, Chadwick, Saint Pierre, Thessaloniki, TSW10, Platense Gentile, Money maker, Mars, Uco Plata and the hybrid Koyi (from TheRuiterSeeds) and Elpida (Syngenta). Phenological and reproductive characteristics and agronomic profile of each variety were evaluated. The results concluded that some varieties are suitable to be incorporated to the horticultural trade as a complement of organic vegetables in the Horticultural Greenbelt in Buenos Aires. The most important varieties were the Ildis ones, with attractive color and piriformis; Black Plum, an old mahogany ovate tomato variety; Chadwick, also known as very productive variety of tasty fruit. Those who need further research include tomato Platense Gentile and Uco Plata.

There is an increased competition for land used in food or energy production (Harvey & Pilgrim, 2011) that necessitates a functional intensification. Can a cropping system be designed to produce high-quality food crops, biogas and fertilizer in the same cropping season, while minimizing both the negative impact on the local aquatic environment and greenhouse gas emissions? The present study investigates this challenge, focusing on crop nitrogen (N) supply and the production of renewable energy on stockless organic farms.

In recent years different protein sources have gained importance. Crop cultivation plays an important role in meeting the demand for many of these. In order to improve the quantity and the quality of yields; we must acquire a complex ecological attitude and exercise a more rational use of natural resources. To succeed requires favourable material, technical and social circumstances. The exploitation of genetic capability – as a form of renewable resource – is a fundamental method for increasing yields. To do this we must harmonize the biological needs of the given variety, its ecological attributes, with the circumstances of its cultivation. Today, the soybean is one of the most important plant sources of protein and vegetable fats (Bódis and Kralovánszky 1988). In the past decade the crop area in Hungary devoted to soybeans has increased to almost 40,000 hectares. In 2012 organic cultivatation accounted for 491 hectares. Organic soy production for feedstock in organic animal husbandry is needed in Hungary as well as the rest of the EU. Current production in Hungary is just 10 % of the market demand. In Hungary the 2-2.2 t/ha average yield appears to be static for the time being (Kurnik and Szabó, 1987). The main reason for this appears to be related to variable weather conditions, most Hungarian soy production occurs under rained conditions. Unpredictable weather tests the genetic makeup of different varieties showing high amounts of variation under stressed conditions.

Eastern purple coneflower [Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench.] is globally recognized as one of the most popular medicinal herbs. In the present study, the effects of incorporation of the plant residues of this medicinal plant on weed flora and early growth of a sunflower crop were investigated. A field and a pot experiment were conducted at the Agricultural University of Athens. The field experiment was conducted under organic conditions, while in the pot experiment the focus was on the early growth of sunflower plants under the effect of plant residues. The results showed that there was a significant effect of plant residues on weed flora and the producted biomass, especially during the first crucial growth stages of sunflower. Particularly, the incorporation of E. purpurea residues resulted to a lower number of different weed species (low richness) and an intense effect on most weed species. The pot experiment revealed that sunflower seed germination was not affected by the incorporation of E. purpurea residues. However, the activity of eastern purple coneflower residues was inadequately selective (and needs to be further evaluated), since there was a negative effect on sunflower growth.

Stockless management is increasing even in organic farming, but it is not known until now, whether organic matter supply is sufficient in such systems, or which measures are necessary to achieve a sustainable soil organic matter (SOM) management. Results from the long-term Organic Arable Farming Experiment Gladbacherhof (OAFEG) show that after two 6 y rotations, only a “mixed farm” treatment (MF) with fodder legumes in the rotation and cattle manure application corresponding to 1 LU ha-1 was able to maintain, and in the long term perhaps increase, SOM levels. The “stockless farm” with fodder legumes as green manure ley (SFL) was barely able to maintain the SOM level, while the “stockless cash crop farm” where organic matter supply relied on green manure catch crops and straw alone (SFC) showed a significant and considerable SOM decrease. We therefore conclude that the inclusion of fodder legumes is a crucial prerequisite for sustainable soil organic matter management in stockless organic farming, unless new approaches (farm cooperation concerning fodder-manure exchange, biogas with recirculation of residues, considerably extended legume shares by intercropping techniques) provide a full substitution.

Adopting conservation agriculture practices in organic agriculture involves some risks and challenges. Nitrogen availability from a grass-clover ley for the subsequent leek crop was clearly affected by mode and timing of destruction of the grass-clover sward. Minor differences were found between a reduced tillage practice and conventional ploughing.

Field trials on reduced soil tillage under organic farming conditions across Europe were used to compare the soil quality changes over time. Soil organic carbon fractions, soil carbon stocks and microbial community structure were analysed. Most severe differences between plough and reduced tillage were found in the top ten cm of the soil profile. Differences became less or not significant in deeper layers. Analyses are still ongoing and will only be ready to be presented at the conference.

Vegetables with a high nitrogen demand such as cauliflower may cause intensive leaching of nitrate to the environment in conventional as well as in organic production. In organic cropping systems, the use of an in-season living mulch may decrease the risk of nitrate leaching after harvest when left growing in the field to the end of the leaching season in spring. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of growing an in-season living mulch including legumes on the risk of leaching of inorganic nitrogen over winter, and soil nitrogen availability the following spring. Three field experiments were carried out in Slovenia, Germany and Denmark in the frame of the Interveg project (CORE organic II). Evaluation of soil inorganic nitrogen content was done at planting, at harvest, in late autumn and in spring to a depth of 0.6, 0.9 or 1.5 m as well as nitrogen uptake by the biomass. This study reports preliminary results of the first year of experiments on soil inorganic nitrogen at harvest and the end of the leaching season. They indicate that living mulches may have a potential to decrease the nitrate leaching risk depending on the design of the cropping system.

Perennial fodder cropping as compared to rotations including annual ploughing can increase the number of medium and large sized biopores in the subsoil. This can result in potentially facilitated root growth followed by increased accessibility of water in the subsoil. Additional plant-available water can enable stands to cope with dry periods in early summer, which will take place more often in future due to climate change. In this context we investigated whether crop species or cropping period of forage cropping influenced rates of photosynthesis and transpiration as indicators for water availability of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

Barriers in the process of knowledge transfer in terms of animal health have been the topic of a study taking different stakeholder perspectives into account. Using instruments of communication science, the perspectives of farmers, agricultural and veterinarian advisors as well as animal scientists were brought together and discussed. The process revealed the following obstacles in the transfer of knowledge concerning animal health: diverging understanding of animal health, complexity of the processes leading to diseases, unclear responsibilities, and role conflicts. We conclude that the current communication structure is not appropriate to enable a targeting transfer of knowledge on the topic of animal health. Hence, an impulse from “outside” is required to irritate the deadlocked situation and provide leadership and orientation.

"Social farming" and “Green Care” are being developed throughout Europe: farms which put the "multifunctionality" demanded by the policy makers into practice, contributing to the creation of jobs in rural areas through the creation of social services. The team of authors has applied successfully to run the project “Inclusive farming – transfer of concepts, experiences, skills and training tools for Social Farming and eco-social inclusion” within the “Leonardo da Vinci - Transfer of Innovation” scheme. Based on the experiences above and two 3-years curricula (FAMIT and BALTIC seminar) a participatory transfer to “importing countries” in Eastern and Southern European countries is planned.

Breeding of open pollinated (OP) varieties for organic farming gains further importance as varieties created by breeding techniques like CMS-hybridisation and cell fusion are no longer accepted by several organic farming associations. For broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), the availability of OP varieties is very limited and the ones available are often not suitable for commercial crop production. In a participatory breeding project of the non-governmental, non-profit German association Kultursaat e.V. and the University of Hohenheim new genotypes were tested for agronomic parameters in field trials and sensory traits of cooked and raw broccoli were evaluated by two untrained consumer panels in 2012 and 2013. Agronomic traits of hybrids and OP genotypes varied widely, e.g. one OP genotype showed similar head weights (380 g) and head diameters (18 cm) as the standard hybrid (340 g and 17 cm), while other OP genotypes were often much lower in weight (240 g) and head diameter (13 cm). In addition, some of the OP genotypes were very heterogeneous in colour ranging from green to violet. In the sensory assessment of the varieties, untrained consumers were able to differentiate between the different genotypes. The ranking for the genotypes differed when eaten cooked or raw. Positively associated taste attributes for broccoli were “nutty”, “cabbage-like”, “sweet” and “spicy” for cooked samples, in raw samples “spicy” was evaluated negatively. Other negatively associated attributes were “bitter” and “off-flavour” for both raw and cooked material. On an overall level the OP genotype CHE-MIC showed the highest acceptance amongst consumers for cooked broccoli in 2012 and 2013. Out of the OP genotypes CHE-MIC has the potential to be commercially successful in particular after further selection for homogeneity for example in colour and head diameter has taken place.

Organic agriculture offers solutions for various key problems currently faced by the agro-food sector. This includes challenges such as adapting to climate change or increasing food security. To cope with these, an effective innovation system is needed. The framework conditions for innovation in the organic agro-food sector, however, do not adequately reflect the potential that lies within it. This study’s goal is to identify starting points for improving how the interests of the organic agro-food innovation system are represented in Germany. In order to achieve this, the sector’s innovative ability and innovation requirements were analysed. Another focus was on the status quo of the research relating to the organic agro-food sector and the overall framework for research funding.

In Finland, as well as in many other countries, on-farm research is becoming more and more common. The reasons are many-fold. Agricultural research stations are closed down due to economical constraints and researchers want to have ‘real data’ from the farms. Advisors see on-farm research as a new and efficient tool to show farmers good practices in their production. In addition, for farmers it is an attractive way of testing suitable farming practices in the environment of their own farm.

The Danish government has funded research in organic agriculture and food systematically since the establishment in 1996 of the Danish Research Centre for Organic Farming (DARCOF, now ICROFS, International Centre for Research in Organic Food Systems). A recent analysis of the effects of the first 3 organic research programs (DARCOF I-III, 1996-2000) (Halberg et al. 2012) was carried out with the objective to determine not only the impact of the research on the sector from farmers and advisors to industry and retail but also on society from government and regulation to NGO’s.

Due to the outgoing transitional arrangements for the use of conventional protein sources for monogastric animals in organic livestock farming, alternatives are urgently needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of the leaf mass of clover-like legumes in the diet of pigs. Therefore the yields of digestible protein per hectare of the investigated plant samples are compared to that of faba beans, lupines and peas as established organic protein sources. The yields of digestible crude protein per hectare of the clover-like legumes are higher than that of faba beans and peas. Although the faba beans and peas have some higher crude protein digestibility of about 80%, the examined plant samples are due to the higher content of protein in the leaf mass rich in digestible crude protein. The results indicate that the recovery of the leaf mass is a potential protein resource for organic pig farming.

Small grains provide numerous benefits for organic farming systems. However, because they have relatively low value and require special equipment, many organic farming systems do not integrate them. Heritage varieities of ommon wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. Aestivum) and its antecedents spelt (Triticum aestivum, ssp. spelta), emmer (Triticum turgidum subsp. dicoccum) and einkorn (Triticum monococcum) are the subject of a project that looks at their viability. Preliminary results of variety trials show that organic farmers have several promising small grain options. Improved management and appropriate equipment are barriers to adoption that the project aims to overcome. Viability will depend on overcoming marketing as well as production obstacles.

The EU has put innovation at the heart of its strategy for achieving smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. In comparison with earlier EU research policy, the focus has shifted from research for its own sake to innovation with tangible impact. Putting ideas into practice has become the central goal of Horizon 2020, the EU's Framework Programme for Research & Innovation for 2014-2020. This evolution also affects Europe's food and farming sector. Innovation support will be strengthened in the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Among the different measures that are foreseen in the CAP for 2014-2020 is the creation of a European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP) that should close the gap between research and practice. Organic and agroecological farming have a long history of strong collaboration between researchers and practitioners and across disciplines. The objective of this contribution is to analyse: • If and which opportunities EU innovation policy offers for organic and agroecological innovation. • What lessons EU innovation policy could learn from experiences made with organic and agroecological innovation.

Field trials on reduced soil tillage under organic farming conditions across Europe were used to compare the soil quality changes over time. Soil organic carbon fractions, soil carbon stocks and microbial community structure were analysed. Most severe differences between plough and reduced tillage were found in the top ten cm of the soil profile. Differences became less or not significant in deeper layers. Analyses are still ongoing and will only be ready to be presented at the conference.

A multi-year trial was conducted to compare soil management strategies (tillage and fertilization) with regard to their effect on crop performance and soil quality. Two soil management systems were assessed. Farm compost application was combined with reduced non-inversion tillage, whereas animal manure was incorporated by conventional tillage with a moldboard plough. With regard to soil quality, a reduced tillage practice in combination with compost application seemed to be favorable for soil quality of the surface layer in the short term. With regard to crop productivity, an effect of soil management strategy is less clear and dependent on a seasonal variation of growth circumstances.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cover crops on pest/beneficial dynamics and to test the potential of living mulch on enhancing biological control against insect pests. The research, carried out in the frame of the InterVeg (Core Organic II) project, involved four European countries: Germany, Slovenia, Denmark and Italy. Three crops were tested: cauliflower, leek and artichoke. The preliminary results obtained in Italy on cauliflower, indicated that the living mulch did not affect the infestation of the cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassicae, showing no detrimental effect of this technique on pest dynamics. A very high level of parasitization against cabbage butterfly was detected either in the living mulch crop (88%) and in the sole one (63%). Living mulch showed to increase the spider and rove beetle activity density, while the carabid activity density was slightly higher in the sole crop.

The interest of organic farmers for adopting conservation agriculture practices is currently growing. But, there are few technical and scientific references available for organic farmers when they start applying conservation agriculture practices. The main objectives of this study are (1) to explore the diversity of crop management practices using conservation agriculture methods among European farmers, and (2) to identify main farmers’ strategies. We carried out a survey of 159 farmers located in 10 European countries with a questionnaire with closed-ended questions. Data were analysis with a multi factor analysis followed by clustering to identify groups of farmers that share the same type of spring and winter crop managements. Organic farmers in Europe, applying conservation agriculture practices, show very diverse crop management. The high diversity of crop management can be described by two main strategies: ‘low soil cover’ strategy and ‘soil conservation’ strategy. Distinct geographical distribution of both strategies suggests that applicability of conservation agriculture practices is strongly context oriented and thus related to environmental conditions.

In the present study, there were studied the effects of mulch with the residues of two aromatic and medicinal plants (Sideritis scardica Griseb and Echinacea purpurea) on weed flora and first growth of a maize crop. A field and a pot experiment were conducted at Agricultural University of Athens. In particular, the field experiment was conducted under organic conditions, while in the pot experiment special attention was paid to the first growth of maize plants under the effect of plant residues. Our results showed that there was a significant effect of plant residues on weed flora. The incorporation of Sideritis sp. residues resulted to a lower number of different weed species (low richness) and an intense effect on most weed species. During the early growth stages of maize there was a satisfactory control of the broadleaf weeds after the incorporation of S. scardica, resulting to a significantly lower biomass. However, this effect progressively disappeared, with E. purpurea mulch progressively showing a higher phytotoxic activity. The pot experiment revealed that there was not any negative effect of mulching on maize seed germination, emergence and early growth.

To understand multiple dimensions and connections in today’s complex farming systems, it is essential to move beyond the narrow disciplinary focus found in most university agriculture courses and learn from farmers who are intimately integrated with farm decisions. In many ways, the classical agriculture department is a human construct developed for our convenience, and as such it scarcely represents an ecological structure operating on farms. To adequately delve into the mechanisms of crop/weed, crop/animal, product/market, and myriad other interactions involved in agriculture, it is essential that we draw on methods from the biophysical and social sciences to help us understand the human activity system that is farming. For more than a decade, we have led a week-long summer course that applies experiential and discovery learning to help students make sense of farm complexity. Students take responsibility for designing the inquiry, process information, and evaluate what they learn in the context of each farm. Team projects provide a measure of learning about farming systems, while individual reflection documents provide a place for self-evaluation and personal reflection. This course provides a bridge between farmer-based and academic knowledge, an integration of disciplines and methods, and a discovery process that builds student capacity to understand complexity and the dynamic nature of Midwest U.S. farms.