Organic farming - Optimising arable yields

Why do yields vary so much between organic farms; how can this yield gap be minimised?

The final report of this Focus Group has been published.

Get all the information at a glance in the Organic Farming factsheet.

Tasks:

• Identifying yield levels in organic farming, comparing best practices between farmers.
• Determining the reasons for these differences and making a list of the key findings.
• Considering how to optimise yields in organic low input arable rotations and narrow the organic arable yield gaps.
• Mapping causes (disease and weed control, nutrient -in particular nitrogen, phosphate- availability, varieties that are adapted to organic conditions, soil quality).
• Summarising how to address the limiting factors and identifying remaining research and innovation needs.
• Distinguishing the productivity of single crops, entire crop rotations (including intercropping) and different farm and sector models (e.g. stockless versus mixed farms). Considering cross-fertilisation with other existing systems: low input farming and TP organics (Technology Platform for organic food and farming research). Addressing the needs regarding genetic resources for organic farming (varieties and breeds that are more adapted to local conditions and to resist diseases). Exploring the potential of making better use of soil microorganisms (incl. rhizobia, mycorrhizae and free-living microbes) for nutrient uptake and disease control.

Results:

• Starting paper
• Final report & report summary
• Factsheet
• Brochure 'optimising arable yields'

Other information:

• Discussion paper for the 2nd meeting
• Mini-papers
• Press article "Innovative solutions for organic farmers in the European Union"
• Infographics on organic farming in the EU – (EurActiv.com March 2016)

Focus Group members: