Marco Horn

Adapted vs. conventional cattle genotypes: suitability for organic and low input dairy production systems

Abstract The TILMAN-project aims to develop robust and sustainable arable crop production systems via the introduction of reduced tillage techniques combined with a strategic use of green manures in organic crop rotations, while maintaining and improving soil quality and crop productivity parameters. The adoption of reduced tillage and/or green manures strongly affects nitrogen quantity and availability during the vegetative period and throughout the crop rotation. Specifically, changing soil and water conditions may affect the availability pattern of nitrogen, notably in spring. We present aggregated data of several long- and medium-term European experimental field studies in which green manures including cut-and-carry-fertilizers, and reduced tillage techniques are used in organic cropping systems. By presenting and analyzing field level nitrogen budgets, insight is gained in the nitrogen dynamics of such systems and possible bottlenecks. Moreover, results of model simulations of these trials by the decision support tool Ndicea are shown and analyzed.The goal of our study is to investigate nitrogen leaching from organic agriculture, taking into account a complete organic rotation (6-9 years) and to compare the results with leaching from conventional systems. There are long time series on sub-root crop concentrations in conventional agriculture in the Seine Basin. These scored an average of 25 ± 4 mg N-NO3.l-1 (standard for drinking water is 11 mg N-NO3.l-1) in different types of soil, crops and climatic conditions. However, no data still exists for organic farming (OF) in this area. In 2012-2013, a total of eight practices of arable crops have been equipped with suction cups for all their rotations (5 in OF and 3 in CF), in three pedoclimatic situations, in order to determine concentrations and fluxes of nitrogen leached. In the conditions of the first step of our study, the average of sub-root concentrations in the organic rotations was 11 ± 6 mgN-NO3.l-1 (N=35) against 26 ± 9 mgN-NO3.l-1 (N=8) for the conventional ones. Organic farming in the north of France could therefore reduce by 60% the nitrogen leaching potential compared to conventional practices widely spread in the Ile-de-France Region and the Seine Basin.Appropriate technology development and transfer are fundamental to the promotion of organic agriculture (OA) as mitigation to climate change and food insecurity. The broader benefits of organic farming and agro-ecology often go unrecognized or are simply ignored due to lack of enough research evidences and technology development. This study assessed the technology developed by scientists, motivational factors and the challenges of technology development for the promotion of organic agriculture in Nigeria. This study was carried out in the South Western region of Nigeria. Within the zone are the majority of the scientists involved in the organic agriculture movements in Nigeria. From the available data 30% of the members were randomly selected; with the sample size of 65 respondents. Primary data were collected with a well structured questionnaire from the respondents. The data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, and Person Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The study revealed that interest in organic agriculture, and health and environmental concern ranked high as motivational factors for technology development. Among the technologies developed and transferred to farmers are composting technique (22.6%), planned crop rotation (11.2%), while disease management (4.8%) and storage techniques (3.2%) recorded low transfer. Low funding and inadequate exposure to organic farming techniques were ranked high as serious challenges to technology development. There was significant correlation between motivational factors and technology development (r = 0.277, p = 0.029). This study concluded that, health and environmental safety is a major factor that motivate to develop technology but funding and inadequate exposure to organic farming techniques are serious challenges to develop scientific technology for promotion of OA.The AnM practices in peanut production included three steps. A, n and M, showed the section-cross of the ridge at different peanut growth stages. First, seeds were sown deeper than usual to induce extra-elongation of hypocotyl. Then the ridge cross-section looked like “A”. The second, the hypocotyls elongated more than usual were exposed to light and dry air by removing the soil away around the young hypocotyls. At this time, the ridge cross-section looked like “n”. The third, at the middle growth stages, soils on both sides of ridge were earthed up to welcome the late pegs. Then the ridge cross-section looked like “M”. AnM induced osmotic adjustment and improved photosynthesis by a higher leaf turgor. Anthocyanin accumulation was apparent in hypocotyls soon after the exposure started, accompanied by active increase in osmolytes such as sugars. The up-regulation expression of Gdi-15 gene was found in hypocotyl. The AnM practice was more effective in the soil with compost applied to the surface layer and therefore it is feasible in organic peanut production.The yield formation of the used varieties (Annabelle, Anuschka, Belana, Princess, Ditta, Allians) are closely related to their maturity groups. Some variety differences within the maturity groups do exist. Is the development of yield satisfying after a terminated harvest (a date between the 75. and 80. days after planting is suggested) and no more yield formation is expected then it is not necessary to spray some supplements against Late Blight. In case of an expected yield development the medium early varieties like Ditta or Allians are showing, it might be necessary to keep these plants healthy and decide to spray permitted supplements because their tuber bulking is later then the other chosen varieties.Agricultural crops are in different physiological conditions caused by fertilizer, pest and disease incidence, drought or frost. Vegetation response to treatments varies with both the type and the degree of treatment. On the other hand, treatment may cause biochemical changes in the cellular or leaf structure, which have an effect on pigment system or the canopy moisture content. A variety of factors, including climate, soil, nutrients, phytomass, water content, disease, weeds, insects and more can be measured using field spectral radiometers, airborne multispectral, hyperspectral and thermal cameras. High resolution remote sensing provides primary source of information for identifying, classifying, mapping, monitoring of agricultural phenomenon. It can provide data for site specific management and precision organic farming. In case of our experiments using foliar fertilization treatments on organic spelt fields, field spectroscopy showed a good potential to predict crop quality, while point measurements (SPAD) could not be correlated with spelt quality data. Investigations will be broadened in 2014 in order to gain more detailed results.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 this paper we provide an overview of the goals and potential benefits of a national science program for organic agriculture in Canada from 2013-2018 (application currently under review). The “Organic Science Cluster II (OSCII): Science With Impact for Profitability, Sustainability and Competitiveness” is linked with Canada’s Organic Value Chain Roundtable, the think tank addressing priorities for increasing capacity and market development for organic. OSCII will increase competitiveness by addressing barriers that are constraining production and by capturing new market opportunities such as emerging crops, aquaculture, and ornamental horticulture. OSCII will be coordinated and managed by the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture on behalf of the industry applicant, the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC).Crop agrobiodiversity is an asset to improve organic and low-input wheat production, but a clear framework is necessary to translate scientific evidences into practice. Here we present results from a field experiment on common wheat, focusing of cultivar identity, genetic heterogeneity and on the inclusion of a legume living mulch. This experiment provided us insights on how to improve yield, yield stability and weed reduction through adequate cultivar choice and diversification of the crop stand.The development of organic or sustainable livestock systems production combined with the problems of drug resistance, the high input costs and the concern about toxic residues in food and in the environment, has strongly driven in the last decade the use of plants or their extracts both in the prevention and recovery of animal health. In this paper we present the resume of some studies carried out in Brazil, among several medicinal plants that had its action proven by official scientific bodies. The data show results of anti-parasitic and anti-microbial action. The studies were performed with cattle, buffalos, sheep, goats and chicken.A study on identification and analysis of the major gaps of smallholder organic farmers of Ethiopia in terms of technical, technological, institutional and financial is conducted in year 2011 in order to develop strategic programme that fill the gaps of organic producers. In order to make the study both primary and secondary information were collected through questionnaire, desk review, field visit, key informative interviews and group discussion. The study covered 80 respondents from 14 cooperatives that include 12 districts, 44 kebeles and 3 regions. The study revealed that in Ethiopia, there are certified, in-conversion and non-certified organic farms producing for export and local markets. Whereas certified farms produce for the export market, the non-certified farmers produce for the local market. Currently (2010) Ethiopia has 136’436 hectares of certified organic land, managed by 123’062 certified organic smallholder farmers and three large processing companies. The total certified organic production was79’231.18 metric tons which has increased by 47 percent and 50 percent respectively, compared with 2008 and 2009. The total organic export was 12’342 metric tons which has an increase of 43 percent compared with 2009 and by 164 percent compared with 2008 where the country earned a total of 33.9 million US dollars from exports, which is double the amount earned in 2009 (16.92 million US dollars), due to an increase in production and price. The Study revealed that most of the challenges were technical and technological which are differing at different organizational levels. Among the list of the challenges identified at producers levels : limited skills and information on market, shortage of technical support providing institution on training, shortage of logistics and infrastructure development, limited access to credit, improved technologies and farm equipments, shortage of clean and fair price transporting services and packaging materials were the prominent. Analysis of these gaps and need of interventions along with suggested activities and strategies were also discussed in this reportA Swedish organic research agenda was developed by EPOK, Centre for Organic Food and Farming, in an open process together with interested parties in the food chain. The main aim of the research agenda was to provide a well-supported document which would enable decision makers and research funding bodies prioritise future research calls. The agenda took on the most important future challenges and knowledge needs of the organic food chain on the road towards increased sustainability, efficiency and environmental and social benefits. Three cross-cutting themes were identified to describe the overall challenges that face organic agriculture and the organic food chain: Robust systems, Added value for the environment and society and Competitiveness and thriving rural communities. Based of the three overarching themes five prioritised focal areas were pointed out in the research agenda: 1) High productivity with maintained sustainability, 2) Innovative production systems with many functions, 3) Closed-loop cycles and renewable resources, 4) Sustainable enterprises and market development, 5) Healthy food with added value. Involving stakeholders in forming the research agenda promoted early interactions and cooperation between actors within organic agricultural research. Furthermore the involvement of numerous stakeholders enabled a broad view of the need for new knowledge in the organic food chain, from primary production and marketing questions to the performance of organic agriculture in respect of beneficial contribution to environment and society. A dialogue with researchers and agricultural research funding bodies was an important part of the process forming the agenda. The consequence of this cooperation was that the agenda has been used as a basis of a number of research calls.Weeds are a major problem in organic or Nature Farming systems and mechanical methods are generally used for weed control. However either mulching or growing crop in-between rows of the principal crop offers scope as a means of protecting soil and suppressing weeds. Field studies thus evaluated the impact of either a mulch or growing two intercrops as possible management strategies for controlling weeds of vegetables grown in major and minor seasons of the tropics under a Nature Farming regime. All three strategies controlled weed numbers, their biomass and increased crop yields. However the least beneficial impact was from the dead leaf mulch, while the highest degree of weed control and increments in crop yields was with the green manure intercrop. The effects of these regimes were also greater in the drier season, where weed populations are higher. The potential of these three strategies for weed management in Nature Farming or organic systems are presented on the basis of these results.This paper aims to provide insights into the deeper challenges of making and communicating overall assessments of organic food systems. Methods to do overall sustainability assessment are very different, they produce different assessments, and none of them can claim to have the ‘right’ answer. This paper aims to show some of the deeper challenges of making and communicating overall assessments of organic food systems, by investigating the role of scientific and stakeholder perspectives. Some results are that (1) sustainability is a paradoxical perspective, which relies on a multitude of specialised scientific perspectives; (2) assessments are based on built-in, but mostly hidden and sometimes incompatible values; and (3) the key to successful overall assessments is to make perspectives and values explicit in order to enable assessment of assessments in a participatory process. We conclude that there is a need to develop new participatory methods to handle perspectives and values in the preparation and communication of assessments of organic food systems.From the barriers said to potentially hamper the further development of the sector, the consumer demand side and herein the high prices are handled as crucial. We reviewed the literature since 2000 regarding the role of perceived price and income. We find that self-report based studies nearly unequivocally find price is the primary barrier to choice, deviations from this appear to occur when researching organic consumers and developed organic markets. There are mixed findings regarding income, but representative studies tend to indicate a significant influence. Number and age of children and income level are found to impact the influence of income on intention to or purchase of organic food.A field experiment was conducted at Kwara State University Teaching and Research Farm, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria to evaluate the performance of different rates of Jathropha seed cake on the growth and yield of Amaranthus caudatus. The five treatments tested were; 3 Jathropha seed cake application rates (2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 t/ha), NPK at 100kg N/ha and control. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Growth and yield parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, stem girth and fresh weight were taken. The results (p<0.05) indicated that application of Jathropha seed cake at 2.5 t/ha produced taller plants more profuse leaves and higher shoot fresh weight compared to NPK or the control treatment. In conclusion, Jathropha seed cake at 2.5 t/ha could be good alternatives to NPK fertilizer in raising leafy vegetable.A grass-clover ley may serve to build soil fertility. However, destruction of the sward may result in a high mineral N content in the soil profile in autumn. We have therefore investigated if non-inversion tillage is feasible for destruction of a grass-clover sward. We also examined how mode and timing of destruction would affect the N availability as reflected by total N uptake of the subsequent main crop leek (Allium porrum) and the residual mineral N. Early destruction in March appeared to be the least favorable option due to the highest residual mineral N content at values of total plant biomass and N uptake not higher than those obtained after late destruction of a repetitively mulched grass-clover sward. Non-inversion tillage proved to be successful for destruction of a grass-clover sward. It did not lower total plant biomass and N uptake by leek when compared to mouldboard ploughing. Grass-clover management history and time of destruction were decisive for the N availability.Organic practices in food production attempt to reduce the detrimental impacts of agricultural systems on the environment and human health. This study explores the effects such practices have on nitrogen (N) pollution, in comparison to conventional food production practices. Virtual N factors were used for this comparison. An organic virtual N factor of 4.6 was calculated for vegetables (37% lower than the conventional virtual N factor), 0.9 for starchy roots (-64%), 0.7 for grains (-86%) and 0.3 for beans (-53%). The organic food N footprints were 43 – 53% less than the conventionally produced food N footprints. This study found that organic practices reduce N pollution with respect to conventional practices of food production. Tracking the effects organic practices have on N pollution will contribute to raising awareness, popularizing the better management of N in agricultural systems, and reducing the negative environmental and human health consequences associated with N pollution.Grazing green manures may improve N availability and productivity in integrated crop-livestock systems. We hypothesized that grazing green manures, compared with standard soil incorporation with tillage, would increase autumn soil profile NO3-N concentrations. Experiments were carried out for three years between 2009 and 2011 in Manitoba, Canada. Seven different green manure crops or mixtures were grazed with sheep or left ungrazed. Hairy vetch, pea/oat mix and oats produced the greatest forage biomass in two out of three years. In 2010, sweet clover produced a similar amount (5813 kg ha-1). Soybean and lentil failed to compete with weeds; containing 30 to 73% weed biomass in all years. Utilization by sheep for all crops ranged from 28% to 86% but the most common range was between 60% and 80%. Soil NO3-N to 120 cm was significantly greater in grazed than in ungrazed plots. Greatest soil NO3-N content (226 kg ha-1) was observed in grazed pea/oat plots in experiment 1 and lowest (44 kg ha-1) was in ungrazed mixture plots in experiment 3. In experiment 1, total profile soil NO3-N level in pea/oat plots was greater than in oat plots. In experiment 2, oat plots contained less NO3-N than pea/oat and mixture plots. In experiment 3, there was significant species and management effect where soil in grazed hairy vetch plots contained the greatest amount of NO3-N. This interaction indicated that increase in soil NO3-N availability is greater when hairy vetch is grazed than grazing of other crops. In situations with low legume biomass productivity, grazing may be used to increase the N benefit from legume green manures to the following crops. Therefore, in addition to single benefit of soil fertility, two benefits were reaped from green manures; potential livestock live weight gain and soil fertility.Varroatosis as the current bane of the beekeepers is causing the biggest economic damage in the apicultural sector. Consistent control of varroatosis should be provided without harmful effects such as the occurrence of toxic residues in the hive products. In the technology of organic beekeeping only natural materials are allowed to be used such as essential oils and organic acids. Since 2013 within the beekeeping on-farm research program, we are collaborating with beekeepers throughout Hungary in comparative trials for testing the efficacy of different types of varroa control treatments and management practices. The trials are set up in market operations. One essential task of the program is to monitor the infestation level systematically with practical mite-counting techniques. Keywords: organic beekeeping, on-farm research, varroa controlThe organic food market in Germany has been growing significantly. While expanding, businesses and food initiatives face many challenges. The paper focuses on the challenge of maintaining the added values of organic farming and consumer trust. Both are key assets in organic food chains, and both are difficult to secure when volumes grow, distribution channels change and when producers, processors, sales businesses and con-sumers are less closely connected which tends to limit direct communication and trans-parency. In the central part of the paper, we present an analytical framework that can be used to better understand these connections. Focus is on changes in business logic, chain organisation and coordination. Three case studies of organic value chains in Germany are used to illustrate the application of the framework. The analyses show that business logics and strategies are implemented through a particular set of management and/or marketing instruments and that these impact on the organisation of the businesses, the linkages between chain partners and the marketing of products.Wild bees (bumblebees and solitary bees) are two important groups of wild pollinators in temperate zones, delivering pollination services to crops and wild plants. It is well documented that wild bees are declining nationally and regionally in Europe (Biesmeijer et al., 2006) threatening crop pollination estimated to 14 mia. euro/year. Wild bees are dependent on presence of high quality flower resources and on suitable nesting and overwintering sites locally (Strandberg et al., 2011). In the agricultural landscape, availability of these resources depend on land use, i.e. distribution between arable land and uncropped areas, crop distribution and management as well as quantity and quality of permanent grasslands, hedgerows, road verges, etc. Although organic farms have the potential for harboring wild plants with high flower intensity due to absence of herbicides and crop distribution (Henriksen et al., 2013), organic farms in practice vary highly in availability of food and nesting resources temporally and spatially.This paper describes an evaluation of experiential learning in agroecology, based on analysis of learning outcomes as described by students in their individual Learner (Reflection) Documents. Galt et al. (2013) highlighted the importance of reflective essays in reinforcing experiential learning. Each fall semester since 2000, students in an agroecology course in farming and food systems at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB) have submitted a self-evaluation of their learning as well as the teaching process. Their Learner Document is based on a log the students write about their experiences in the field, including interactions with stakeholders on farms and in communities, and lectures and discussion sessions with students and facilitators in and out of the classroom. Together with practical aspects described in the log is an in-depth reflection by each student on the learning process. While the students work in teams of four to six people to produce a Client (Stakeholder) Document, in cooperation with their stakeholders in the farming and food system, the Learner Document is written individually and reflects their personal learning experience.Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. On the other hand, nanotechnology is a rapidly developing domain of research and practice, the terminology is in a state of flux and usage is evolving. Nano-applications are being applied across the entire agriculture and food sectors. In agriculture, for example, nano-pesticides and nano-sensors are changing the nature of agricultural production. In regard to use of nanotechnologies in organic production currently, there are no national or international regulation, definitions, licensing or declaration requirements. We are still a long way off from conclusively assessing nanotechnologies or individual substances with nanoparticles, since we do not yet have the toxiclogical and ecological bases to do this. In our view, all of nanotechnology applications should be evaluated case by case. Positive or negative lists seem to be a good tool to regulate the use of nanotechnology in organic agriculture.Ecological footprint could be a tool for evaluating impacts of different agricultural production systems (PS). Based on more years field experiments producing vegetables and field crops cological footprint of conventional (CON), integrated (INT), organic (ORG) and biodynamic (BD) farming systems in Maribor and CON, INT and ORG in Dolenci was calculated and interpreted using the SPIonExcel tool. Results showed a markedly lower ecological footprint of ORG and BD systems compared to CON and INT which are not significantlly different. Identified were possibilities for reducing ecological footprint – for CON and INT by reducing mineral fertilizers and pesticide inputs; for ORG and BD by changing fuels and reducing maschinery use.Organic tea is booming in China since it is regarded as a high quality and healthy product. To confirm this believing, six pairs of organic and conventional teas from six farms in Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces, eastern China have been analyzed. The results show that organic teas had significantly higher tea polyphenols and water extracts compared to the conventional ones in most cases. Catechins, especially the epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin were significantly higher in organic tea. The concentrations of proline andγ-aminobutyric acid were also significantly higher in organic tea. However, the amino acids, particular theanine, aspartic acid and arginine were generally lower due to insufficient supply of mineral N in soils under organic management. These results could conclude that organic tea is more health benefit and environmental adaptable compared to its conventional counterpart.Sustainable floor management has played an important role in viticulture recently. Intensive agricultural practices of past decades - like mechanical cultivation on steep slope vineyards - endanger the vineyards. Suboptimal inter-row and undervine floor management, especially coupled with extreme weather conditions can lead to heavy soil degradation. In addition, because of climate change we anticipate heavier rainstorms, which can accelerate degradation of the soil. In Hungarian viticulture, preservation of soil moisture is extremely important because of the low amount of annual precipitation (sometimes less than 500 mm per year) and evapotranspiration from June to August is typically higher than precipitation (Bauer et al., 2004). Therefore, the use of cover crops in the inter-row can be beneficial, particularly on steep slopes and in case of organic farming to provide environmentally friendly soil management. One of the most often used soil management methods in the vineyards of Hungary is mechanical cultivation. But when this is used too often or inadequately, several negative effects can be observed: dry soil caused by increased evapotranspiration, deteriorating soil structure, increased erosion and nutrient losses (Bauer et al., 2004; Aljibury and Christensen, 1972; Dijck et al., 2002). Continuous mechanical soil management can also lead to topsoil and subsoil compaction from long-term traffic (Ferrero et al., 2005; Zanathy, 2006). For soil covering, several materials (e.g. straw, reed, sedge) or cover crops can be used. The species-rich cover crop mixture helps to not only to prevent erosion and provide easier of cultivation, but has a positive effect on soil structure, soil fertility and ecosystem functioning. The growth of the roots is influenced by soil structure, so the growth of the grapevine is also influenced by compaction and soil moisture (Wheaton et al., 2008). Requirements for a suitable cover crop species are as follows: it should save the soil from erosion and compaction caused by the movement of workers and machines and it should not compete significantly with the grapevines. In addition of these parameters, the optimal mixture contains local species from local provenance.Pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of different organic fertilizers on germination and early growth of tomato seedling. Four different types of compost like trichocompost, vermicompost, kitchen waste compost, cow dung based bioslurry and soil (control) were used as treatment. Organic fertilizers except kitchen waste compost significantly influenced germination and other growth parameters of tomato seedling in comparison with control treatment. Trichocompost showed the better performance in all parameters which was followed vermicompost in most cases. The poor performance exhibited by kitchen waste compost might be due to the presence of heavy metal like lead and copper which inhibit the emergence of tomato seed and thereafter on different parameters of tomato seedling. Overall, trichocompost and vermicompost could be used as potting media for growing healthy tomato seedling while kitchen waste compost may be discourage to use as potting media for vegetable seedling production.Banana owing to its large size and rapid growth rate require relatively large amount of nutrients for higher yield of quality fruits and it is estimated that 50 tonnes of banana in one hectare removes 320kg N, 32kg P2O5 and 925 kg K2O every year (Lahav and Turner, 1983). Application of inorganic fertilizers though increases the yield substantially but could not able to sustain the fertility status of the soil (Bharadwaj and Omanwar, 1994) and have caused several undesirable consequences in the fragile soil eco-system, leading to gradual decline in productivity. Considering the present situation of soil quality and environmental security, it is necessary to go for an integrated nutrient management, involving various sources of organic manures, organic cakes and bio-fertilizers besides using chemical fertilizers in banana. In today’s cultivation many commercial organic manures are being used because of their application in lesser volume and also enriched with nutrients. One such commercial organic manure used in the study is Wellgro. Wellgro organic manure is a unique product with a blend of neem and non-timber forest produce and a rich source of nutrients. Hence, this study was under taken to find out the influence of ecofriendly nutrient management practices on yield and quality parameters of banana under irrigated conditions.Limited fossil fuel reserves, growing populations and rising input prices highlight the importance of increasing the efficiency of food production systems and reducing GHG emissions. GHG emissions from fossil fuel use in agriculture are important along with the production of CH4 and N2O. In this context, organic agriculture has developed with an emphasis on resource use efficiency. The relative energy efficiencies of organic and non-organic farming were compared through a review of 50 studies including direct on-farm use and embedded energy in inputs. Organic systems use less fossil-fuel energy on a unit of land area basis for nearly all crop and livestock types, although results are more variable per unit of product. In many cases the difference can be attributed to the high energy requirements for the manufacture of nitrogen fertiliser. Organic farms avoid this input by sourcing most nitrogen input through biological fixation by legumes. Despite this, lower yields and higher energy requirements for weed control can make some organic cropping systems perform worse. Higher feed conversion ratios and mortality rates also make some organic poultry systems less efficient per unit output. Higher human energy (labour) requirements were also found on organic farms because of increased mechanical weeding and greater diversity, but this may not be accounted for. Overall, the review found that organic farming systems have potential to contribute towards more efficient agriculture, but with lower yields. The review also highlighted that organic systems do not offer a radical alternative, as they are still reliant on fossil fuel sources and the differences in energy use per unit of product were often marginal. Organic methods could still be applied to increase the efficiency of the agriculture sector as a whole, although energy use is only one aspect of sustainability that needs to be considered when comparing systems.For organic poultry production to increase, suitable solutions must be available for disease preventions and control that meet organic standards. The purpose of the present work was to discuss progress being made in evaluating the potential for utilizing cranberry as an immune-modulatory agent in organic broiler chickens production. Investigations on cranberry compounds could lead to the development of a feeding strategy for organic chicken production to improve the bird health and immunity and on-farm food safety while reducing use of antibiotics (in conventional operations). Based on the above data, it is clear that additional research will unlock the full potential of cranberry and other fruits pomaces and how best to use them as feed ingredient for organic chicken producers.Current regulations for organic monogastric production systems permit feed ingredients of non-organic origin, primarily due to concerns about meeting the demand for the essential amino acids methionine and lysine. However, 100 % organic diets will become compulsory in the EU from 1st January 2015, so there is a need to develop feeds which will supply the required level of nutrients and support high animal health and welfare. This paper reports on feeding trials carried out with broilers in the UK to investigate the impact of three 100 % organic diets: a control diet with globally sourced ingredients, a diet based on locally sourced (i.e. within Europe) organic ingredients, and a diet based on locally sourced organic ingredients and algae. The results of the summer and winter trials showed that there was no significant difference in bird weights between the three diets, indicating that using locally sourced and locally sourced with algae feeds do not impact on broiler productivity.In this paper, which represents parts of a broader study on growth, we reflect upon the notion of growth in the organic agrofood chain from a philosophical point of view. Our objective is to identify characteristics of growth in an organic context. We first look at growth of the organic movement as a whole, and demand and supply. We then study the meaning of growth in the context of soils and plants. The IFOAM principles orient the meaning of growth in the organic agrofood system. With these reflections we wish to initiate a debate on a deeper understanding of growth in the organic movement.The research results concluded that the green manuring with organic manures increased the green manures biomass yield. Green manuring with FYM at sowing and incorporating insitu green manures enhanced the productivity of organically grown rice and soil fertility. The build up of soil available nutrients and microbial diversity were observed in organic farming.The study shows the effect of sulfur (S) fertilization of an alfalfa clover-grass mixture, cultivated on the experimental farm Gladbachhof. Induced by the S fertilization the yield and N and S concentration were positiv influenced.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.Organic agriculture is rapidly growing around the world (37.2 Million ha in 162 countries) with 1.8 million producers including significant number of organic farmers in developing countries like India. The global market for organic products has reached to US

Suitability of different dairy cow types for an Alpine organic and low-input milk production system

62.8 billion and 86 countries now have an organic legislation (Willer et al, 2013). It is also well recognized now that the organic animal husbandry has not grown as faster as cereal crops, fruits, nuts, spices, tea, coffee and cotton. While organic farming is rapidly gaining ground in developing countries the research and development (RD Nalubwama et al, 2011; Rahmann & Godinho, 2012; Chander et al, 2012). Further to this, here an effort has been made to analyze why animal husbandry is not coming up in developing countries despite good opportunities due to natural advantages, taking India as a case.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 EUs Framework Programme for Research & Innovation for 2014-2020. This evolution also affects Europes 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.Organic farming has become increasingly important in Germany in recent years. This is reflected in the positive trend shown by the total number of organic farms. Analyses which are based on official agricultural statistics show, however, that there is an underlying counter-trend of farms that leave the organic sector by reverting back to conventional methods. Between 2007 and 2010 1,258 German organic farms returned to conventional agriculture. This paper aims to offer an overview, how many and what types of farms actually abandon organic farming in Germany. Probit-estimations are used to identify first indications for determinants of reversion from organic to conventional agriculture.A large survey was performed among a wide range of actors covering the areas of experimentation and research, processing and distribution, extension services, education and administration, all more or less committed in OF&F, to identify their information needs. This survey highlights the need for increased information dissemination. This analysis identifies four different publics with specific needs. Professional experience, degree of commitment to OF&F and professional category are structuring variables. Legal and economic information on food quality and processing is generally of interest to senior actors who have the lowest information needs. On the contrary, junior actors actively involved in the developmental and educational aspects of OF&F have the greatest information needs over a wide range of themes. Thematic priorities are also different depending on professional categories and types of information. While technicians and farmers call for scientific and technical information on plant production issues, only young farmers in OF&F give priority to animal production issues. The dataset must be further analysed but it already provides insights for recommendations on information dissemination and research priority setting.The objective is to provide a description and typology of a random sample of dairy goat farms in Greece. Dairy goat farming and its role in maintaining rural tradition and self-sufficiency of population in poor rural areas of Greece is discussed. The work is part of a large european project, SOLID that focoses in low input systems.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.Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) gained increasing attention and experienced rapid growth in the US and Western Europe over the past 25 years as a special form of direct marketing where producers and consumers form an alliance in a relationship based on mutual trust, openness, shared risk and shared rewards.Using local, organic food-systems as the point of departure the paper aims to explore the farm enterprises that follow practices of CSA in Hungary. Our study confirmed that CSA can be identified as a sustainable rural business strategy for innovative organic farmers and has transformative potential for food-system localization, providing decent livelihood, good care of natural resources and strengthens social cohesion within the rural-urban interface in Hungary.A total of thirty six male rabbits ranging in weight between 450-600g were weight-balanced into six treatment groups that received rabbit diets either without turmeric (D 1 ) or with turmeric (D 2 ) at varying periods within a nine- week experimental period. The treatments were T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 for control, D 2 plus exposure to UV radiation, D 2 until radiation, D 2 after radiation, D 1 throughout the experimental period with UV radiation and D 2 throughout the experimental period without UV radiation, respectively. Testicular histology revealed that feeding organic turmeric in the diet before exposure conferred some protection on the testicular tissue while the feeding of turmeric in the diet after exposure corrected the damage inflicted by exposure to UV radiation. The group (T4) that did not receive turmeric showed conspicuous damage in the testicular tissue on exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It was concluded that organic turmeric could alleviate the histological damage on account of exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Key words: Organic turmeric, Ultraviolet radiation, Rabbit, Testis, HistologyDairy farming is the largest agricultural contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. In this study, the carbon footprint of organic dairying was evaluated by the means of life cycle assessment. Carbon footprint was calculated using real farm data from six European countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy and United Kingdom. Total of 34 farms were analyzed. Assessment was carried out with attributional approach with system boundaries from cradle to farm gate. For the dairy production, functional unit of 1 kg of energy corrected milk was used. Results averaged to 1.04 ± 0.29 kg CO2 equivalents per kg of energy corrected milk, which is consistent with recent previous studies. Main contributor to this is enteric fermentation from producing animals, resulting in 43 % of total GHG emissions, which is consistent with previous studies.This paper analyses the institutional development of organic food and farming from 2004 to 2012 in six European countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary and Romania. Based on document analysis and expert interviews with key informants on organic farming development in each country, similarities and differences in the development of the organic sector were analysed to evaluate if countries gaining accession to the EU at different times undergo similar organic sector development. Furthermore, the development of the organic sector was explored against the background of increasing involvement of the mainstream agricultural sector in organic farming development. To conclude, the uptake and support of organic farming by mainstream agriculture resulted in a change in the nature of the organic farming community. Rather than influencing the mainstream agricultural system, the organic farming community is increasingly reacting to changes in mainstream agricultural institutions. There has been a loss of influence by the organic farming community over the development of the organic sector. Organic farming is rather seen by the mainstream agricultural sector as a way to address current problems the regime is dealing with, rather than providing a role model for future farming development.A field crop rotation with a cover crop of hairy vetch (Vicia sativa, L.) and rye (Secale cereale, L.)followed by potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa, L.)was set up with the aim of improving nitrogen (N) management for organic agriculture. N mineralization was determined by a field incubation in response to green manure and increasing rates of compost (20 and 40 t/ha) and organic commercial ferlizer (1 and 2 t/ha). N mineralization in compost took place during all crop rotation, but most of the organic fertlizer was mineralized during the first days after soil application. Consequently, N availability and potato crop yield was increased with 2 t/ha of organic fertilizer compared to 20 t/ha of compost, whereas lettuce yield increased with compost application in comparison to organic fertilizer.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.The main tendency for most countries in Central and Eastern Europe is their organic production to be developed mainly for the purpose of export. This leads to the impossibility for organic products to be adapted to the local market and their price happens to be too high for consumers from these countries. The solution to this is the quick development and expansion of the domestic market for organic agricultural products and foods. The market of organic products in Bulgaria enlarged significantly in the last few years. Although the share of organic food products in the general food market in the country is relatively small - less than 5 %, the total area under organic products in Bulgaria (cultivated and wild collected) is more than 250 thousand. The consumer decision-making with regard to organic food products is considered to be one of the priorities for development of the organic agricultural sector and market. In order to promote marketing possibilities for organic foods, it is important that we understand how consumers perceive the quality and safety attributes of organic products. The article aims to present consumers’ perception of Bulgarian organic foods (Bulgarian yoghurt case) by applying the method of semantic differentials. The empirical study is framed by the focus-groups and semantic differential approaches. The first stage of the survey (5 sessions) was carried out in the towns with the most developed market of organic foods in the country (Sofia and Plovdiv). They were conducted in the period May – June 2009. A total number of 46 people participated in the focus-groups. The second stage of the study tests the consumers’ perception of quality and safety attributes of Bulgarian yoghurt by the semantic differential method. Data were collected during April and May 2011 in Sofia. The target population of 84 bulgarians included consumers who are knowledgeable about organic foods and regularly buy organic yogurt. Principal component analysis with varimax rotations extracted six factors for these results and each of them groups around it specific concepts of the bipolar scales used in the study. They are used to build the picture of the perceptions of the respondents regarding the quality and safety of the studied products. The interpretation of the importance of the factors is done by clarifying the semantic relations between the underlying concepts (descriptors).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.An experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The aim was to study effects of different organic manure sources on performance of groundnut varieties. Treatment consisted of three organic manure source, (Poultry manure, (PM) cow dung (CD) and household waste (HW) each at two levels (1 ton and 2 tons), two varieties of groundnut SAMNUT 21 (V1) and SAMNUT 23 (V2) and a control. The treatments were factorially combined and assigned in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Growth data such as plant height, canopy spread and biomass weight and; yield data including, pod yield per plant, seed yield per plant, 100 seed weight were collected.Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), a perennial rhizomatous herb has been regarded as an important spice in Asian cuisine. India is called as the “Spice bowl of the world” as it produces variety of spices with quality. Though India leads in production of turmeric, but average productivity is very low due to imbalanced and suboptimal dose of chemical fertilizers, organic manure, bio – fertilizers and micronutrients (Kandiannan and Chandragiri, 2008). Since, turmeric is a nutrient responsive crop and removes large amount of nutrients from soil, sufficient quantities of nutrients have to be applied in order to obtain sustainable yield levels (Nagarajan and Pillai, 1979). Application of organic source of nutrients (Wellgro formulations) would augment nutrient uptake, yield and economics of turmeric. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out to test the effect of organic formulations on sustainable production of turmeric.The development and release of improved and high yielding sesame varieties can fast track the drive to meet the increasing global demand for certified organic sesame. Variety E-8 (Check), three recently released (NCRIBEN-01M, NCRIBEN-02M and NCRIBEN-03L), four already available with farmers (PBTil, Domu, ABBS and 530-6-1) varieties, and eight recently acquired accessions (Cameroon white, CIANO-16, CIANO-27, Pachequeno, Kwandere, Eva, Adakuawari and CROSS-95) were evaluated for their yield performance under organic system in 2010 – 2012. Fourteen test varieties were laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated twice in 2010 and 2011. In 2012, a split plot design was used in which fertilizer application (F0 – no fertilizer and F1 – organic fertilizer applied) was assigned to the main plot and 15 test varieties to the sub plot. The grain yield of all the test varieties were greater than the world average (490 kg ha-1), except Cameroon white and Domu when growing conditions were favourable in 2010 and 2011. However, under less favourable growing conditions of 2012, only Kwandere, Adakuawari, CIANO-27, ABBS, 530-6-1, PBTil, NCRIBEN-02M and E-8 recorded grain yield above world average. It is therefore, recommended that Kwandere, Adakuawari, CIANO-27 and NCRIBEN-02M be advanced to the farmers for large scale production alongside the varieties already with them.The incorporation of conservation agriculture techniques (e.g. reduced tillage and green manures) in organic farming systems brings many benefits to the environment and reduces energy use (Holland, 2004). One of the main drawbacks of the use of reduced tillage is the potential increase in weed infestation and shifts in the weed community composition, sometimes to the benefit of more difficult-to-control species (Barberi, 2002; Peigne et al., 2007; Sans et al., 2011). However, weeds have an important role in maintaining farmland functional biodiversity (Barberi et al, 2010; Caballero et al., 2010), and this should be balanced with their potential negative impact on crop yield and quality. Within the frame of the European project “Reduced tillage and green manures for sustainable cropping systems” (TILMAN-ORG), in 2012 we started a study with the aim of evaluating the effects of conservation agricultural methods on functional attributes of weed communities, taking into account both the potential detrimental effects of weeds on crop growth and yield and the potential ecological services or dis-services. Knowledge on the outcome of positive and negative effects will be useful in the context of evaluating soil conservation practices in organic farming. In this paper we highlight the approach used to build the weed functional traits database, the first step in this study.This is a new idea for the research stream. The UN in its discussion of the Sustainable Development Agenda after 2015, could consider it as one way to ensure that research contributes to achievement of the agenda. The writer is willing to participate in the process of shaping this idea further for the benefit of Sustainable Development in the World, and especially in Africa.This paper aims to identify the factors that influence the choice of organic farmers to innovate for more sustainable practices that go beyond the strict limits imposed by the certification. Using survey data collected from 352 Italian and Portuguese certified organic farmers, a probabilistic model was estimated. The results show that farmers, in particular women, longest engaged in organic farming are more likely to adopt sustainable practices. They also indicate that farm size, landownership, the existence of some types of complementary activities and the sources of information used by farmers affect the adoption of such practices.Conditions in organic farming bring other challenges to seedstock breeders than seen in conventional farming. The different way of fertilization and reliance on contact-effect pesticides demands more disease tolerant or resistant varieties. The Hungarian organic potato grower mainly relied on well-known conventional varieties under their organic cultivation, but these varieties are not always best suited for organic farming. Therefore OMKi initiated a participatory-research to test resistant potato varieties, improve production technology, and facilitate the cooperation among the farmers and the sector’s other stakeholders like advisors and breeders. This participatory research began in 2012 and continues in 2013 on three different subjects. In this paper a selection of important data is presented.Farming practices are known to exert strong control over the soils’ function to act as sources or sinks for greenhouse gases (GHG). This paper deals with the outcome of a recent meta-analysis based on the evaluation of 19 published long-term farming system comparisons. It provides a comprehensive data base regarding GHG fluxes from soils under organic and non-organic management. There is scientific evidence for lower nitrous oxide emissions from organically managed soils when scaled to the area. However, further data from farming system comparisons are required, particularly from long-term GHG measurements covering several cropping seasons or ideally entire crop rotations. This enables closing knowledge gaps concerning N fluxes and pools under organic management as well as the formation of the new soil ecosystem (soil quality) equilibrium after implementing organic practices. Substantial reductions of nitrous oxide emissions as well as enhancement of methane uptake can be reached by consequent application of “good agricultural practice” and simple adoptions of soil management, forming together a balanced set of GHG mitigation mechanisms. In addition we provide first GHG flux data from the well-known DOK farming system trial in Therwil/CH and the role of microbial communities driving soil functioning.The necessary ecologization of agriculture in the developed countries has recently resulted in the research of innovative systems that are both economically viable and environmentally friendly, with sustainable objectives at mid and long terms. The sylvoarable systems, mixing trees and crops on the same plot, are ecologically intensive systems that allow a better use of natural resources, hence increase production on the same land area. The vegetable orchard is a sylvoarable system mixing fruit trees and vegetable crops that disappeared in the 1950’s for economic reasons. Its possible reintroduction becomes a new research topic for ecological purposes, with agronomic bases to ensure its viability. The vegetable orchards’ agronomic bases are a combination of scientific results and feedback from farmers on the interactions between fruit trees and vegetable crops. These bases are the common knowledge to be harnessed during vegetable orchards’ co-design processes, especially for developing decision-support tools, such as models. A proof of concept is built for modelling the vegetable orchard with constraint satisfaction problems (CSP), proposing layouts of fruit trees and vegetable crops that take maximum advantage of a set of interactions between them. This proof of concept is the core of a more exhaustive model to be built, with CSP formalism or another, which could be used to support the design of systems mixing trees and crops.In this study carried out in Isparta province of Turkey in 2005 and 2006, it was determined how ellagic acid and nitrate contents of fruit were affected from some application performed in organic and conventional strawberry production. In the study, 18 different application were made at Camarosa strawberry cultivar. The plants were planted as frigo seedlings in the third week of July and irrigated by drip irrigation method. According to the results; ellagic acid contents were ranged from 0.487 to 0.498 mg 100g-1 and there were no significant differences among values. Nitrate contens were ranged from 1.43 to 4.57 mg kg-1 and there were significant differences among values.Farming systems applying reduced tillage measures are expected to be beneficial for sustaining important soil functions (ecosystem services) and (soil) biodiversity. Furthermore, a reduction in tillage intensity is connected to reduced need for energy and labour input. On the other hand waiving the plough is, especially in organic farming systems, suspected to lead to increased weed pressure and therefore decreases in yields. In this paper, first results of a study on temporarily reduced tillage in organic crop-rotations are presented. Here the plough was set aside before drilling triticale at the end of four crop rotations, and expectable yields, earthworm biomass and weed pressure were investigated. First one-year-results of the experiment on temporarily reduced tillage to triticale at the end of organic crop-rotations did not show enormous decreases in yields, but also the expected positive effects (increase in earthworm biomass) could not be statistically secured.Organic farming presents a solution to socio-economic, environmental and health problems caused by conventional food production methods. In this paper, we propose a linear programming model to plan Turkey’s organic food production. Specifically, we want to find how many hectares of each food type should be planted in each municipality of Turkey so that the whole population consumes organic foods only. The model incorporates transportation between regions while identifying any missing or excess foods. We also describe the data requirements of the model and discuss data availability. Results on an aggregate (small) model are promising.The research aimed to rescue the context in which the Brazilian regulation for organic production and control mechanisms for organic quality assurance occurred. Also a case study on what has been the experience of the first PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) accredited by Mapa (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply) was conducted. The Natural Agriculture Association of Campinas decided to adopt a PGS three years ago ending its activities as a non-profitable third party certifier. The research sought to understand the farmer´s motivations for adopting the ANC´s PGS and which are the main challenges and gains within this kind of social control mechanism. The study preliminary results indicate that the recognition by the law of PGSs and SCOs (Social Control Organizations) as alternatives to third part certification was an important achievement for ecological based family farming in the country. In relation to the specific studied PGS, the experience has empowered the participant producers due to cooperation’s increasing through the creation of strategies to collectively commercialize their products and inputs purchase, the constant sharing of experiences, the creation of a seed bank and the participatory decision-making process in replacement to the third part system that existed before. The main challenges are related to bureaucratic requirements from Mapa and the reduction of the PGS´s direct and indirect costs.Organic farming is potentially useful approach for in situ conservation of biodiversity when the farming technologies are effective and economically sound. Functional rate of arthropod biodiversity as an index of biodiversity quality was assessed according to some organic farming methods, such as landscape management and using companion plants in rice and soybean fields. In this study, it is important to select effective farming technologies for in situ conservation and utilization of functional biodiversity even in organic farm.Organic liquid preparations contain higher of bacteria, fungi, actenomycets, N-fixers and P-solubilizers. Form the studies it is evident that beejamrutha is used on the day of preparation and jeevamrutha to be used between 9 to 12 days after preparation. The application of these liquid formulations would supplement the application of biofertilizers and they can be prepared easily by locally available materials by the farmers, in rural area.Soybean was sown after sunflower, sesame and maize between 2008 and 2012 to assess its agronomic performance under continuous, rotational and conventional cropping systems. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Soybean grown under rotational cropping system produced significantly (p<0.05, F-test) higher number of branches, seeds and pods per plant than the soybean under continuous and conventional cropping systems in 2012. Similar trend was recorded in 2011 and 2012 for grain yield. On average the grain yield performance of soybean under rotational cropping system (2,445.0 – 2758.3 kg.ha-1) was superior to the yield of soybean under continuous and conventional cropping systems (1343.8 – 2556.3 kg.ha-1) as the rotation scheme became stable from 2010 to 2012. Inclusion of soybean in crop rotation scheme is hereby recommended for sustainable organic crop production systems.Fungi of the genus Trichoderma have a track record of being antagonist to quite of a number of agricultural important pathogens. Trichoderma have some unique characteristics that make it scientifically proven and suitable bio-control agents against varieties of pathogenic organism infecting economic food crops. Trichoderma has the advantage of being environment friendly and not hazardous to the health of human beings, livestock, soil and environment. Competitive bio-assay experiment was carried out in the laboratory on the effects of Trichoderma species (T. atroviride P1 isolates, T. harzianum T22 isolates, T. viride) on some crop pathogens (Phytophthora cinnanerium, Botrytis cinaria and Rhizoctonia solani). Pure culture of Trichoderma and pathogenic fungi were replicated four times and arranged in a complete block design. The result of the experiment shows that Trichoderma species are strong competitor of P. cinnanerium, B. cinaria and R.solani. Within 72 hours, the Trichoderma species were able to grow and completely overlap the P. cinnanerium, B. cinaria and R. solani. This strong competitiveness indicated that Trichoderma species would effectively inhibit the growth of P. cinnanerium, B. cinaria and R. solani on the infected crop; thus the application of Trichoderma species in the control of P. cinnanerium, B. cinaria and R. solani infected crops.In contrast to the increasing demand for dairy goat products in Germany, a market for goat kid meat as a related product does not exist. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a concept for organic goat kid meat production for dairy goat farms. In collaboration with a wholesaler, organic dairy goat farmers and marketing research the experimental part of this study was to find out if cross-breeding of meat-goats could improve meat quality and performance of fattening goat kids together with other factors like concentrate ratio of the diet, genotype, sex, housing vs. pasture as well as raising strategy during milk feeding period. Our results indicate that even a low input level of concentrates (10 % of total dry matter intake per goat kid and year) is sufficient to achieve the requested carcass weight of 12 kg at slaughter when goat kids are kept on pasture. Dressing percentage in both experimental years was affected by concentrate level, the more concentrates (40 %) the higher dressing percentage. Comparing years 2011 and 2012, dressing percentage was 4 % higher in 2012 for both concentrate levels. Daily weight gain per kid ranged from 122 to 133 g/d significantly influenced by concentrate level and sex, in 2011 as well by genotype. A low concentrate level (KF10) resulted in higher contents of Omega 3 fatty acids, male KF10-goat kids had highest omega 3 content of 1.19 g/100 fatty acid. The raising of “Capretto” type kids for slaughter indicated, that artificial rearing of kids using cow milk is beneficial compared to mother bonded rearing. Results indicated, that rearing and fattening of goat kids even under low input production levels on pasture can be realized und will produce higher meat qualities regarding fatty acid composition.Organic food is produced in accordance with strictly defined rules, established by the European Union legislation. Thanks to this is considered to be safer and healthier than produced conventionally. Many studies show that organic products, especially vegetables, fruits and preserves contained more dry matter, vitamin C, vitamin B group, total sugar, indispensable amino acids and mineral compounds. At the same time organic plant products usually have been in general better evaluated in terms of taste and smell than conventional food. The aim of this study was to analyze the assortment of beetroot juice from organic and conventional stores in Warsaw, Poland and consumer sensory evaluation of selected products. Analysis of the products was carried out in grocery stores taking into account the size of usable floor space - large-and small area, and due to the specific origin of the range of products - organic and conventional food stores. The results showed that the market of beetroot juices were diverse - organic producers juices were available mainly in specialist organic stores, and conventional juices were available in all the analyzed places. Consumer sensory evaluation, which was conducted among the students, showed that consumers did not have a explicit preference for the taste, smell, color and consistency of beet juice, due to the origin of the product.A field experiment was carried out in Central Italy on growing melon (Cucumis melo L.) after barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Three different systems of cover crop termination (green manure, roller crimper and fallow, as control) were combined with three doses of compost (0, 15 and 30 t ha-1 d.m.) in a strip plot design. The main objective of the research was to evaluate their effects on organic melon production and on short and long term soil nitrogen (N) fertility. Marketable yield and quality and soil N availability along the melon cycle were determined and a simplified N budget calculated. Green manure (GM) treatment showed the highest total and marketable yield, followed by fallow (FA), while roller crimper (RC) was characterized by a significant lower yield respect to the other two treatments (45% and 62% of the marketable yield of GM and FA, respectively). On the other side, long term soil N fertility of GM and FA were characterized by N deficit unless combined with compost application at the dose of 15 t ha-1 d.m.The work evaluated the responses of two Amaranthus species to poultry manure, fish effluent, NPK fertiliser and control in randomised complete block design. A. hybridus was taller, thicker and had more leaves per plant than A. viridis. For each Amaranthus variety, poultry manure produced highest number of leaves and tallest plants with thickest stem followed by fish effluent and NPK fertiliser. A. hybridus had higher leaf and marketable yields/ha than A. viridis. Leaf and marketable yields/ha were highest with poultry manure followed by fish effluent and NPK fertiliser. Leaf yield/ha increased by 105, 34 and 34% for poultry manure, fish effluent and NPK fertiliser, respectively compared with the control in A. hybridus and by 284, 132 and 146% in A. viridis. Similarly, marketable yield/ha increased by 116, 45 and 45% for poultry manure, fish effluent and NPK, respectively in A. hybridus and by 176, 16 and 43% in A. viridis over the control.The increasing demand for bioenergy and the combination of agricultural production with conservation has made agroforestry to a sustainable land-management option. Aboveground woody biomass plays a decisive role considering the economic value of the agroforestry systems as well as the carbon storage. With the objective to study aboveground woody biomass production of agroforestry systems with different cultivation methods (organic/ integrated), short rotation plantations of different tree species were established 2009 and coppiced in 2012. The studied tree species were black alder (Alnus glutinosa), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), poplar “Max 3”, (Populus maximowiczii x Populus nigra) and willow “Inger” (Salix triandra x Salix viminalis). At the end of each growing season biomass production was estimated by an allometric model that predicted individual tree biomass from stem diameter. At the end of the rotation biomass was estimated directly by harvesting. Biomass production ranged from 3.9 to 10.9 tDM ha-1a-1 with poplar and locust having highest growth rates. Significant variation was observed between tree species, but not between management (organic/ integrated), what indicates that organic and integrated agroforestry systems can have a comparable tree biomass production. Small-scale differences of the soil caused high intraspecific variation and suggest the inclusion of further soil investigations.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.Achieving and maintaining a high herd health and welfare status is an important aim in organic livestock farming. The varying farming systems across and within countries call for models that are relevant for different farming types and that can be integrated into local practice. In stable schools, farmers take responsibility for health and welfare planning by identifying issues, setting goals, and acting to improve the health situation based on farm-specific data e.g. milk production. This paper reviews the results from intervention studies that used the “farmer field school” approach for animal health and welfare planning, providing an overview of on-going activities and their implementation into advisory situations in selected European countries. Research studies with stable schools as an intervention tool showed improvements regarding the specific project aim on the majority of the participating farms. Farmers and facilitators were convinced of the approach and benefits for dairy herds. Farmers’ attitude and attention towards theirs herds and their ownership of the process appear to be crucial success factors for herd health and welfare situations. In some European countries this method has been implemented in advisory practice and in other regions there are promising opportunities. BackgroundThis paper presents the findings of an assessment aimed to evaluate, in terms of cost and energy consumption, the introduction of living mulches in different organic vegetable systems producing cauliflower. The study was carried out in three European countries (IT, SLO and DK) in the frame of the InterVeg project (Core Organic II). The achievements demonstrated that, in economic terms, farmers’ choice of a specific technique, like living mulch instead of sole cropping, can be influenced by two key elements: human labor and fossil fuel consumption. Different organic systems have a different proportion in using the two inputs depending on the specific farm strategy.Different organic wastes (waste of tomato leaves and stems, sheep manure, olive mill waste and melon waste) were mixed with different proportions for different C/N ratio to make better use of tomato waste as it constitutes the majority of horticultural waste in the Souss-Massa region (south-western of Morocco). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of C/N ratio on the physicochemical parameters during aerobic composting process (temperature, relative humidity, pH, EC...), and the quality of the compost. The effect of each produced compost was also tested by its incorporation at different rates into sandy soil. The four studied C/N ratios (treatments) were: C/N=25; C/N=30; C/N=35 and C/N=40. Results revealed that the treatment C/N=35 has resulted in the highest oxygen consumption and also, the longest thermophilic phase. Treatments C/N=25 and C/N=35 have reached optimal C/N ratios at the end of the process (respectively 11.88 and 14.71), while treatments C/N=30 and C/N=40 stood higher than 15 (respectively 17.93 and 18.84). Fulvic acid evolution remained constant for all treatments, whereas humic acid content has reached highest levels with C/N=25 and C/N=35 treatments. The effect of compost on seed germination test and phytotoxicity test showed that treatment C/N=35 has produced the most mature compost with the lowest phytotoxicity effect. The amendment of compost has reduced the pH, increased the EC, and enriched soil with organic matter as far as the rate of the amendment is increasing (10; 20 and 30Tonnes.ha-1). Compost of treatment C/N=40 has recorded the highest soil total organic matter content poorly decomposed during composting. However compost of treatment C/N=35 has resulted in the lowest soil total organic matter content, this is mainly due to the intense degradation of the compost during the composting process. The quality of the produced compost depends largely on the level of C/N startup ratio and also the quality of its constituents within the mixture.This study examined the differences in the consumer’s attitude toward and the buying behavior of organic vegetables in Japan and Germany through two online questionnaire surveys, and tested if the level of trust was related to such differences. The study found that the average level of trust was higher for the German samples when trust was measured by the question items related to organic vegetables (OVT), while the Japanese samples exhibited higher trust when it was measured by the scales of “general trust” (GNT). Both scales of trust were confirmed to be related to the attitude and buying behavior of organic vegetables including purchase frequency, consumption intensity, benefit evaluation. OVT was also shown to be associated with the consumer’s choice of the channel by which they shop for organic vegetables.In organic and low-input dairy farming, the forage proportion of the cows´ diets is usually much higher than on conventional farms, therefore the risk of weather induced on-farm feed shortages is of greater importance. As part of the EU research project SOLID (Sustainable Organic and Low Input Dairy Systems; FP7-266367; www.solidairy.eu), a decision support system is currently being developed which will evaluate dairy farm management with regard to the risk of feed shortages. Based on input from the user, climate data from the last 50 years and a soil model, feed supply will be simulated by a crop model, and feed demand will be simulated by a herd model. These data will then be connected in a diet model, which designs diets for all groups of cows using a diet formulation routine (linear programme) that minimizes both over- and undersupply of energy and protein across all groups of cows throughout all periods of the year. By simulating the status quo and the situation originating from different management changes and evaluating the changes against the status quo, the decision support system will assist both in regard to short-term management questions as well as to long-term strategic planning. Work on the SOLID decision support system is still ongoing, and the prototype is expected to be completed in 2014.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.This paper outlines a survey of Icelanders who use native species of plants, lichen, fungi, and marine algae. It was found that some of the species (e.g. Angelica spp. and Betula spp.) were very important. However, potential exists for a more diverse harvest and for sustainable management (e.g. Organic certification). It was also found that potential exists for the spreading of knowledge and the inherent associated conservation culture of native species use. The data also suggests that cultural conservation should focus on food, which appears to be paramount for increasing the cultural importance of a species.In this paper we analyse the data from inspections of two European control bodies in Turkish farms to analyse risk pattern of non-compliance with the EU organic regulation. A logit model is used to identify the types of crops the are more likely related to non-compliant operators.Development of organic vegetable varieties was done through participatory breeding in Regions 4A, 4B, 8 and 12 in the Philippines. Farmer co-operators were trained and seeds of segregating lines and populations which served as their starting materials were provided to them. The materials were evaluated in their respective farms along with continuous selection and seed production. Co-operators were able to select lines of various vegetable crops and seed produce them.Many naturally-derived products are used as growth promoters or biostimulants on vegetables, even if their mechanisms of action are not still now completely clarified. Among them, seaweeds and seaweed products are inserted as admissible organic fertilizers in the Annex I of the Reg. (EC) No. 889/2008, even if their biostimulant properties are not recognized in organic farming. After a previous bioassay on maize germination for defining the optimal water dilution ratios of the filtrate seaweed extract (FSE), in the present research we applied the FSE at two diluted doses to a greenhouse organic lettuce, for assessing its biostimulant effect on vegetable growth and nutrient uptake. The greenhouse pot trials were conducted on Lactuca sativa L., by applying FSE at 1/250 and 1/500 v/v water dilutions. After 90 days, root fresh/dry weight, shoot fresh/dry weight and dry matter, number of leaves, LAI, specific leaf fresh/dry weight, total dry biomass, leaf macro and micro elements (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn, B) content and total chlorophyll were determined. Obtained results indicated that FSE plays a role in promoting the increase of lettuce shoot dry weight and related nutrient uptake, with particular efficacy in relation to P and K macroelements. This property is better expressed at the highest dilution, confirming that the biostimulating activity of the formulate acts without any nutritional effect: thus, the FSE appears to be a good opportunity for promoting the early-stage development for organic nursery productionIn this paper, we present results from three growing seasons, 2011-2013 to discuss whether anaerobic digestion of animal manure impacts soil characteristics and plant yields.Three different methods of conducting on-farm research were tested during the growing season of 2013 on Finnish organic farms. The yield of clover-grass silage was measured by the farmer using his own machinery and by small plot measures of 0.25 m 2 taken by a researcher. Different pea-cereal mixtures were tested in two fields and yields were measured by farmers using a combine harvester equipped with scales. Samples for feed quality analysis were collected by an advisor from several legume-cereal-whole-crop mixtures on farms. There was no preference for different methods of conducting on-farm research based on these cases. More important was to find the best way to answer the actual question. These kind of on-farm research actions were a rapid way to answer to the needs of farmers. Observational actions were most suitable to be conducted by a researcher or an advisor in the small plots, but the overall yields of fields or larger plots were better to harvest with farm-scale machines.Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) is playing an important role to improve soil physical properties and soil fertility for the supply of crop nutrients and this crop is also used as a representative legumes green manure for the production of organic agricultural food. In this study we evaluated the availability of hairy vetch in reclaimed organic rice cultivation. The response to increasing salinity was analyzed by means of the germination rate and seedling growth of hairy vetch. Results showed that seed germination of hairy vetch decreased insignificantly up to concentration of 0.6% NaCl. However, shoot and root growth of hairy vetch showed significant reduction at salinity concentrations higher than 0.1% NaCl level. In these results we were considered that hairy vetch can be use under concentration of 0.1% salinity as green manure for reclaimed saline agriculture.The social and therapeutic horticultural programmes within health facilities, social services or vocational training, aim to contribute to the clients or trainees wellbeing and improvement of their physical, mental and emotional conditions. Integrated in the wider concept of social agriculture, these programmes are developing rapidly all over the world, as in Portugal. In this context the present study aimed to provide an insight on the benefits of organic horticulture professional training within young people with mental disorders. The Training Course in Organic Farming and Gardening (TCOFG) started in 1991, in the Professional Training Centre of the Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Disabilities, in Barcelos, Portugal. The target trainees were young people, over 16 years old, with intellectual disabilities, or with a disability characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behaviour. During a period of three months three questionnaires were performed to the trainees attending the course and the trainees’ families were interviewed in order to assess their sons’ progress at home and the main effects of the TCOFG on them. The results indicate that horticulture, when used in a group-based setting, has a direct and positive effect on life satisfaction, wellbeing and self-confidence, which are all components of quality of life.To determine whether consuming a largely organic diet reduces OP pesticide exposure in adults, a prospective, randomised, single-blinded, crossover, biomonitoring study was performed. The study involved 13 Australian adults who consumed a largely (>80%) organic diet or a largely conventional diet for 7 days and were then crossed over to the alternate diet for a further 7 days. Urinary levels of six dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites produced from OP pesticides, were analysed in first-morning voids collected on day 8 of each phase using GC-MS/MS, with limits of detection at 0.11-0.51 μg/L. Results, which were creatinine corrected to account for urine dilution or concentration, revealed that consumption of organic food for 7 days resulted in a statistically significant reduction in urinary OP metabolites. The mean total DAP results in the organic phase were 89% lower than in the conventional phase (M=0.032 and 0.294 respectively, p=.013). There was a significant 96% reduction in urinary dimethyl DAPs in the organic vs. conventional phase (M=0.011 and 0.252 respectively, p=.005), and a 49% reduction in diethyl DAPs which was not significant (M=0.021 and 0.042 respectively, p=.170). Overall the consumption of organic food resulted in a statistically significant reduction total DAPs and total dimethyl DAPs in urine indicating reduced exposure to organophosphate pesticides. Large scale studies are now required to confirm these results and determine their clinical relevance.If farmers want to use reduced tillage in organic agriculture, they often face great challenges in weed control. One goal of the European research project TILMAN ORG (www.tilman-org.net) was to develop a more efficient weed management and increased biodiversity through improved use of green manures in different systems of reduced tillage. In a repeated one year trial on the research farm of University of Kassel the effects of different green manure species and different tillage systems on weed cover, density and biomass as well as yield of a subsequent main crop were examined. Sinapis alba, Trifolium resupinatum and Vicia sativa were tested as green manure species. Bare fallow served as control. After the green manures the main crop oat was sown in four different tillage systems: (1) plough, (2) chisel (2011/12) or disc harrow (2012/13), (3) mulching + drilling and (4) direct drilling. In 2011/12, weed cover was generally low in the plough system compared to the other tillage systems. In the mulching + drilling- and direct drilling- systems V. sativa was able to suppress weeds considerably more efficiently than the other green manure treatments. The oat plots after the green manure species S. alba and T. resupinatum as well as the bare fallow had to be given up because weed pressure was too high. Instead, the oat yield in the mulching + drilling- and direct drilling treatments after green manure species V. sativa resulted in oat yields similar to the plough treatments. In the chisel system, oat yield in the V. sativa treatment was significantly higher than in the other green manure treatments. 2012/13 all mulching + drilling- and direct drilling- plots had to be given up because of too high weed pressure. In the disc harrow– system weed pressure differed not significantly from the plough system, but only green manure species V. sativa resulted in comparable oat yields.Increasing attention is paid by European citizens to food chain characteristics, power relations and impacts. Distance travelled by food, its genuinity and capacity to convey cultural and landscape identity, fairness in the value chain and information robustness on quality specifications tend to assume a growing relevance in both public perception and business organisation. A triennial multidisciplinary and multicriteria study, funded under the EU 7th Framework Research Programme, aims to assess the performance of local and global food chains against economic, environmental, social, health and ethical dimensions. This paper examines how organic foods and method of production fits into the local/global discourse, as the subject emerges from an Italian literature review.Agriculture in the US has a long history of cooperation between government and industry. Organic standards are no exception to this tradition, and despite the seeming incongruence, the US organic regulation is housed in the very agency that supports large-scale, industrial commodity agriculture. We analyze the composition of the National Organic Standards Board from 1992 - 2012, to assess the degree to which politics and corporate interests have influenced the national organic standard.The debate on the relative benefits of conventional and organic farming systems is more topical than ever. The achievements of conventional high-input agriculture were largely brought about at the cost of deteriorating soil fertility; furthermore, they were based to a large extent on fossil fuels. Developing more sustainable farming practices on a large scale is of utmost importance. However, information about the performance of agricultural production systems under organic and conventional management in tropical and subtropical regions is largely lacking. This study aimed to assess agronomic and economic data from a long-term farming systems comparison trial under semi-arid conditions in central India. Four two-year crop rotations comprising cotton-soybean-wheat under biodynamic, organic and conventional management were investigated, including one conventional system with and one without transgenic Bt cotton, between 2007 and 2010. Results showed 13% lower yields in organic compared to conventional systems. Yields in cotton, soybean and wheat were on average 14%, 7% and 15% lower, respectively. However, production costs of organic systems were on average 32% lower than those of conventional systems, which led to similar gross margins in all systems. To our knowledge, this is the first long-term field trial comparing the agronomic and economic performance of organic, conventional and conventional+Bt cotton-based farming systems. The results of our study suggest that organic farming is a promising alternative to conventional farming in cotton-based production systems in central India. The less capital intensive nature of organic systems may be particularly interesting for smallholder farmers as it decreases dependence on loans for farm inputs. Therefore, our findings have the potential to be useful for decision-making and in turn may lead to a redirection of agricultural policies.Allotment gardens are usually managed by associations, with small allotment plots rented to individual tenant gardeners. Many garden associations have rules for organic production but the rules are neither followed nor policed. To find ways to motivate gardeners to manage their plots organically, we investigate the attitudes of Swiss gardeners towards organic gardening, and which motivations can be used to encourage and promote organic garden management. Interviews with 32 gardeners and other key informants from three Swiss target cities were analysed using content analysis. We found that organic practices are more likely when knowledge is held and that the social environment has a strong influence on behaviour, so potential exists for encouraging a culture where organic cultivation is the norm. Education strategies should therefore be developed in consultation with integration and education specialists to enhance their effectiveness by reaching their target groups in a way that encourages the cultural change.This paper provides an overview of the recent studies on risk-based inspection in EU organic certification systems with the aim to evaluate the most relevant risk factors or farm types that are more likely associated with non-compliance. We have conducted a systematic revision of the literature regarding risk-based certification in EU organic farming. Our analysis provides a new systematic approach yielding a structured qualitative summary of the results of the publications.Pepino (Solanum muricatum) a Solanaceous fruit vegetable has been of an increased interest in exotic fruit markets. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of sheep and cow manure teas in water (1:5 and 1:10 w/v) in combination with humic acid on reproductive stage and qualitative characteristics of pepino fruit in organic production system. All traits were affected by combination of manure teas and humic acid except for fruit total soluble solid content. Application of sheep manure tea at 1:10 w/v caused the greatest total soluble solid content as about 20% greater than control. Sheep manure tea (1:10 w/v) in combination with humic acid lead to lowering required days preceding the first flower formation by 8 days. The highest fruit dry matter percentage was obtained in the same treatment and about 10 times greater than control. Comparing to control the total phenolic content were obtained about 62 and 37% greater, in cow manure tea (1/10 w/v) and humic acid treatments, respectively. Greatest number of flowers, fruit set percentage, earliness and ascorbic acid content were greatest when humic acid applied solely.The lack of access to finance for small organic producers is the cause for side-selling experiences from the organic chains into the conventional chain. This issue risks the organic agriculture movement in some have not countries. Organic producers in these contexts frequently suffer from entering into the international and national organic markets. This is also due to the lack of suitable loan services that should be provided by public and private actors. This study shows mainly the opportunities and limitations for small organic producers in Bolivia to access to loan services taking into account four study cases in this context.Bridging the large gap between science and experience of farmers is a crucial focus for educators who are intent on developing learning programs featuring phenomenology and practical experiences. Agroecology is emerging as an integrative and holistic approach to study agricultural and food systems. Understanding lessons learned from indigenous systems and the ecological principles on which they are built, focusing on the uniqueness of place in design and practice of farming, shifting from a discipline-specific to a holistic systems perspective, and integrating the human dimension into study of farming and food systems are all essential to building effective bridges between farmer experience and science as we practice this in university research and education. Key farmer applications in organic farming, multiple cropping systems, permaculture, and integrated crop/animal systems provide useful teaching examples that help students to bridge the space between theory and practice. On-farm learning and discussions with farmers help to build awareness of how to improve communication as part of the bridging process, and to build student confidence in how to more easily work with stakeholders in the future. One useful perspective is to pursue learning in agroecology as an analysis and application of the ecology of food systems, one that includes production, economics, environmental impacts, and social implications in future systems design. Each of these dimensions is explored in this paper, building on experiences of more than a decade of teaching in agroecology at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB).Significance of agricultural extension to eliminate poverty, vulnerability, hunger and pollution is well-established in the perspective of developing countries. However, extension services in Bangladesh missed the opportunity to reduce poverty and pollution in a cost-effective way. This is due to lack of innovative ways to support farmer-to-farmer learning process. This paper presents the thoughts, empirical evidences and vision about approaches of video-mediated learning to enhance household food security and reducing pollution caused by agro-chemicals used in the field of agriculture. Following a model of participatory video (PV) supported women farmers’ capacity building process for preparation and use of botanical pesticide and vermin-compost in organic vegetables production. Findings of the study showed that PV has unexploited potentials to promote farmers’ innovation and adoption of organic farming by the farmers in the study area.Essential oils can have an impact on pollen beetle (Meligethes spp.) host plant location behaviour. Lavender oil (Lavendula angustifolia) showed the highest repellency value in a previous laboratory study that compared five different essential oils (Mauchline et al., 2005). However, lavender oil is one of the most expensive essential oils – a fact that could seriously hamper on-farm implementation of this strategy. To find a cheaper essential oil with comparable efficacy to lavender oil, we compared the essential oils of Mentha arvensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Melaleuca alternifolia, Citrus sinensis, Citrus paradisi, Citrus limon, Juniperus mexicana, Abies sibirica, Illicium verum, Gaultheria procumbens, Cymbopogon flexuosus, Syzygium aromaticum, and Litsea cubeba using a Y-tube-olfactometer. Essential oils were diluted 1:10 in acetone and 40 µl of the dilution were applied on a 3.1cm2 filter paper. Filter papers were placed in the odour containers of the olfactometer together with a flower cluster of spring oilseed rape with 5 open flowers and 10-15 buds. The control treatment involved filter papers treated only with acetone. Hungry pollen beetles were released individually into the olfactometer. The beetles’ choices were recorded. Flowers and essential oils were changed between replicates. Six replicates with six beetles each were conducted. Highest repellency values were obtained for Mentha arvensis, Cymbopogon flexuosus, and Litsea cubeba.Animal health status in organic dairy farming does not in all respect meet consumers’ expectations. Improvements are crucial to support consumers’ confidence and their willingness to pay premium prices. Considering animal health as an emergent property of the whole farm system the presented project aims to increase the implementation of evidence based measures and to improve practice of health management. This will be achieved by a multidisciplinary and participatory approach to develop farm specific solutions regarding preventive measures and appropriate treatment strategies.The increased interest towards local food provides farms engaged in direct marketing new opportunities. Therefore it will be important to highlight individual USPs with suitable marketing concepts to attract and retain loyal customers. Expertise in how to design and implement these concepts is increasingly important. However, farmers intending to market their products directly often do not have the required experiences or knowledge on how to market effectively and thus cannot take advantage of the mentioned opportunities. The aim of this research was to provide education and training actors with recommendations on which training and education offers could be made. This was achieved by identifying the education and training needs in direct marketing in terms of content and methodology and comparing these with the existing opportunities for training and education in the region of Berlin/Brandenburg. The results suggest that there are a range of knowledge gaps among direct marketing farmers. Few opportunities for training and education in agriculture and food marketing exist for these farmers in Brandenburg. For training and education providers, it is recommended to develop specific training and education concepts for direct marketing farmers, with a specific emphasis on providing a forum for sharing knowledge.Basic scientometric indicators are used to analyze the corpus of 2,801 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles on organic agriculture obtained from the so-called ‘Web of Science’ databases and to compare their dynamic with the general agricultural literature (136,712 articles). Apart from the development and publication growth we review bibliometric data on author, institution, country and language in order to produce insights on the structure of international publishing on organic farming.In Ghana cocoa constitute about 85 percent of the foreign export earnings from agriculture and also the main source of the wealth to over 800,000 people of the forest regions. Cocoa naturally requires shade which offers farmers agronomic, economic, cultural and ecological benefits. The promotion and adoption of hybrid cocoa varieties is causing a drift from shaded cocoa to the no shade. The study evaluated the impact shade levels had on the yield of cocoa under the different cocoa agroforestry systems in Ghana. Research data were collected from 200 cocoa farmers in the Sefwi Wiawso district by means of multistage sampling technique through household structured interviews and focus group discussions. Both descriptive statistics and yield curve model were used to analyse the data. Results showed that average yield per hectare of the no shade, low shade, medium shade and heavy shade were 794kg/Ha, 696kg/Ha, 735kg/Ha and 546kg/Ha respectively. The yield curve under the no shade system shows a sharp rise in the yield and followed by a very sharp fall in the yield after age 16. The medium shade has a gradual yield till it peaks at age 19 followed by a gradual fall in yield to age 80. Outreach focusing on medium shade cocoa agroforestry system may be the most effective way of building organic bridges in cocoa production.Fattening of entire male pigs prevails as an alternative to castration of male piglets. Entire males show more agonistic and mounting behavior than castrates, which can be a cause for skin lesions and lameness. Previous studies have mainly been carried out in conventional housing systems. However, organic housing conditions differ in terms of litter availability, space allowance and outdoor run. Here the question was investigated, how under organic housing conditions (according to the label of Bio Suisse) single-sex groups with entire males (EE) differ from mixed-sex groups with entire males and females (EF) and from mixed-sex groups with castrates and females (CF) with regard to lesions, lameness, agonistic behavior and mounting. Group size was 20 animals. On day four, 51, and 110 after regrouping and start of the fattening period, animals were assessed for lesions and 10 focal animals per pen were observed via video recording. On day 51 and 110 there were slightly more skin lesions in the EE-groups compared to the CF-groups. Entire males (in the EE- and EF-groups) showed clearly more agonistic and mounting behavior than castrates. EE and EF didn’t differ, neither in terms of lesions nor in behavior. Prevalence of lameness was low in all groups. This study indicates that under organic housing conditions single-sex groups with entire males and mixed groups with entire males and females are equivalent with regard to animal welfare. Yet, entire males showed also under those more spacious conditions more agonistic and sexually motivated behaviour, which has caused a higher number of superficial skin lesions. Higher space allowances offer escape opportunities which might be the reason why not more serious lesions and lame animals occurred. So far there are neither in organic nor in conventional animal husbandry specific regulations for fattening of entire male pigs. Our findings, however, indicate that more generous housing conditions would allow entire males to show their natural behaviour without serious injuries.Soil fauna biodiversity and its functional counterpart were monitored in 24 olive orchards under conventional, organic and integrated management located in eight different locations for a year in Messara valley, in southern Crete. In each location three neighbouring orchards under different management were monitored. Pitfall traps were used as trapping method and fixed data collection points were used in each olive orchard for arthropod fauna monitoring. Counter groups of functional taxa were defined, with respect to services of biological pest control and of nutrient cycling in the olive agroecosystem, Monitoring took place weekly for 5 weeks per season, all year around. Comparison of the different management systems in terms of abundance and diversity of soil arthropods and functional groups was performed. Formicidae, Coleopteran family of Tenebrionidae, Araneae, Colembola and Opiliones were the most abundant taxa found in the olive orchards. A trend of higher total abundance and richness was found in the organic olive orchards, however not statistically significant. Functional arthropod abundance followed a similar trend. Diversity indices did not show a constant pattern in terms of management system comparison; however a trend of higher diversity appeared in the less-intensified organic orchards.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.).Living mulch management may have an effect on production of the crop and nutrient competition between the plant species in the field. In this paper, the amount of soil mineral nitrogen (N) available in the top soil during the cauliflower growing cycle and N uptake of the different components of the system were determined in two experimental sites in Italy and Slovenia where two different systems of living mulch management were compared (early sowed, late sowed) with a system with no living mulch. Moreover, nutritional competition of a hybrid and two open pollinated cultivars against weeds and living mulch was evaluated.Students interested in achieving advanced education in agriculture and food systems using holistic, integrated approaches can find MSc programmes in Agroecology that meet such demand at universities such as UMB in Norway and ISARA in France. Many students now seek opportunities to pursue a PhD degree using a systems approach across disciplines. Interdisciplinary research in Agroecology is embraced by a dispersed group of researchers around the world, and few universities have their own capacity to offer adequate PhD courses and supervision for such interdisciplinary PhD training. To design a new programme, we have established an international network of Agroecology researchers, advisors, and instructors from several universities in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. They were recruited to organize a post-graduate study programme in Agroecology that will provide courses and dissertation opportunities. Using a combination of distance and blended courses, regional workshops, and electronic networking, an international faculty will offer high-level education and research supervision to help talented candidates in national research programmes, universities, aid and non-profit agencies, and private industry achieve a doctoral degree.On organic farms, phosphorus (P) balances are often negative because no or little P is imported into the farms. Negative P balances may deteriorate P availability over time. We calculated P balances of the main farm production types in organic farming for the main Austrian production areas. Using data from various data bases and expert knowledge, we applied the sustainability assessment tool REPRO for calculations. The P balances were balanced to slightly deficient for organic forage dairy farms, cash crop farms and permanent crop farms, and slightly to highly surplus on organic refinement, pig producing farms. Deficient P balances, mainly on organic cash crop farms, call for P input especially on farms where available P fractions in the soil are very low and / or P stocks in the soils are low, i.e. on sandy soils and on some calcareous soils. Possibilities for enhancing P mobilisation are discussed. There is an urgent need to close nutrient cycles on the farm and regional scale and to substitute P from rock phosphate reserves by alternative P fertilisers also in organic farming.While worldwide the current reserves of phosphate rock are being exhausted, many agricultural and former agricultural soils in The Netherlands have been enriched by large quantities of phosphorus as a result of fertilization. In current nature development projects on former agricultural lands, it is thought that this phosphorus prevents development of target-nature types. Therefore nature organizations currently seek ways to remove it. We tested grassclover, organically managed by local farmers, as a tool to extract excessive soil phosphate from nature areas and reimport it into the mineral cycle agricultural farms. In a small scale experiment we have shown that grassclover with potassium fertilization can remove more than twice the amount of soil phosphate as is removed by traditional mowing without potassium fertilization. We tested the methodology on 60 ha of grasslands in nature areas, ranging in soil phosphorus levels, and measured comparable large decreases in soil phosphate. We conclude that these results of 3 years measurements show that organically managed grassclover could form an elegant way to help overcome the problems with excessive soil phosphate in nature areas and recycle phospahte.Over the last 50 years the organic food movement has developed into the most visible brand for a healthier and more environmentally sustainable food system. However, organic products need to be a more viable option for consumers if they are to achieve their full potential. After reviewing key research on why consumers purchase organic products, including results from a recent study in Australia (N=1011), the paper concludes that the key challenge is to convince consumers of their superior ‘value’ – where enhanced health and environmental credentials overcome its higher price.Fungi like downy mildew reduce wine yield and impair wine quality. In conventional as well as organic viticulture, grape growers usually apply copper for preventing these fungal diseases. In the ProEcoWine project funded by the EC, on behalf of five companies, the Fraunhofer IGB, the University of West Hungary and Laboratoire PHENOBIO develop a novel bio-plant protection product to replace copper fungicides. To achieve this, microalgal strains with antifungal properties have been cultivated to be further processed into a plant protection product enriched with micronutrients. Strains with the most efficient control (more than 90%) over downy mildew and Botrytis have been identified and selected for validation in greenhouse and field experiments, while effective and economic cultivation methods for high density growth are being established. The optimal formulation of microalgae concentrate containing micronutrients and natural preservatives will then be determined after downstream methods required for the activation of antifungal activity are evaluated, optimizing the process for the manufacture of ProEcoWine.This study was conducted to determine whether the supply of grass silage or grass silage mixed with barley or CCM to organically raised gestating sows would allow a reduction of compound feed allowance without loss in animal performance. On average, sows fed grass silage or mixed silage were able to compensate for a pre-set reduction of 1 kg or 1.5 kg compound feed, respectively. However, the variation in silage intake between individual sows was large, with a number of mainly young sows consuming less silage than the required amount. Consequently, these sows showed a net back fat loss during the experimental period from d 7 of gestation to weaning. Our results indicate that more feeder space than 1 for 8 sows is required to allow adequate silage intake in group housed sows. From this study we cannot derive whether that would be also allow young sows to realise an adequate silage intake. In conclusion, it seems possible to replace 1 kg compound feed by free access to grass silage and 1.5 kg compound by mixed barley or CCM silage, provided that variation between sows is reduced and young sows would also be able to ingest an adequate amount of silage.