ecology farming nr 1 // February 2011
AND
IFOAM
BUY DIFFERENT BUY 7IN1
SEEDS FROM INDIA
Yes, Organic can feed the world!
But how?
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
1
Table of Con tents
FEBRUARY 2011 // NR 1
Market & economy 12 Green banking
food security 18 How can organic feed the world?
Triodos bank’s trade finance for or ganic and fair trade export projects Some figures from the market and the chain
The theme of the BioFach Congress. IFOAM director Markus Arbenz explains how organic agriculture can feed the world’s growing population
education 14 Schoolgardens
Agro-biodiversity 30 Breeding for resilience
23 Coffee economics
Country reports 37 Russia Short report about biodynamics in Russia
42 Iran Rapid development of organic production after a difficult start
How to breed robust, more stress tolerant cultivars in organic agriculture
Organic & health 39 Buy ‘Seven in One’
LOGO invites young people from Eastern Europe to do scholarships in organic farming
Standards & certification 34 Ecosocial
46 Seed, the life line
Ifoam issues 16 The organic movement meets in
A certification system In Latin America integrates organic standards with environmental, social and economic goals
Organic schoolgardens in Ghana are used as farmer field schools, and to feed the children
28 Trainees on organic farms
South Korea
The 17th IFOAM Organic World Congress will be held in Korea in September.
44 The IFOAM OGS Draws the line between what is organic and what not
Food choice is one of the tools for supporting sustainability Vanja Ramprasad report from India about the real green revolution
And more.... Editorial 5 News 6 Calendar 49 Preview next issue 50
Innovation in agriculture 24 Organic greenhouses Mike Nichols from New Zealand travelled to Europe for a workshop and opens a debate about which system to choose: aquaponic or growing in the soil?
Country-reports 8 The first Russian organic products chain
Marina Goldinberg reports on chain development in Moscow Oblast
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ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
3
Work ing Working with
Nature
introduction
Denise Godinho
Peter Brul
At different times In different places
Innovation & inspiration
Bejo, a name that stands for quality
World leader in seed for organic outdoor vegetables • Breeding • Seed production • Processing • Sales For the organic market
Nuremberg, Germany 16-19 February 2011 hall 5, stand 114
It is not a coincidence that the re-launch of Ecology &
for the daily meals of schoolchildren. Creating syner-
Farming is timed to coincide with BioFach 2011; the
gies, these school gardens also serve as demonstration
theme of this fair is also the title of our feature article in
plots for Farmer Field Schools, where local farmers
which we ask, “Yes, Organic can feed the world!
learn how to make compost and to farm organically.
But how?”
In India, the Foundation for Genetic Resource Energy,
The high level of attendance at BioFach in 2010, a
Ecology and Nutrition (GREEN) works with small and
year of economic crisis, with 43,669 organic trade visi-
marginal farmers to preserve endangered species,
tors from 121 countries and 2,557 exhibitors from 87
varieties and breeds, through community seed banks
countries – indicates that there is enough passion in
and organic agriculture. Instead of prioritising pro-
the organic world to feed the world. In this edition, the
ductivity (to the detriment of genetic diversity) organic
article by Markus Arbenz, IFOAM’s Executive Director,
farmers use (and build) biodiversity by breeding crop
explores the ways in which organic produce can nou-
varieties for quality, nutrition, resistance and yield.
rish the world and the challenges that we face on the
These are but two examples of the many stories that
way to achieving food security.
actors from all over the globe have to tell. They echo the full diversity of the organic movement which IFOAM
Taking place every February, BioFach is certainly the
represents. The organic industry is a very innovative
place to do business, but it is also a celebration, an
movement. Around the world farmers, market garde-
organic party, where people get inspired by what the
ners, agronomists, traders, food processors and others
organic industry shows and shares together. At this
face challenges and problems for which they find their
BioFach we will also be celebrating the re-launch of
own solutions. Ecology & Farming aims to continue
Ecology & Farming: Over the last months a number of
to document these innovations in organic agriculture,
organic allies have dedicated their personal time and
developments in markets, and ways of cooperating
made in-kind and financial investments in order to
so as to strengthen the organic movement in different
breathe life back into IFOAM’s flagship publication. We
places. It hopes to inspire professionals all over the
firmly believe that it is a project worth fighting for and
world to pick up on new ideas and to develop their own
are happy to be now able to offer readers this first, now
solutions. We invite you to join us on our journey across
bi-monthly, 2011 edition of Ecology & Farming.
the organic world!
As you look through this magazine, you will find con-
We hope you enjoy reading this first new issue and that
trasting stories from around the globe that cover the
you will be inspired to become a regular subscriber. If
organic food chain from field to fork. The innovative
you have a story that you would like to share with us,
School Garden Project (OSGP) in Ghana sets up orga-
we would be happy to hear from you.
nic school gardens that produce fruits and vegetables
More information about our organic seed programme? Bejo Zaden B.V. • (+31) (0) 226 396 162 • www.bejo.com
www.bejo.com
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
5
// DENMARK Denmark is a small country, but it is a big player in the organic world. It has the highest per capita sales of organic products of any country in the world, at €138 per person per year. Sales of organic products in Denmark continued to rise again in 2010, despite the recession. One major reason for this success is the cooperation that exists between the organic sector and the main retailers. According to Henrik Hindborg, Marketing Manager at Organic Denmark, this is because consumers continue to search for quality products that are healthy and take animal and environmental protection aspects into
// ORGANIC TEXTILES Bolstered by continued strong manufacturer demand even during recessionary times, organic cotton continued its steady growth in 2009-2010, according to the fifth annual Organic Farm and Fibre report by the Textile Exchange, the leading global organic cotton and sustainable textiles nonprofit organisation (formerly known as Organic Exchange). According to the report, production of organic cotton rose by 15%, from 209,950 metric tonnes (MT) in 2008-09 to 241,276 MT (just over 1.1 million bales). Organic cotton now represents 1.1 % of global cotton production and organic cotton was being grown on 461,000 hectares in 2009-2010. There has been a veritable explosion in the production of global organic cotton in the last four years (a 539 % increase) since 2005-06, when only 37,000 MT were produced. The organisation anticipates similar strong growth this year. With Tajikistan recently entering the market, organic cotton is now grown by approximately =274,000 farmers in 23 countries in 2009-2010 (up from 22 countries in 2008-09). India remained the top producing nation for 2009-10 for the third year
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1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
account and the retailers recognise this. Highly educated people spend more than 20% of their food budget on organic produce, compared to the national average of 7.6 %. Organic products sell best in large cities like Copenhagen. This strong position is partly related to Denmark’s strong position track record in research into organic agriculture. In September 2010, the Danish Food Industry Agency received 50 applications for its organic research and development programme: the applications exceeded the available funding (€12 million) by a factor of four. The final programme is a
in succession, growing over 80 % of the organic cotton produced globally and increasing its production by 37 % in the past year. Syria moves from third into second place, swapping places with Turkey. The other remaining countries (in descending order) are: China, United States, Tanzania, Uganda, Peru, Egypt, Mali, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Israel, Benin, Paraguay, Greece, Tajikistan, Senegal, Nicaragua, South Africa, Brazil, and Zambia. According to LaRhea Pepper, Textile Exchange senior director, “Manufacturers, retailers and consumers, and most importantly, farmers, have all signalled their continued interest in supporting organic cotton production and the risks that came with it despite the recession.” She continued: “In addition, the strong growth is an indication of the work Textile Exchange is doing with brands and retailers that have strong strategic plans and engagement all the way to the farm.” Liesl Truscott, Textile Exchange farm engagement director and the lead author of the report, notes that the organic cotton sector cannot rest on its laurels despite the rapid growth. “As organic cotton grows in volume,
combination of projects with a short term focus on integrating product development and longer term goals of knowledge building and dissemination about primary production, processing and marketing. A number of the projects contain elements for commercializing products and have market-oriented initiatives. Others are directed more towards primary production. All the selected projects have a strong focus on practical application through linking research, development and demonstration, and direct involvement of the stakeholders as partners in projects. More about the programme can be found at www.icrofs.org.
we must continue to strengthen integrity in production, certification, and processing”. All 2008-2009 all the stocks of organic cotton were purchased as has most of the current year’s crop. As such, “brands interested in nailing down their supply need to build organic cotton supply security into their planning strategies now, preferably by implementing forward contracts,” stressed Truscott. According to the organisation’s Organic Cotton Market Report 2010, global retail sales of organic cotton and home textile products topped 4.3 billion US$ in 2009. Data from the 2010 market will be available this spring and reported in Ecology and Farming.
// SOLUTIONS FOR SALINIZATION? There is as much brackish water in the world as fresh water, both account for just around 1 % of the total volume of water on earth. There are 1.5 billion ha of saline land which cannot be used for agricultural purposes. And 20% of the 230 million ha of irrigated land in arid and semi-arid areas is affected by increased salt content of the soil and /or water. This salinization is often irreversible. There is increasing competition for fresh water and with a growing world population this is only likely to increase. The challenge is to find ways of using more brackish water in agriculture
and to find solutions for salizination. Salt tolerant crops might have a potential for the production of food, oils and energy. For many years Marc van Rijsselberghe has been working on organically producing salt tolerant crops on the Dutch island of Texel. He produces a range of food crops and wellness products. As an expert in producing and marketing these typical crops, he has just received a grant of € 2.5 million for research on the salt tolerance of crops. The research will be undertaken with experts from several universities. The next issue of Ecology and Farming will carry more about salt tolerant crops.
// GLOBAL SALES OF ORGANIC FOOD AND DRINK RECOVERING The global market for organic food and drink is recovering from the financial crisis. After several years of double-digit growth, the market expanded by just 5 percent in 2009. Healthy growth rates are resuming as the ‘mainstreaming’ of organic products continues. A major driver of market growth in all geographic regions is increasing distribution by mainstream retailers. The European market for organic food and drink was the most affected by the financial crisis. Declining consumer spending power and the rationalisation of organic product ranges by food retailers caused the UK market to contract in 2009. The German market, the largest in Europe, showed no growth. However in some countries - including France, the Netherlands and Sweden - the organic market showed resilience, expanding
by over 15 percent. Healthy growth is continuing in the North American market, which this year has overtaken the European market to become the world’s largest. Supply continues to fall short in many organic product categories, leading to imports from various countries. Latin America has become a major source of organic fruits, vegetables, meats, seeds, nuts and ingredients. The fresh produce category comprises most organic food and drink sales. Fruit and vegetables such as apples, oranges, carrots and potatoes are typical entry points for consumers’ first organic purchases. Their fresh nature appeals to consumers seeking healthy and nutritious foods. Dairy products and beverages are the next most important organic product categories. The 3rd edition of the Global Organic Food and Drink Market Report gives a detailed analysis of the
Exci ting News
market for organic products in each geographic region. Regional reports contain information on market size, revenue forecasts, market drivers and restraints, regulations and standards, category analysis, sales channels breakdown, consumer behaviour, competitive analysis, retailer profiles and business opportunities. The report is a result of almost ten years of continuous research into the global organic food industry. Expert analysis and insights are provided to inform key business decisions and marketing plans. Future growth projections are given in terms of organic food production, market growth rates, and industry developments. Business opportunities in each geographic region are highlighted for the benefit of new entrants and exporters. Source: Organic Monitor: The global market for organic food and drink (December 2010)
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
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Country-reports
The Organic Corporation is the only player in Russia involved in the whole organic cycle: from production to retailing.
The first Russian organic products chain
by Marina Goldinberg
The interiors of the shops are made out of natural materials and decorated in sunny orange colours.
O
ne of the challenges was low awareness among Russians about what organic produce is. Accor-
ding to experts, strong government support in agriculture, public education and training will be required in Russia to foster the development of organic sector. Also a uniform Russian organic standard needs to be established. Currently there is only one project in Russia that is involved in the full cycle of organic production - the Organic Corporation. It was founded in 2006 with the aim of developing the organic market in Russia. The corporation aims at promoting a careful and conscious attitude towards the health of the Earth and its people, to improve people’s physical and spiritual health and the ecological balance. Promoting organics is one of achieving this and encouraging people to share responsibility for the present and future. At present, the Organic Corporation has three main business areas: a distribution company, agricultural production and processing and a network of specialized stores.
Russian lifestyles are becoming less different from European ones. A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and environmental concerns are changing from being “fashion trends” into a way of life, at least in the bigger cities. The history of organic production in Russia is being written before our eyes. However, at present, one can hardly call it a triumphal story. The organic entrepreneurs, who have bet on increasing demand for healthy food, have gone through many disappointments.
The Bio-Market stores are currently the only chain in Moscow with a complete range of organic products (more than 3,500 items). Some of the national chain supermarkets do have shelves with organic products, but their range is very limited; often just juices and groceries. This limited selection does not meet demand
bakery with wooden mills, where grain is ground into
and cannot provide a proper balanced diet. People
flour on demand. In addition, the store on the Rublevs-
also need dairy products, fruits and vegetables. From
ky Highway has a pleasant bio-cafeteria, where chefs
the very beginning Bio-Market stores have carried a
cook both traditional Russian dishes (including the
full range of organic products - including food, cosme-
famous beetroot soup, Kiev cutlets, salad, coated her-
tics, domestic items and products for children and the
ring, etc.) and European meals using organic products.
family. One of the objectives was to create a special
The stores are taking on the feel of family clubs, where
atmosphere, emphasizing that “organic” is not just a
people come with their children and friends, to spend
label but a lifestyle. To support this idea, the interiors
half a day in master classes or tasting sessions.
of the shops are made out of natural materials and decorated in sunny orange colours. Environmental
In order to give people the opportunity to not only
friendliness is on display everywhere: for example, the
understand, but also feel, what organic products are
shoppers are offered wicker baskets and cloth-bags.
Bio-Market regularly holds tasting sessions and culinary
Bio-Market sales consultants are conversant with all the
master-classes with chefs, confectioners and chocola-
nuances of organics and eagerly share the secrets of
tiers. Those who wish to try organic make-up can get a
a healthy lifestyle with the shoppers. One of the main
makeover at a beauty shop at the same store.
attractions is a chocolate machine, in the centre of
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1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
the floor space, where chocolatiers make chocolates
Bio-Market stores also stage a variety of thematic
from Belgian organic chocolate with a choice of fillings
events: “Perfect Health Days”, “Children’s events” (with
including praline, marzipan and marmalade. There is a
entertainers), tea ceremonies, and a “Christmas Fair”.
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
9
Country-reports
Bio-Market also has a number of nutritionists, ayurve-
line of EtoLeto products is packaged in glass bottles,
basic principles of the Corporation: Health, Environ-
dic doctors, paediatricians and other alternative health
which better preserve the high quality of the product,
ment, Care and Fairness. Before starting work, every
experts who are available for consultations. Bio-Market
are easy to use and are recyclable.
employee must learn about organic standards, the
pays special attention to children: in the cafeteria there
The distribution business of the Organic Corporation,
characteristics of organic production, the product range
is a special menu for children and the store regularly
The use of any hormones is strictly prohibited on the
the Eco-product Trading House, plays an important role
and become familiar with the company’s philosophy.
has puppet shows and parties during which Bio-Market
farm. Any livestock with a disease is kept apart from
in developing the organic market in Russia. Its main
The manufacturers of organic products often organize
staff involve children in making pastries, drawing pictu-
healthy animals, and treated with homeopathic and
objective is to increase the range of organic produce
workshops and master-classes. Regular company
res, doing origami, colouring chocolate bars with edible
other natural remedies whenever possible. To preserve
available in Russia and to make organic products avai-
visits are organised to the Spartak farm, allowing every
paint and making candies. Some buyers trust the store
nutritional quality, the raw materials are processed as
lable for people with an average income. Currently,
employee of the Corporation the opportunity to have
staff so much that they leave their children under the
gently as possible. Chemical refining and deodoriza-
the product range of the Eco-product Trading House
personal contact with organic farming and the livestock
supervision of the animators for hours! In 2011, the
tion, hydrogenation, irradiation, genetically modified
includes more than 1,500 items, covering all commodity
whose milk they sell. The Organic Corporation has
company plans to launch an eponymous internet shop.
ingredients and chemical and synthetic substances are
groups - imported foods, cosmetics, household items
seconded its employees to the organic enterprises in
completely banned.
and the Corporation’s own produce. Since European
Europe and Canada in order to increase their know-
producers are major suppliers of organic products to
ledge and experience.
Swiss colleagues provided a good deal of assistance in
the Russian market, the warehouse of the company is
helping develop the Spartak organic farm. At the begin-
located in Germany, which allows a fast response to
The state of the world’s natural environment and peop-
ning of the transition period to organic farming, a few
changes in demand, and allows the import of goods in
le’s increasing awareness about their health, means that
organic farming specialists from Switzerland were invi-
the required quantities in the shortest possible time. All
interest in organic products will keep growing. Organic
ted to bring their expertise and to work in the company.
the imports of products are carried out in strict compli-
produce is not only relevant to our health, but also
Despite the vast differences with the Western European
ance with Russian laws.
to that of our children. The question at stake is how
farms with which they were familiar, these new col-
quickly and extensively this will occur. Even today we
leagues had no doubts about the potential of Spartak.
One of the most important issues for the Organic Cor-
can already proudly say that the Organic Corporation
And, despite the language barrier, mutual understan-
poration is the question of the involvement of staff at
has made a great contribution to the development of
ding and fruitful cooperation with the farm’s employees
all levels in the common cause and their adherence to
organic market in Russia.
was surprisingly quickly reached. One of the key issues that had to be addressed was However, retailing is not the only activity of the Organic
that of organic certification. In February 2008 in Nur-
Corporation but is the tip of the larger iceberg of the
emberg (Germany) during BioFach, the world’s largest
“full cycle of organic produce”. The Corporation aims
international fair of organic products, the Organic Cor-
to establish the first unique production chain in Russia,
poration reached an agreement on organic certification
running from the seed to the counter. To this end the
with the renowned Swiss company Bio Inspecta. Based
Organic Corporation has its own organic farm (Spartak,
on the agreement, the representatives of Bio Inspecta
located near Moscow) with its own production and
have regularly supervised all the activities taking place
processing facilities and a distribution branch (the Eco-
on Spartak’s premises; inspecting every stage of pro-
product Trading House).
duction - seeds, agricultural land and farming techniques, storage, processing and packaging. The inspec-
The Organic Corporation’s farm began conversion in
tors carefully examine not only fodders and fertilizers,
2006, more or less from scratch. In 2010 the farm was
but any bag or other container that they may find on
certified by the Swiss certifier Bio Inspecta. Pest con-
the farm. At the end of July 2009 an end of conversion
trol is done solely by biological and physical methods.
inspection was carried out and resulted in the issuing of
Much of the work is done manually, so as to not cause
an international certificate of conversion, approving the
harm to the plants and soil. The farm has a number of
organic status of Spartak farm and its dairy and vegeta-
cattle, which are allowed to graze freely in the summer,
ble products.
although because of the weather, the livestock is kept
10
indoors during the winter. The organic standards, in
In the summer of 2010, the first line of Russian organic
terms of the area per head of cattle, are fully observed.
dairy products, sold under the brand name EtoLeto
The cattle are fed with organic roughage and concen-
– milk, yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese - first
trates, produced on the farm.
appeared on the shelves of Moscow stores. The entire
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
11
Market & economy
Organic and fair-trade: a growing market
Trade finance: a crucial link in the sustainable value chain
comes in. LATCO receives a loan from
Triodos Sustainable Trade Fund is one of the special purpose funds of Triodos Bank, which is one of the world’s leading sustainable banks with a network of offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Spain and Germany. The bank has been active in the organic and fair trade sectors for many years, providing effective financial solutions for producers, export organizations, wholesalers and retail companies. Since its founding, in 1980, Triodos Bank has mobilized millions of Euros to support the fair trade and organic industries from ‘crop to shop’. For more information see: www.triodos.com and go to sustainable trade.
the fund with which the farmers can be
company sources, processes and exports sesame seeds from some 1,000 smallholder farmers in the Santa Cruz area. Since sesame is not an indigenous crop, the founders spent a considerable amount of time and money on providing technical to convert to organic production.
Recent and expected future growth rates for the organic and fair trade markets reflect a growing consumer awareness of global trade issues and a wish to consume sustainably, along ethical and environmental lines. In both Europe and the United States market demand for many product categories (e.g. soybeans, sugar and cocoa) is greater than local supply. This leads to ever increasing demand for imports from Latin America, Asia and also Africa. However, not all suppliers and farmers in these regions are able to fully grasp this market opportunity, particular due to a lack of access to (trade) finance. Long-term sustainable trading partnerships
the need for pre-finance arises. Seen from
financial institutions. Triodos Bank has
To tackle these challenges farmers need
this perspective, trade finance is a key
been among the pioneers in this field for
the support of committed buyers. For
instrument for building sustainable trading
many years. In 2008 the bank launched a
such buyers the quality of the product is
partnerships.
special earmarked fund to support value
just as important as the fairness to produ-
In most developing countries, agricultural
chain finance: the Triodos Sustainable
cers, business partners or to the environ-
lending is seen as high risk and is therefo-
Trade Fund.
ment. Buyers in the organic and fair trade
re avoided by the banking system. Where
market are committed to entering into
agricultural lending does exist, it is based
Access to finance
long-term and sustainable trading part-
on an over-reliance on hard collateral:
The demand for this fund and this type
nerships with local sourcing companies
land and buildings. Farmer cooperatives
of finance has been significant from the
that can meet their quality criteria.
often do not have enough assets to cover
start. By the end of 2010, the fund was
The single most important precondi-
their financing needs, especially during
financing more than 30 producers’ orga-
tion for building a partnership is timely
the cash-intensive harvest season. Value
nizations and sourcing companies from
payment to farmers, at the time of the
Chain Finance provides an alternative
Africa, Latin America and Asia. These
harvest. However, farmers’ cooperatives
approach to traditional agricultural len-
companies are involved in the export of
generally lack the necessary cash to
ding. Instead of relying on hard collateral,
various commodities and perishables,
bridge the period between harvesting
it relies on strong and committed value
including coffee, cocoa, sugar, olive oil,
and being paid by their buyers, and thus
chains. Over the past ten years, this type
cotton, nuts and herbs.
do not have the resources to guarantee
of lending has been successfully pionee-
One of the clients in the Triodos Sustaina-
timely payment to farmers. This is where
red by a few national and international
ble Trade Fund’s portfolio is LATCO Inter-
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
About Triodos Bank
in 2003 by Ray and Yoshiko Clavel. The
support to farmers to grow the crop and
By NELLEKE VEENSTRA
12
national from Bolivia. LATCO was founded
Harvest time for sesame runs from March until June. LATCO has to pay the farmers upon delivery of the sesame at the collection points, after which it is transported to LATCO’s processing plant. Here the sesame is sorted, cleaned, hulled and
paid upon delivery. This bridges the gap until payments from overseas customers are received. These payments are then used to repay the loan from the Triodos Sustainable Trade Fund. In this way the loan follows the payment flow of the value chain, and has become a crucial link in establishing a sustainable partnership between LATCO’s customers, who are reputable long term buyers that provide the company, and its farmers, with a long term outlook on income generation. Another important effect of this sustainable value chain is that it enables LATCO to improve overall quality standards,which
packed. Throughout the rest of the year LATCO ships the processed sesame to its
money at the moment that they bring in
further strengthens the relationship with
customers in Japan, Europe and the USA.
the harvest. They cannot afford to wait
the overseas customers, and results in a
LATCO does not receive payment for its
for months while it is processed, stored
higher price for the product. Together with
exported goods until final delivery has
and shipped. If they had to do this they
the organic premium this contributes to
been made.
would sell the sesame to local middlemen
an overall higher income for the farmer.
for a lower price in order to obtain much However, the success of this value chain
needed cash.
http://www.triodos.com/en/about-triodos-
depends on the farmers, for whom
This is where the value chain finance faci-
bank/what-we-do/our-expertise-overview/
sesame is their cash crop, receiving their
lity from Triodos Sustainable Trade Fund
sustainable-trade/
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
13
education
By inge vos
Organic school gardens in Ghana The Ghana Organic Agriculture Network (GOAN) is implementing the Organic School Garden Project (OSGP) in Ghana, together with Agro Eco - Louis Bolk Institute. The project is funded by Oxfam Novib.
T
he OSGP has developed organic gardens in 24 schools in Ghana over the past three years. The
gardens produce vegetables and fruits that are used in the pupils’ meals. The organic gardens are also being used as demonstration fields for Farmers Field Schools (FFS), to train local farmers in organic farming practices. The Organic School Garden Project started in 2008 with 10 schools in 7 different districts. Each school has a 1-acre organic garden. The gardens produce organic vegetables and fruits for the pupils’ meals, providing them with healthy, safe and nutritious food (no pesticides or residues) which is also environmentally friendly. Crops grown in the gardens include leafy vegetables, cabbage, tomato, pepper, onion, aubergines, okra, carrots, water melon, citrus and pineapple. The Government of Ghana established the national Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) a ten year programme established in 2006. Its aim is to provide balanced meals to school pupils at primary schools, but it has done little to stimulate the local production of ingredients required to prepare the meals. The OSGP complements the GFSP by stimulating the production side. It was set up after extensive consultation with the Director of Finance and Administration of the GFSP, who provided input into the design of the project. Each one acre organic school garden also serves as a demonstration farm for training adult farmers using the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach. Each FFS has trained around forty farmers, with another forty farmers attending open days and going on exchange visits). In total, the OSGP has trained 1920 farmers in 24 different communities within 3 years. The OSGP financially supports the schools in developing their organic gardens, especially during the first year of operation, when garden tools need to be acquired. When the school garden is well established it can operate independently, providing organic vegetables and fruits to the school pupils.
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ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
15
Ifoam issues
Just prior to the main conference, from
IFOAM Associates and Supporters are
the 26th to the 28th of September 2011,
welcome to participate in the G.A.. Associ-
there will be various thematic pre-confe-
ates may ask for the floor and speak to the
rences in different locations around South
G.A., although they do not have the right
Korea. These conferences will focus on
to vote.
aquaculture, cosmetics, ginseng, tea, textiles, urban agriculture and wine.
Still at the G.A., a new IFOAM World Board
Special funds have been set aside to faci-
will be elected; 10 positions are open to be
litate participation from developing coun-
filled. Election to the World Board means a
tries to the Organic World Congress. The
challenging opportunity to work to further
level of sponsorship offered can include
develop the worldwide organic movement.
conference registration, accommodation
The World Board decides on all issues
and/or travel, will depend on the candida-
not yet determined by, and reports to, the
te’s in-kind contribution to the conference.
General Assembly. World Board members raise funds for IFOAM; they contibute to
The 17th IFOAM Organic World Congress, the place to be in September!
The organic movement meets in South Korea The 17th IFOAM Organic World Congress, the first in Asia, will be held in the Paldang Region, Gyeonggi Province of the Republic of Korea, from the 28th of September to the 1st of October 2011. The Organic World Congress (OWC) is the space where the organic movement comes to meet, exchange experiences and develop ideas and strategies for the development of organic agriculture worldwide.
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
provide strategic input to the development
the Namyangju film studios, located in
of IFOAM; they use personal and profes-
a beautiful green area in Namyangju
sional skills, relationships, and knowledge
City, from the 3rd to the 5th of October
for the advancement of IFOAM; and they
2011. The General Assembly convenes
represent IFOAM at global events.
in conjunction with the IFOAM Organic
All activities for the IFOAM World Board
World Congress (OWC). The IFOAM G.A.
are voluntary, with no reimbursement for
is the democratic decision-making forum
contribution of time, unless otherwise
of the international organic movement,
specified by World Board decisions. When
where IFOAM’s World Board is elected
necessary, travel and accommodation
for a three-year term. The G.A. provides
costs will be borne by IFOAM. Women,
strategic guidance to the World Board,
farmer representatives and people from the
he theme of the conference, “Orga-
which appoints official committees,
global South are especially encouraged
nic is Life”, reiterates the philo-
working groups and task forces based
to consider presenting their candidacies.
sophy of organic farmers that emphasizes
on the motions and recommendations
Candidates will be presented in IFOAM’s
respect for all living things. The Organic
of IFOAM’s membership. IFOAM G.A.s
Newsletter ‘In Action’ 60 days before the
World Congress (OWC) consists of a main
are very dynamic and lively gatherings,
G.A. and to the General Assembly in South
conference with a systems values track
inspiring the members, board and staff to
Korea.
and a research track, covering a wide
work towards achieving IFOAM’s mission
range of topics. The programme is orga-
of leading, uniting and assisting the orga-
For information on OWC sponsorship of
nized in partnership with the International
nic movement in its full diversity. IFOAM
participants from developing countries,
Society of Organic Agriculture Research
members are invited to participate in the
please contact sponsor@kowc2011.org.
(ISOFAR). Besides the system values and
G.A. by: submitting motions about strategic matters in writing before the G.A.; proposing and convincing candida tes to run for the World Board; preparing and submitting a bid for hosting the 2014 OWC and G.A.; contributing to the participative processes at the G.A., i.e. motion bazaar, strategic consultations; voting at the G.A. (motions, World Board, bids).
For more information on how to submit
T
research tracks, the congress will also feature artistic presentations and joint sessions incorporating presentations from practitioners and researchers on topics of common interest as well as well as open spaces to facilitate creative dialogue, final programme for IFOAM’s Organic World Congress 2011 will be announced in June 2011.
16
the World Board’s decision-making; they
General Assemply (G.A.) will take place
once every three years and takes place
inspire and initiate concrete action. The
Denise Godinho
Following the OWC, the 2011 IFOAM
a motion to the G.A. (IFOAM members), apply for a World Board position (members and non-members), or submit a bid to host and organize the IFOAM Organic World Congress and General Assembly in 2014 (IFOAM members), please contact Thomas Cierpka: t.cierpka@ifoam.org For additional information and deadlines go to: www.ifoam.org/kowc2011
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
17
food security
By Markus Arbenz
BioFach special theme: Food security
Yes, organic can feed the world! But how?
“We need a paradigm shift - a new strategy based on ecosystem intensification for increasing the resilience of farms and using biodiversity wisely.”
So far, the world has managed to meet the challenge of food productivity. Today, there is a 25% global oversupply of food - measured in terms of the calorific production (after post harvest losses) needed to feed the world’s population. The challenge is ensuring that hungry people have access to this food. The strategy of ecologicalintensification, using organic principles and practices is a new paradigm for feeding the world while at the same time empowering the poor and mitigating against climate change and biodiversity loss.
People before commodities: The IFOAM Food Security Campaign Agriculture is back on the agenda of international decision makers. Through targeted activities during the World Food Day and related summits and conferences, IFOAM has been bringing the message of ‘Sustainability through Organic Agriculture’ to the heart of the debate. IFOAM’s message is that Organic Agriculture is not merely a certification standard but a strategic option that can greatly contribute to improving security. IFOAM continues to carry this message to decision makers in the public or private sectors, at local, national or international levels.
W
hy is it that we have enough food to feed the world’s current popula-
tion (and an extra 1.5 billion people) but that world poverty and hunger is increasing and is predicted to continue to do so? Despite sufficient global food produc-
Talking about organic food and food production at BioFach...
tion, there are one billion hungry or starving people in the world, most of them living in rural areas. It is expected that the world will produce 70% more food by
how deprived people will get access to healthy food and it neglects the key challenges of equipping the poor with access to resources, appropriate farming systems and personal skills. This is a extension of the type of thinking that created the problem in the first place and is incapable of ensuring that all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to enough safe and nutritious food to meet
hunger, climate change, the loss of gene-
Sadly, the recently revived debate on
their dietary needs and food preferences
tic diversity, ecocide and land grabbing
agriculture and food security has been
enabling them to live active and healthy lives.
are some of the consequences of this - to
largely characterized by a renaissance of
tion (FAO) of the United Nations estimates
The main causes of hunger are poverty
land by international investments, land-
which the world has to find effective ans-
productivity-oriented strategies. Some of
that 80% of this will need to come from
and a lack of livelihood opportunities.
grabbing and bad governance. While
wers. The IAASTD report clearly stated
these rely on techno-scientific and large-
Is ‘Organic’ just a certification standard
productivity increases and only 20% from
Conventional, green revolution-based
globalization has opened up opportunities
that ‘Business as usual is not option any
scale agribusiness options which involve
for rich people?
bringing new land into production. Both
or industrial agriculture currently fails to
for many, it has also amplified the chal-
more’. Addressing the global food securi-
substantial economies of scale, but which
It is widely acknowledged that organic
strategies will have effects in terms of
feed 15% of the world’s population - so
lenges facing humanity. More than ever,
ty challenge is not a question of doing the
are neither ecologically and socially
agriculture has brought tremendous
loss of biodiversity, degeneration of soils,
it’s clear that focusing solely on produc-
our planet and its poorest inhabitants
same things more effectively, but about
sustainable, nor efficient in land use. The
benefits many of those involved in it. It
water demand and, of course, climate
tion does not solve global hunger. Often,
are suffering the consequences of poorly
developing an appropriate and equitable
proposed ‘second green revolution’ does
currently achieves sales of over 50 billion
change.
smallholder farmers are pushed off their
thought through strategies. Poverty and
strategy.
not provide any convincing answers as to
US$ annually, which benefit millions of
2050. The Food and Agriculture Organiza-
18
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
19
food security
BioFach 2011
of nutrient cycling, stimulating soil biology
soils or limited water resources the yields
through composting, crop rotation, mixed
from organic production are often much
cropping or agro-forestry. These practices
greater. Thus organic production helps
enhance the health, vitality and producti-
improve productivity in the areas where it
vity of farm ecosystems. Higher levels of
is most needed.
organic matter in the soil enhance water
There is huge potential to significantly
retention and build robust soils that are
increase agricultural productivity and
resilient to erosion. Avoidance of toxic
biodiversity by harnessing, developing
pesticides and the utilization of diverse
and intensifying biological soil activities.
species enhance (rather than inhibit)
Eco-intensification generally also involves
nature’s constant drive for balance, the-
more labour and better knowledge, thus
reby enabling the ecosystem to regulate
contributing to more opportunities for
pests and diseases naturally. The farming
landless poor people and improving the
system is managed through applying
‘quality of work’.
ecological knowledge and practices that stimulate and beneficially intensify the
If the world is to nourish its people on
systems’ ecological functions.
the principles of eco-intensification, we need to learn much more about natural
people along the value chain (not least
expressed the thoughts of many experts:
Eco-intensification often draws on the
processes in order optimize diversified,
small scale producers and consumers).
that organic production is good for cre-
knowledge and practices of the world’s
locally adapted food production systems.
Eco-intensfication as a reality.
Yet there is still a widespread misconcep-
ating added value for those who can tap
traditional farming systems that have nou-
This could not be achieved overnight but
Ethiopia and Egypt are two countries that
tion that organic agriculture cannot feed
into the right market niches. But its broa-
rished communities for hundreds, or even
would involve a slow transition of lear-
are already adopting strategic elements
the world. In 2009, at a high-level expert
der applicability has not been appreciated
thousands, of years. The key to success
ning and undoing the negative impacts
advocated by the organic movement. In
forum on how to feed the world in 2050,
and as a consequence, organic agriculture
of unsustainable
both countries, land has been regenera-
Jacques Diouf, FAO Director General sta-
has rarely managed to be part of a broad-
farming of past
ted with organic agriculture and people-
ted : While organic agriculture contributes
based vision for international organizati-
decades. Howe-
centred approaches. This has resulted in
to hunger and poverty reduction and
ons, governments or donor agencies. This
ver, if humanity
thousands of people finding confidence
should be promoted, it cannot by itself
is despite the impressive impacts that
invests resources
in their farming abilities and being better
feed the rapidly growing population. He
organic agriculture has had in recent years
and effort in lear-
able to feed their families. The Ethiopian
ning to better use
government has recently put organic
the potential pro-
practices at the heart of its national agri-
vided by nature,
culture development policies and Egypt
the existing land
has been dramatically reduced pesticide
and water and
use after consultation with local organic
human resources
farmers.
on the livelihoods of rural people, often in highly marginalized and fragile environ-
20
Spearheading the New Green Economy
ments. The organic movement needs to
Organic operators are potential key players in the New Green Economy that has been envisaged by UNEP. A fast-growing community of organic consumers (the annual value of organic retail sales worldwide is US$ 50 Billion) are looking for agriculture products that are not just healthy and tasty, but also contribute to environmental sustainability and the food security of the families and communities that grow the produce. Organic standards and verification systems assure fair prices and support the resilience of organic producers to both climatic and economic shocks. Through ethical investment and consumption choices the entire value chain is contributing to enhanced food security and promoting products that have a smaller ecological footprint and improve the livelihoods of the producers.
improving livelihoods.
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
make policy makers more aware of the potential of organic farming as a viable and proven strategy for developing and
“The reality is that conventional, green revolution-based or industrial agriculture fails to feed 15% of the world’s population - so it’s clear that focusing solely on production does not solve global hunger.”
will be able to
The need for a paradigm shift - a new
provide more than
Supporting small-scale farmers across the
enough food to
world strengthens the livelihoods of the
strategy based on affordable production
is to consciously work with, rather than
meet the requirements of an expanding
poor and increases their access to food.
systems for the poor - is obvious. The
against, nature and to support ecosy-
human population. We are confident that
To make this a reality, the right policies
answer to the question, how can orga-
stem services. In places where intensive
organic agriculture can provide abundant
are needed at international, national and
nic agriculture meet the growing global
agriculture is practised most farmers who
food to feed a growing world population.
local levels, policies that require corpo-
demand for food can be summarized in
convert to organic production achieve
The main bottleneck to such a vision
rate social responsibility and support the
one word: eco-intensification.
yields that are close to those of conven-
becoming a reality is not the limitations
capacity of the poor, through relevant
Eco-intensification has several aspects. It
tional farms, within a few years of con-
of natural resources but a lack of political
research and advisory services in ecologi-
involves intensifying the natural process
version. In marginal areas with depleted
willingness and imagination.
cal intensification.
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
21
Market & economy
Project scale has a large influence on the cost price
Your Partner In Organic Potatoes, Vegetables and Fruits Im- & export of fresh and industrial organic potatoes,
The economics of coffee
By PETER BRUL
I
n 2010 more than 7 million tonnes of coffee were produced, by millions of farmers. Small scale farmers (with less than 10
hectares) cultivate approximately 9 million hectares of coffee, while large scale farmers cultivate approximately 3 million hectares. Despite this 75% of the world’s coffee is produced by
Costs per ton in small and large scale organic coffee projects (in US$)
Annual coffee production: Certification Management Total
50 tons/year 160 240 520
200 tons/year 40 60 130
large scale farmers on plantations. costs related to the system. One can distinguish between fixed costs, that do not depend on the yield per hectare or per farm
vegetables and fruits. Custom designed and reliable services
and variable costs, that are more related to the yield. The fixed costs of an organic coffee project involve those for
for sourcing and marketing your organic products.
field officers, certification, extra management, and extra processing costs, the variable costs relate to buying and storage. In smaller projects a large part of the organic premium need to go to cover the extra costs of certification scheme only a smaller amount goes to provide extra income to the farmers. Producer Countries
Organic coffee accounts for around 0.5 % of the world market, and a large part of this produced by smallholders, rather than large scale farmers. The world’s supply of organic coffee in 2010 was estimated at more than 200,00 tons of green coffee (up from 100,000 in 2007). More than 50% of this comes from Latin America. There are more than 300,000 organic coffee producers in more than 20 countries. Global demand has been estimated at 70,000 tons of green coffee in 2007 and more than
The America’s Asia and Oceania
Africa
• Brazil • Colombia • Peru • Costa Rica • Mexico • USA
• Ethiopia: washed and natural arabica • Kenya: washed arabica • Madagascar: robusta • Tanzania: robusta, natural and washed arabica • Uganda: robusta, natural and washed arabica
• East Timor • India • Indonesia • Papua New Guinea • Sri Lanka • Thailand • Vietnam • China • Australia
150,000 in 2010, the lion’s share being in the USA and Europe. Organic (and fair trade) coffee production started in Chiapas,
The Netherlands
Hall 7/7-625
Mexico in the early 1980s. Most of the producers in Mexico
A 20% premium for organic coffee is considered normal, but
and the other 25 organic coffee producing countries are small-
this can increase or decrease in relation to supply and demand.
holders, often working in cooperative structures. The niche
The premium often increases as a percentage when coffee pri-
markets of organic, fair trade and other sustainable labels, such
ces are low (30 to 40%) and decreases with high prices. The
as ‘Rainforest Alliance’ provide a way for them to survive. The
current organic premium for Arabica is about US$ 330 per ton
cooperatives get a premium price, but there are also additional
and for Robusta it is about US$ 250 per ton.
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
23
Innovation in agriculture
In early October Mike Nicholls visited the Netherlands to attend the first ISHS Symposium on Organic Greenhouse Horticulture at the University of Wageningen Greenhouse Research Centre at Bleiswijk. At this symposium it became clear that there is a huge difference in the definition of organic, which varies greatly from country to country. In fact the only common factor appeared to be that the inputs used in climate controllable greenhouses or tunnels must be derived solely from natural, non-chemical, sources.
F Harvesting at BiJo.
or example, in Scandinavia, it is
production for organic production. This
accepted that, provided the roots
sector faces the major constraint that
are still attached, plants can be grown in
peat—a major constituent of substrates
an organically derived nutrient solution
is a non-renewable resource, and that
and sold as organic. In the USA there are
peat bog exploitation is not sustainable
now two aquaponic operations certified
in the long term. Valérie Gravel (Canada)
as organic by the USDA. In the rest of
explored the complex nutrient manage-
Europe it is a requirement that all organic crops are grown in the soil. The situation becomes even more complex when one
The conference delegates visited the University of Wageningen Research greenhouses at Bleiswijk.
examines the way in which these crops
The first ISHS Symposium on Organic Greenhouse Horticulture
Organic greenhouse horticulture symposium
ment of organic systems, presenting a case study of six organic soils that use a re-circulating system, with certified organic nutrients. Wim Voogt (Netherlands)
are grown. In the Netherlands many
organic greenhouses within Europe does
demonstrated the difficulties of providing
greenhouse organic crops are produced
not clarify matters, apart from a ban on
greenhouse crops with sufficient nutrients
in a very similar manner to conventional
hydroponics, the EC regulation contains
within a soil based non-recirculating
greenhouse crops in terms of heating and
no specific rules for greenhouses. There
system while also complying with the
carbon dioxide inputs, whereas in Austria
are also considerable differences between
European Directives relating to annual
and Italy supplementary heating can only
EU countries on the use of energy and
N and P application levels. I presented
used to avoid crop damage from frost.
also on the use of substrates. The lack of
my paper on organic hydroponics, which
Finally in some situations it is permissible
a level playing field is felt by many produ-
essentially flies directly in the face of con-
to sterilise the soil with steam in order
cers to lead to unfair competition.
ventional organic growing.
This appears to be in direct opposition
Highlights of current research
Soil health is a key factor in ensuring crop
to the concept of developing a healthy
The meeting commenced with an over-
productivity, and greenhouse production
soil, as steam leaves a virtual biological
view from Rob Meijer of the issues
has its own distinct problems. Unlike field
vacuum which can be invaded by any
facing and current research into, organic
production, the opportunities for crop rota-
organism. This is not to suggest that the
greenhouse horticulture world-wide. This
tion are minimal, so alternative methods
general standard of organically grown
proved to be a near impossible task,
of controlling pathogens are needed. Soil
crops is poor—nothing is further from
but it provided a start in filling in some
suppressiveness is one possible means of
the case, but to emphasise the lack of
previously blank boxes. It showed that
reducing the activity of pathogens. André
a clear-cut policy on how organic crops
in Switzerland and Austria up to 14% of
van der Wurff (Netherlands) demonstrated
can or can not be grown. It also raises
greenhouse production area was organic,
that suppressiveness was pathogen-
the question of who should have the
but in most countries with significant
dependant, at least for the fungi Verticil-
authority to make the decisions on what
greenhouse industries (e.g. the Nether-
lium and Pythium and for the nematode
to control weeds, nematodes or fungi.
By MIKE NICHOLS
constitutes an organically grown crop. To date this has been the organic movement, often (later) backed up by minimum legal standards but it is debatable whether
Retail pack of ‘Wild Wonder’ tomatoes.
they (with their vested interests) are the appropriate group to determine the future
‘There are large differences between EU countries over what is permitted in organic glasshouses’
direction of greenhouse organics. The Dutch experiences show the difficulties of using a soil based system is very clear, but the current regulations there prevent Nico Vergote at Kruishouten with organic greenhouse tomatoes.
24
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
exploring the obvious possible advanta-
lands) only 2-3% was organic.
Meloidogyne. Another possible solution
ges of using a recirculating hydroponic
Fabio Tittarelli (Italy) provided an insight
for greenhouse crops is to use the “Köver”
system. The regulatory framework for
into the outlook for vegetable nursery
system. This was described by Willemijn
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
25
Innovation in agriculture
‘Maintaining nutrient levels, deterring pests and diseases and minimising energy use are three of the challenges facing organic glasshouse production’.
Fresh lettuce ready to be cut at BiJo.
A “Wild Wonder” tomato variety.
Cuijpers from the Louis Bolk Institute (Net-
(in mid-winter) high nitrate levels in the
soil. While it is relatively easy to reach
developments have got it wrong, but sim-
herlands). The “Köver” system involves
soil became a problem. Valérie Gravel
Above-ground pathogens can also be a
self sufficiency in terms of soil fertility, the
ply because the philosophy that states
dividing each bed in the greenhouse into
(Canada) presented a paper on organic
problem in organic systems, and Michael
energy required for greenhouse heating
that the crops MUST be grown in the soil
half with a physical barrier, and leaving
greenhouse tomato production using rai-
Raviv (Israel) demonstrated how the risk
requires a much larger quantity of bio-
raises too many problems.
half the bed fallow (or planted with an
sed bed containers filled with either peat
of bacterial canker on tomatoes (a major
mass. Reductions in energy use for both
Many of the recent developments in
antagonistic crop), and then annually
or coir (coco peat). This presentation was
problem in some countries) can be greatly
heating and cooling can be achieved by
greenhouse productivity have come from
alternating the part of the bed planted with
followed by one from her colleague, Mar-
reduced by the correct composting of
using heat pumps and a deep aquifer.
improving the plant environment and
the main crop. In general the system was
tine Dorais, who demonstrated increased
contaminated plant debris from infected
Nico Vergote (Belgium) described the
the root zone environment. Improving
found to be impracticable, because yields
yields by using oxygen enriched irrigation
plants. Martin Koller (Switzerland) then
heat pump system used at Kruishoutem,
of the crop plants fell, due to competition
water to increase the soil oxygen content.
explained that although sulphur was an
Belgium, which relies on very deep (100m)
excellent fungicide for controlling pow-
drill holes for heat storage.
with the antagonistic plants. There is also
aeration has been a major factor. It is Conference delegates visiting the organic tomatoes at BiJo. Note glasshouse heating/ cooling system.
extremely difficult (if not impossible) to grow a heavy crop of greenhouse toma-
considerable interest in the biological
A key factor for the future successful pro-
dery mildew, it has harmful effects on
toes (or other fruit vegetables) in the soil
disinfection of the soil with grass and
duction of organic greenhouse tomatoes
beneficial organisms, and that potassium
The symposium involved visits to organic
other fresh organic materials that can sup-
will be the grafting of the scion (variety)
bicarbonate is a potential substitute. He
greenhouse crop producers, including
ferred via heat pumps into a deep aqui-
profile into the water table. There is still
press persistent diseases and pests. This
onto the appropriate rootstock. To date
also posed the question of how best to
Frank de Koning’s property which totals
fer. Similarly, surplus heat from the fruit
one major pest which has proved difficult
approach involves covering the soil with
the development of tomato rootstocks
control sciarids (fungus gnats) in pot-
7ha of greenhouses, were converted into
vegetable greenhouses is transferred into
to control even by grafting onto resistant
fresh organic matter and then with airtight
has been a fairly ad hoc procedure, but
ted herbs. He concluded that neem oil
organic production in 1999. His main
the aquifer. During the winter months this
root stock, and that is nematodes. Using
plastic. The resulting anaerobic conditions
Jan Venema (University of Groningen,
and BT were unsatisfactory, and that the
focus is on peppers and tomatoes, with
energy is used to provide the heat needed
steam to sterilize the soil against patho-
offer an alternative to steam sterilisation,
Netherlands) described a Dutch program-
nematode (Steinernema feltiae) was the
a specific specialisation in “heirloom”
to grow the fruit vegetables and, if neces-
gens (or weeds) appears to go against
but the time lag between treatment and
me aimed at delivering a reliable scree-
best solution.
tomatoes, which he markets as “Wild
sary, to prevent frost damage to the cut
all the tenets of organic production of a
the next time the bed can be used is a
ning method to identify biomarkers that
Wonders” in very neat retail packs. His
fresh crops. It is a very efficient set up.
healthy soil filled with a range of micro-
major barrier. Steaming remains the most
can be used as generic tools to identify
Meeting the challenge of climate change.
latest innovation is a greenhouse clad in
Large pipes can be raised to the top of
organisms. Similarly the use of biological
effective, and preferred treatment, but is
the best rootstocks. It must be remem-
There is considerable interest in the
haze glass to provide diffuse light. This
the crop to absorb the heat from solar
fumigants under plastic covers does not
expensive both in labour and in energy.
bered that the grafting of vegetables onto
efficient use of energy in order to make
system, based on work from the Universi-
radiation, and can be lowered to close to
appear appropriate.
rootstocks is a fairly recent development,
greenhouse cropping more sustainable.
ty of Wageningen, should produce a 10%
ground level when the crop requires hea-
The next session involved comparing
and there could well be interesting inter-
The carbon dioxide footprint is a major
increase in yield.
ting. Otherwise the crops were grown in
Having said that, there is no doubt that
different growing systems for organic
actions between specific rootstocks and
consideration in greenhouse horticul-
exactly the same way as any other normal
the organic movement has had a major
glasshouse production. Wolfgang Palme
scions, similar to those that exist in fruit
ture and global organic standards do
BiJo Greenhouses is a most impressive
organic greenhouse crop.
impact on conventional growing, by redu-
(Austria) examined an initiative (near
trees. Grafting is being developed to
not address such sector-specific issues.
10.5 ha of hi-tech greenhouses that orga-
Vienna) for producing a range of Bras-
overcome a range of problems, including
Many large greenhouse operations now
nically produce a wide range of cut fresh
An over-strict regulatory regime?
cultural chemicals and shifting thinking
sicas (Pak Choi, Mustard, and Tatsoi) in
improving nutrient use efficiency, sub-
use Combined Heat and Power (CHP),
salads (8ha), along with tomatoes and
I am cynical about the realities of pro-
towards biological control.
plastic houses without any heating. This
optimal temperatures and salinity, but one
and sell superfluous electricity into the
cucumbers in an environmentally friendly
ducing organic crops in greenhouses as
approach seemed to offer some potential
of the major problems with organic green-
grid. Another possible solution is to use
and energy efficient manner. All of the
effectively and efficiently as conventional
The Proceedings of the symposium will
for the production of low energy organic
house production of fruiting vegetables
organic matter to produce biogas for
cut fresh salad crops are grown at “low”
crops. This is not to suggest that the
be published as an Acta Horticulturae by
crops. However when growth was poor
is nematodes—particularly the Root Knot
cogeneration, before applying it to the
temperatures, and surplus heat is trans-
growers (and scientists) involved in such
ISHS (www.ishs.org) in the near future.
without nutrients leaching through the soil
cing (or even eliminating) the use of agri-
Nematode (RKN) or Meloidogne spp. 26
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
27
Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus Republics
education
N
owadays some positive changes are
course also provides information about
possibilities in Germany.
becoming visible. The first organic
agriculture, organic farming and living con-
In the final seminar the trainees reflect
ditions in Germany.
on their experiences, enjoy a party and
associations in the former USSR cooperate closely with partners in the Western
The majority of the population in the states of the former USSR struggle with difficult living conditions. Low salaries and high unemployment rates are some of the reasons that many people don´t pay attention to environmental issues. However, environmental problems do exist; in the form of radioactive contami nated regions, degraded soils, air pollution or inefficient waste water management.
Education in organic agriculture by HARTWIG MENNEN
28
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
receive a certificate, detailing their results
world. They are seeking to acquire theo-
More than 250 students take part every
in oral and written tests during the semi-
retical and practical information about the
year in six to twelve month long intern-
nars. Many of the students value this
basics of organic farming, in order to esta-
ships in the organic sector. LOGO res-
experience of working outside their own
blish their own production. The German
pects the interests and capabilities of
country. LOGO also encourages speci-
non-profit organisation LOGO is playing a
the students and the requirements of
alists from Western countries to go on
key role in building these bridges.
the farms. The internships are mostly on
internships and work on organic farms in
organic farms and can involve beekee-
partner countries.
LOGO was founded in 1995 by German
ping, growing wine fruit or vegetables,
farmers and agricultural engineers. The
grass land management, cattle farming,
Companies in the Western European orga-
association supports organic agriculture,
dairy, milk processing, and pig husbandry.
nic sector have become active in Eastern
through providing professional and general
Students with a high level of linguistic pro-
Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus
education and seeks to promote better
ficiency and previous foreign experience
Republics. These companies are often
international cooperation and understan-
can get a traineeship in areas such as the
looking for local employees with foreign
ding. LOGO works with partners in Ger-
food trade, food processing or agricultural
experiences. LOGO has organized two
many, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and
engineering. More than 90% of the trai-
international conferences on “Education,
the Caucasus Republics. The association
nees are accommodated in the houses of
innovation and ecology” in partnership with
currently has around 210 members and its
the guest families and eat with the family.
the agricultural universities in Samarkand
activities are supported by organic farmers,
This close contact with members of the
(Uzbekistan) and in Ufa (Russia). It has
agrarian organisations, universities and for-
family and with German employees helps
become obvious that interest in organic
mer interns. The main activities are setting
the interns develop their German language
agriculture is growing in these countries. In
up internships on organic farms, translating
skills. The trainees spend much of their
the future more young agrarian specialists
technical literature, arranging international
leisure time with the guest families and
will find work in the organic sector.
conferences and supporting organic farms
often develop long-standing friendships
in partner countries. The work of LOGO
with them.
Organic agriculture is more developed in Georgia than in other former USSR coun-
is mainly financed by organic farmers, working with trainees. Some projects are
During the interships LOGO offers a num-
tries. LOGO is supporting an organic farm
financally supported by government mini-
ber of seminars, which are also attended
in Telavi that is planning to process milk to
stries, companies and the German Acade-
by former trainees who act as caretakers
make yoghurt and hard cheese. Produc-
mic Exchange Service (DAAD).
and interpreters.
tion will start in early 2011. Seminars for
When the new trainees first arrive in Ger-
young farmers are currently being planned
Cooperation with international partners.
many they attend an introductory seminar
with two Georgian associations (SEMA
LOGO has organized internships in orga-
to orientate them. They also receive a
and RCDA).
nic enterprises for agricultural students
number of documents, including an agri-
There is very little literature about organic
from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Geor-
cultural dictionary, report books and basic
agriculture available in the Russian or
gia, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Moldavia, Rus-
background information about German
Uzbek languages. With the help of former
sia, Tajikistan, the Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
agriculture.
trainees LOGO has translated a number of
More than 2,700 students from approxi-
Logo also provides a seminar to introduce
books such as “The Handbook of Direct
mately 60 universities have already parti-
trainees to organic agriculture, where the
Marketing” and “Organic Vegetable Gro-
cipated. Twice a year German farmers and
trainees learn about the sector through
wing” into Russian in order to help farmers
former trainees visit partner universities
a series of lectures and excursions. The
with their practical work. They are availa-
to select students, who undergo written
main subjects concern organic farming,
ble in Mitchurinsk / Russia and from the
tests and interviews to test their German
renewable resources and renewable ener-
headquarters of LOGO.
language skills and general knowledge.
gy. Some lectures are given by members
The internships on organic farms will
They also have to show some agricultural
of organic associations and by farmers.
remain LOGO’s main task. But further con-
knowledge and be able to drive a tractor.
Another seminar on “professional qualifi-
ferences, book translations and other acti-
LOGO helps students to prepare for the
cation in international cooperation” pro-
vities with organic farmers in the partner
language test by providing a language
vides information about work possibilities
countries will follow.
course (available at www.logoev.de). This
with international companies and study
www.logoev.de
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
29
Agro-biodiversity
The national French agronomic research institute (INRA), and the technical institute for organic agriculture (ITAB) organized a conference in Paris in December 2010, on behalf of the Organic and Low-input Agriculture Section of the European Association of Plant Breeding Researchers (Eucarpia). Some 130 people from 20 countries participated, including private, public and farmer breeders and breeding researchers. The topic was a new and challenging one for plant breeding: ‘Breeding for resilience: a strategy for organic and low-input farming systems?’
Crop breeding to strengthen the resilience of organic farming systems
Breeding organic seed By Edith T. Lammerts van Bueren, Isabelle Goldringer and Frédéric Rey
T
he organizers also invited some ecologists to dis-
ming system. In light of the definitions for resilience, a
cuss the basic principles of resilience, an impor-
robust cultivar can be defined as one that has the abi-
tant concept within the ecology of complex ecosy-
lity to continue to produce under conditions of stress.
stems. The aims of the conference were to find ways
It is able to recover from a period of stress without
to translate this concept into plant breeding for orga-
losing too much yield and/or quality. Plant breeders
nic and low external input agriculture and to find out
already have experience and familiarity with ‘robust’,
what lessons plant breeders can learn from ecologists.
‘reliable’ or ‘flexible’ cultivars. Some cultivars that have proven to be very stable in their yield have been on
Ecologists define resilience as the ability of a system
the market for a very long time. But, in most cases,
or organism to continue to function under conditions
such cultivars have been just lucky chances, since
of stress. This can be measured by the capacity of
breeders have not purposely bred for robustness.
a system or organism to recover after a disturbance,
However, with global climate change there is an incre-
and the speed with which it can return to equilibrium.
asing demand for plant breeders to explore ways of
This concept is closely related to ‘robustness’ a basic
contributing to resilient farming systems by developing
property of a biological system, which describes the
robust cultivars.
system’s ability to maintain its functionality against external and internal disturbances.
One of the corner stones of organic agriculture is incorporating biodiversity within management strate-
A caption of approximately fourteen words or at least three line is required here
Organic and low external input agriculture avoid using
gies. In plant breeding too, diversity can be a tool to
high levels of nitrogen or water. As such there is often
improve the adaptability of cultivars to changing and
more variability in growing conditions (both within and
unfavourable growing conditions.
between fields) than in intensive systems. As a result organic and low external input agriculture need to
One option for breeders is to collaborate with farmers
adapt more sophisticated ways of managing the far-
who know their local field conditions and are capa-
ming system. These can include encouraging biodiver-
ble of selecting the most appropriate plants for their
sity instead of suppressing it – which in turn stimulates
needs. Such a decentralised approach will increase
a higher level of self regulation and resilience.
the diversity of cultivars, as different cultivars flourish under different conditions and populations have
30
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
For organic and low-input farmers, who have limited
different preferences. Such practices have already
means of controlling their environment, yield stability
been adopted in the South (e.g. in the Philippines
is often a more important cultivar trait than maximum
and China) and is now also being applied in Northern
potential yield. Such farmers prefer ‘robust’ or ‘reliable’
countries, such as France (cereals, brassicas), the Net-
cultivars that enable them to build up a resilient far-
herlands (potatoes) and USA (cereals, quinoa, hops).
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
31
We welcome you to visit us!
Organic Agriculture B.V.
BIOFACH 2011
16.–19. February 2011 Hall 2, Stand 320
The worlds leading source for all your organic commodities.
Some breeding researchers are convinced of the need to move away from monocultures, not only on a crop
Tradin has more than 30 years of experience. All our product are certified organic.
level but also on a cultivar level. They are exploring ways to incorporate genetic diversity into the wheat cultivar by developing modern landraces that contain many different genotypes with characteristics that
can buffer against spatial and temporal variations in
growing conditions. Martin Wolfe and Thomas Döring
(UK) discussed such composite cross-populations that
have been bred from multicrosses. When replanted by
Pulses Dried Fruits Grains Rice
Nuts Canned Fruits Oils/Fats/Cakes Dairy Products
We source our products worldwide. Tradin offers you the highest quality.
Agave/Sweeteners (Oil) Seeds Flours/Starches/Flakes Cocoa Products
farmers these populations can evolve over time and adapt to local conditions. Research is now showing that
a potential in approaches that improve plant-soil inter-
genetically diverse populations also enhance the bio-
actions. Several breeding projects at Wageningen Uni-
diversity of beneficial soil life and insects and improve
versity and Research Centre, IRD in France and FiBl in
ecosystem services. Pollination is a crucial ecosystem
Switzerland are seeking to develop new ways of impro-
service, supporting not only seed setting but also the
ving the efficiency of nutrient uptake, to compensate
heterozygosity of cultivars, which can contribute to
for lower nitrogen availability. Several approaches are
the buffering capacity under conditions of abiotic and
being considered, including improving root architecture,
biotic stress. Maria Jose Suso (Spain) drew attention
and interactions with beneficial soil organisms such as
to the worldwide decline of pollinators and urged plant
mycorrhizas. F. Denninson from the University of Minne-
breeders to enhance plant-pollinator traits in order
sota, USA discussed these approaches, the trade offs
to reverse the losses of some specific functional flo-
involved and how the search for a new balance among
ral characteristics caused by conventional breeding
these conflicting goals may open new opportunities.
approaches. It is encouraging to see that plant breeding research is Another historically neglected area of plant breeding
increasingly focussing on crop improvements suitable
has been the below-ground traits of plants. Jerry
for low-input and organic farming systems. The next
Glover, from the USA, stressed that a large amount of
step will be for breeders to implement such strategies
agricultural land is marginal and at risk from degra-
in their future plant breeding programmes.
dation from annual cropping. Such systems would be Reference:
Many farmers prefer robust or reliable cultivars that enable them to build up a resilient farming system
Goldringer, I. 2010. Breeding for Resilience: A strategy for organic and low-input farming systems? Proceedings of the Eucarpia conference Organic and Lowinput Agriculture Section, 1-3 December 2010, Paris. INRA and ITAB, France. Downloadable (for free) from http://www.eucarpia.org/03publications/OrgandLow2010Proc.pdf or from http://orgprints.org/
made less vulnerable by using perennial versions of major grain crops. Such crops develop a larger root system and can tap into deeper soil layers. Glover reported on several breeding programmes in different Northern and Southern countries that are exploring this approach. Since organic farmers are very focused on enhancing soil fertility and soil life, there would also appear to be
32
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
KOSHER KOSHER KOSHER KOSHER
Of all the products we have a very varied range
Tradin Organic Agriculture B.V. | Prins Hendrikkade 12 | 1012 TL Amsterdam | The Netherlands Phone +31 (0)20 407 44 99 | Fax +31 (0)20 497 21 00 | info@tradinorganic.com | www.tradinorganic.com
Standards & certification
adequate programme for environ mental conservation and restoration; adequate management of water resources, solid residues. liquid effluents and gaseous effluents; the conservation of biodiversity;
Socio-environmental and Fair Trade certification for organic products and processes.
The Brazilian Ecosocial Programme
BY ALEXANDRE HARKALY
a reduction in the environmental impacts caused by productive activi ty and in greenhouse gas emissions; develop a programme of environ mental education, and; other environmental aspects specific to each enterprise. There are also minimum criteria for human
n 2004, the Brazilian based certifier
I
discharge of effluents into a water
IBD launched the Ecosocial Programme
body that does not comply with
a commitment to transparency,
with the purpose of contributing to
environmental legislation;
land regulation,
continual socio-economic development.
evidence of the hunting, capture and
compliance with labour legislation
The present social and environmental
sale of wild animals;
and the requirements of labour
situation requires the use of more specific
improper exploitation of property
agencies,
certification tools to audit the social
rights;
recognition of unionized labour,
and environmental issues that occur
the use and manipulation of Gene
improved health and safety
in certified enterprises, besides those
tically Modified Organisms;
standards,
already used in organic certification
absence of formal procedures for
pro-rata benefits to permanent and
protocols.
hiring and paying employees;
temporary workers,
evidence of social, cultural, political,
profit sharing,
In order to be certified in the Ecosocial
religious, ethnic, racial, sexual and
provision of adequate training
Programme enterprises must provide an
age discrimination, child labour or
opportunities (management and
initial diagnosis, showing the social and
forced labour and;
technical),
environmental requirements that they
workers being exposed to risk wit
support for basic and continued
intend to meet. It is also necessary for
hout proper individual protection.
education, for improved living, eating
and social development. These include:
them to provide an action plan that shows in detail how the required improvements will be made. The plan should aim to meet all the minimum (or critical) criteria listed in the guideline and set out at least two progress programmes related to envi-
The present social and environmental situation requires the use of more specific certification tool.
ronmental development and two related
Although many organic movements have a background of concern with social and economic issues as well as agricultural reform, organic standards have mostly entirely focused on agricultural aspects. Since the first attempts to combine elements of organic and fair trade certification, several organic certifiers have started to develop systems that integrate social and economic aspects. One interesting example is the Ecosocial Programme of the Brazilian certifier IBD. 34
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
to human and social development during the certification year. There are three sets of criteria. The first
These are the minimum criteria for envi-
and health conditions, to working,
are known as critical criteria. Failure to
ronmental management and for human
pregnant and breast-feeding women,
meet these critical criteria will lead to the
and social development. There are other
the elderly, and to addicts (smokers
suspension or cancellation of certification,
non-critical criteria:
and abusers of alcohol and drugs)
adequacy in terms of meeting envi
and;
breach of traceability;
ronmental legislation and the requi
support for social and cultural orga
evidence of unauthorized defores
rements of the relevant environmen
nizations and opportunities to parti
tation;
tal agency;
cipate in these.
even if other criteria are met. These are:
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
35
By peter brul
Biodynamic farming in Russia
In addition to these criteria the Ecosocial
Millennium Development Goals and the
the decisions about the programme).
Programme incorporates innovative cri-
Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The next step involves checking if the
teria for economic development that are
It also incorporates standards and norms
enterprise already complies with the cri-
based upon the principles of fair trade.
set out in SA 8000, ISO 14000 and BS
tical minimum standards set out in the
The certifier does not set a minimum price
8800. The IBD is certified in accordance
guidelines. Should any changes need to
or the value of the premium. Instead the
with the international standards establis-
be made in order to do so the applicant
price of the product is connected to pro-
hed in ISO 65, guaranteeing the integrity
will have to clarify how they will achieve
duction costs and market negotiations.
of the entire certification process.
these .
Country-reports
The latter must be carried out following ethical principles that guarantee clarity,
While working on the details relating to
transparency and benefits to the produ-
the adjustment to minimum criteria, the
cers.
Commission can also collect the data needed to make a social and environ-
The value of the Ecosocial Premium is
mental assessment of the enterprise,
determined by the need to invest in the
which should be complete by the time
social and environmental programmes,
that the Ecosocial Programme begins.
in accordance with the goals set by the
This assessment is based on the terms of
producers/industries (and approved by the
reference provided by the certifier.
certifier). Ecosocial also differs from other
I
n the discussions about world food security, the need for
health of the population, who are generally quite poor.
higher food production and land competition between
Nowadays you can find organic products in specialized
food and energy crops, the role of the world’s largest coun-
shops and some supermarkets in the big cities. Almost all
schemes in that it can be applied to any
After this assessment and checking the
try is rarely mentioned. Yet in Russia and other countries
of them are imported. There are some home-grown organic
organic product, not just those for which
minimum criteria, the organization has
of the former Soviet Union, such as Kazakhstan and the
agriculture initiatives, dating from the early nineties when,
the minimum price and premium have
a record of its social and environmental
Ukraine, huge agricultural areas are lying fallow. I do not
in cooperation with farmers and other volunteers from Wes-
Potential applicants for the IBD Ecosocial
situation, and begins to define the pro-
have the most up to date figures (which are difficult to
tern Europe, Russia’s first organic and biodynamic farms
certification scheme can read and down-
gress criteria (two social and two envi-
obtain), but some years ago 80% of the land previously
were established.
load the guidelines from IBD’s website.
ronmental) to be implemented during the
used for agriculture in these countries was not being used
fosters fair trade relationship;
Enterprises interested in this certification
certification period. It is recommended
anymore! Even before the collapse of the Soviet Union,
The German-Canadian farmer Bernhard Hack started a 100
provides incentives for open,
can then contact IBD and discuss their
that these criteria are defined in the gui-
agriculture was in a poor state: after 1992 it completely
hectare biodynamic farm in 1992 in Bolotovo, 150 kilome-
transparent and lasting negotiations
requirements and situation. This can lead
deline references.
collapsed. Most of the fields have been abandoned for
tres north of Moscow. He produced cereals, vegetables
between stakeholders;
to a proposal being drawn up and a con-
almost 20 years, with devastating effects for rural society
and dairy products and delivered these to the local com-
fosters social and environmental
tract being signed. The next step is a pre-
After the pre-inspection and the assess-
and food production. Most food products in the supermar-
munity and local schools. In the extremely difficult circum-
development in the production chain;
inspection: an IBD inspector will visit the
ment, the operator will have all data
kets in Russian cities are imported. The empty countryside
stances of last year, the farm had to stop, like many other
encourages the implementation of
applicant to check whether the operation
necessary to complete the question-
starts just half an hour’s drive outside a big city like Mos-
initiatives in previous years. Mr. Hack has now moved to
best production practices aiming at
has the required profile for certification
naire and file an application with IBD.
cow, which has 15 million inhabitants. Last year the forests,
another area in Russia to start a goat husbandry enterprise.
improving product quality.
and to assist the client in filling out the
When the application is complete,
the pastures and the occasional piece of cultivated land
The Ecosocial guidelines are based on the
forms. One requirement at this point is to
the first annual inspection can be
suffered a heavy drought and widespread fires. There was
There are other biodynamic initiatives, in Siberia and near
Conventions of the International Labour
form a management committee, which
carried out and, if the operation
nobody there to control the fires.
Saint Petersburg. The Tuzhyliny family in Siberia runs the
Organization (ILO), and several other
shall include at least one representative
meets the requirements, it
In Russia, agricultural work has a very low status and is
‘Harmony’ club. They give trainings in biodynamic farming,
international protocols, including Agenda
of each segment of the organization (in
will receive its Ecosocial
very unpopular. While it is relatively easy to acquire land to
publish an online newspaper and produce biodynamic pre-
21, the Global Compact Programme, the
order to ensure balanced participation in
certificate
start up in farming, it is very difficult to find capable people
parations and seeds. The NGO Biodinamika was founded
to work on the farms. On the few existing farms, most work
in 1995, in Saint-Petersburg. Their mission is to stimulate
is done by people from Uzbekistan and other, southern,
biodynamic farming in Russia, by providing agricultural
former Soviet countries. The agricultural schools, which
training and education. They organize a five day seminar
were once a key part of the education system, have almost
each year, and aim to start an agricultural school. The most
disappeared.
successful project is the ‘Tul’sky Zveroboy’ market garden,
already been defined. In summary Ecosocial:
IBD
is located at Botucatu, São Paulo State. Since its foundation in 1983, it has been operating in Brazil and abroad and has inspected more than 5,000 farmers with more than 520,000 hectares of farm land and 2.5 million hectares of land for wild crop harvesting. IBD has 25 certified clients, in 12 countries, with a wide range of products. IBD is the only Brazilian certifier with IFOAM, ISO 65 (EEC 834), DEMETER,
36
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
USDA/NOP and COR (Canada) accreditations and has a partnership for JAS certification. Its certificate is accepted around the world. IBD has recently been approved under the new Brazilian law 10.831 and cooperates with more than 10 certifiers and 40 inspectors worldwide who certify Brazilian imports of organic products. www.ecosocialnet.com for fair trade issues. www.ibd.com.br for organic issues.
which has been certified since 2007. But Russia is also a rich country, with well-educated
However, there are only 300 ha. of biodynamically farmed
people, who are concerned about the environment, the
land in the whole of Russia. Most of these are run by small-
economy of their country (which cannot be based solely
holders who are members of ‘Agrosophie’, the NGO that
on oil and gas only, and the attendant corruption) and the
introduced the Demeter standards into Russia.
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
37
Organic & health
Meet the Grower, check his ecological & social footprint
Meeting at BioFach of participants in the large European research programme on organic food quality and health.
Organic Produce: Nature & More is the award winning ‘trace & tell’ brand created by Eosta and allied companies in response to consumer demand for healthy, organic and fairly traded food. It communicates the engagement and commitment of each grower towards planet and people. The Nature & More ‘trace & tell’ system empowers consumers to make an informed purchase decision. Enter the unique code, which you find on the grower stamp, at natureandmore.com and Meet the Grower! Check his ecological and social footprint, including his carbon (air) and water footprint, with the help of the revolutionary ‘Sustainability Flower’. The Sustainability Flower is based on three societal indicators: social, cultural and economic life, as well as six environmental indicators: soil, water, air, energy, animals and plants. All nine dimensions are linked to specific key performance indicators which are in compliance with the requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The Sustainability Flower has been developed to serve as a tool to stimulate and monitor progress and improvement and is not a certification scheme.
Nature & More is the first to introduce carbon neutral products based on full life cycle CO2 assessments, compensated with credits obtained on organic farming practices by Soil & More. More info: soilandmore.com
Buy ‘Seven in One’ By Machteld Huber
There is a growing awareness among consumers about the need to consume more sustainably. Food choice is one of the tools for supporting sustainability. But consumers are increasingly confronted with conflicting information.
7in1
Different production approaches
m ’ I , i H ! Rob
Control model
Conventional approach
Adaptation model
Organic approach: robustness
using LED-lights, in sterile environments (that will not need pesticides) and will not require any polluting transport. This will be presented as the most sustainable choice. What should consumers make of this?
• focus on a problem • controll variation • continuous monitoring • direct intervention • static equilibrium
• focus on the system • use of variation • stimulation of selfregulation • indirect intervention • dynamic equilibrium (Ten Napel et al., 2006; WUR/LBI)
It is all a matter of scope and the answer can only be found if we take a broader view of production systems. Once we look beyond CO2 emissions, the differences between the conventional and organic systems become clearer. This broader perspective needs to take
F
account of ‘ecosystem services’, a term
or example, one newspaper report
more methane than those that remain
that describes the other services, besides
suggested that conventional green-
inside throughout the year. And it will
food production, that agriculture provides.
house tomatoes were more sustain-
not be long before produce is grown in
These include maintaining biodiversity
able than organic ones, because in one
‘parking lots’ situated below or next to
and habitats, water cleansing and the
instance, the former had lower CO2 emis-
supermarkets. Such ‘climate chambers’
recycling of organic material and nutri-
sions. And, cows that graze outdoors in
will produce fresh vegetables the year
ents. From this perspective organic pro-
meadows have been reported to emit
round, producing vegetables hors sol,
duction offers many more benefits.
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
39
Organic & health
Buy ‘Seven in One’: the outdoors, different types of housing,
more species than conventional ones and
to see how their food is grown find it a
basket”. If one consumer gives up eating
Most consumer surveys show that peo-
1 Healthy, safe and tasty food
in some cases calves remain with their
that this can enhance productivity and
refreshing experience to see the diversity
meat for one day a week that means that
ple’s expectations about the health ben-
mothers and there is no use of preven-
the stability of the farm (and wider) eco-
on display.
two less animals a year will be needed in
efits of organic products are the main
tive and growth regulating antibiotics.
system.
motivation for buying organic. There are
The aim of organic livestock husbandry
two aspects to this; on the one hand
is to increase the natural resilience and
people know that organic produce does
robustness of the animals through spe-
Organic agriculture is environmentally
not contain any residues and this cre-
cific management practices that seek to
friendly as there is no run-off of artificial
producers, so they can know where their
ates a sense of security. On the other
prevent diseases from occurring instead
fertilizers into the surrounding water
food is coming from, rather than buying
hand there are expectations that organic
of fighting them when they do occur.
regimes and it does not use any pes-
‘anonymous food’, the origins of which
ticides. In contrast it aims to increase
are not known. Many consumers greatly
produce has a generally beneficial effect
4 A clean and sustainable environment
the food chain. Likewise, more consum6 Connectedness to the producer
ers eating organic food will have a direct
There are more and more initiatives which
impact on the organic food chain, and on
connect consumers to local or regional
the associated ecological functions.
The central strategy of organic production
on people’s health, even if this is not yet
3 Biodiversity
the fertility of soils and, in this respect,
appreciate this sort of connectedness and
is to create an ecosystem, where the self-
fully proven. There is still much scientific
Biodiversity can be measured in terms
is focused on the future. Research has
the transparency it provides. Connected-
regulating properties of organisms can
debate over this issue. Although differ-
of the number, variety and variability of
shown that organic agriculture binds more
ness is often related to a desire for a more
function optimally, thereby avoiding the
ences in the nutrient content of organic
living organisms within an ecosystem.
CO2 than conventional systems.
responsible, sustainable and healthy life-
need to utilize pesticides and antibiotics.
and conventional produce are not always
Historically human activities have led
style and also makes it easier to pursue
The aim is to maximize the robustness
found, there are increasing indications
to a reduction of biodiversity and these
these goals – improving the quality of life
and resilience of organisms, their capacity
that consumption of organic produce by
losses have accelerated to unprecedent-
of these consumers.
to adapt to changes without losing their
humans and animals increases resilience
equilibrium (or homeostasis). This strategy
and general health levels.
7in1
7 A satisfied producer enjoying his/her job
is applied to the soil, the plants, the ani-
Producers who convert to organic pro-
mals and the farm itself.
Pesticide residues are only very rarely
duction often report an increase in job
This strategy of self regulation is central
found in organic produce (for example as
satisfaction. They develop their crafts-
to organic production and is in stark con-
a result of contamination from neighbour-
manship and skills, since organic farming
trast to conventional and more technolog-
ing farms) and antibiotic resistant bacteria
is not a cookbook of recipes, but requires
ical approaches which follow a strategy of
are found far less often. GMOs are not
making individual decisions appropriate to
control and standardization.
allowed in organic production.
specific situations. Producers feel reconnected to their original motivation for becoming a farmer.
This self regulating approach brings sev-
Many professional chefs consider organic
eral valuable benefits, which enhance a
products to be tastier. This is connected
wide range of ecosystem services (listed
to a lower level of fertilizer use in organic
below) which consumers might bear in
produce, and to harvesting the produce
mind when considering buying organic.
when it is (almost) ripe and not much
edly high levels over the past 50 years.
earlier.
40
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
Awareness of these multiple benefits 5 A beautiful landscape
motivates consumers to buy organic
The ecosystem approach, which pro-
produce and to enjoy the knowledge that
motes self-regulation, increases the
they are making a difference through their
Many animal and plant populations have
abundance of species on a farm. In prac-
shopping basket. This can be empower-
declined in numbers and/or their geo-
tice this means more insects, butterflies,
ing and also have a larger impact: many
2 Animal welfare
graphic spread. This threatens the stabil-
flowers, bushes, birds and amphibians.
stakeholders in the food sector are very
The regulations for organic livestock pro-
ity of ecosystems. A systems approach,
An organic farm, with a diversity of crops
aware of “the power of the shopping
duction guarantee better animal welfare
such as that used by organic producers,
has a different appearance than one that
than conventional systems. There is more
supports and stimulates biodiversity. It is
grows the same crop in monocultures.
space for each animal, more access to
known that organic farms support many
Many people who visit organic farms
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
41
Country-reports
Pomegranate
By peter brul
Rapid development of organic production after a difficult start
Iran is often in the news for the controversies about its development of nuclear power systems and other political issues, such as human rights. It is very rare to hear anything about agriculture in Iran, although it is a strong agricultural country. Iran has a long agricultural history. The area around Persepolis in Fars Province (Persia) is, alongside Mesopotamia (now split between Iraq, Syria, Turkey), the birth place of farming as we know it.
Iran: An emerging organic player Azerbaidzhan, followed by almonds and pistachios near Isfahan, pomegranates near Shiraz, saffron in the north eastern province of Mashad, and dates and citrus fruits in the south. Today, more than 7.000 organic farms, with 80,000 hectares, produce a wide range of crops, including roses, rose oil, herbs and liquorice. The European certifiers Control Union, Ecocert and BCS were the main certifiers in 2010. Javad Zare, one of the pioneers in organic agriculture in Iran, expects that the certified area will expand in 2011 to more than 300,000 hecta-
T
he plain near Shiraz is still a highly productive area,
res. Although most organic production is for export,
with two harvests a year. Wheat yields can be as
there are also small first signs of a domestic market
high as 10 tons per hectare. Iran has a huge range of
emerging. Last year the first organic restaurant opened
climatic differences and is able to grow crops ranging
its doors in Tehran.
from the sub-tropical to the temperate. Every week,
Iran is a country with good natural conditions for orga-
somewhere in the country, farmers will be planting or
nic production, but it is a difficult country for export-
harvesting potatoes. Although it is possible to grow
oriented organic production. The political situation
many different crops, (and many different crops are
makes international communications and banking
exported), organic production started late. The first
relations difficult. The heavy bureaucracy does not
attempts were in the nineties, but they were not suc-
make it easy for exporters. Success greatly depends
cessful. The political circumstances were too difficult.
on developing good local relations. Iranian producers
In 2002 two returning emigrants tried again. The first
had a booth at BioFach in 2010 for the first time and
certified organic production (of sultanas) was in West
will participate again in the fair this year.
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1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
The first Iranian stand at BioFach last year
Iran is the homeland of pomegranate, which is largely used for juice production
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
43
Standards & certification
The organic sector is backed by robust organic standards and certification systems and these have helped it become one of the fastest growing sectors of the food market. There are now over 100 countries exporting certified organic products and organic trade is expanding at the rate of 15-20% a year. Close to 500 public and private certification bodies now operate in the global organic marketplace and there are already more than 70 countries with an organic regulation in place or under development. There are more than 100 different standards used to certify organic products across the world.
1 The IFOAM Family of Standards: This service is the core of the IFOAM OGS and draws the line between organic and non-organic standards. The Family contains all standards and regulations that have passed an equivalence assessment against a normative reference approved by IFOAM’s membership. The assessment is conducted by IFOAM, in accordance with codified equivalence assessment procedures. Upon approval and publication of a standard in the Family, the results of this assessment are published on the IFOAM website and in the OGS Courier. Admission and continued approval in the Family are subject to an admission fee and annual fees. All organic standard setters/ owners can apply, including governments, certifying bodies, associations and PGS initiatives. Admission into the Family grants the use of the Family logo in relation to the standard – it is not a product logo. IFOAM will encourage all governments and private bodies to make use
By Joelle Katto-Andrighetto
of the IFOAM Family of Standards as a basis for equivalence recognitions.
The 5 Services of the new IFOAM Organic Guarantee System (OGS):
2 The IFOAM Standard: An off-the-shelf organic certification standard main-
Standards via its OGS Courier (sign up for
tained by IFOAM, it is a convenient good practice standard, based on the former
the latest OGS news via ogs@ifoam.org)
IFOAM Basic Standards. It belongs to the IFOAM Family of Standards. The IFOAM
and those who subscribed early to the
Standard can be used as a reference in the development of an own organic
IFOAM Family of Standards are already
standard, as one example of a global organic standard in studies, campaigns,
being promoted during the BioFach 2011
regulations or any other purpose. Certification bodies and standard managers can
in Nuremberg.
IFOAM has launched the Family of
Leading, assisting and uniting the world of organic certification
sign a contract with IFOAM to obtain the right to use the IFOAM Standard for certification or to affirm compliance with it. These clients will also be involved in the development process of the standard, if they wish. 3 The IFOAM Community of Best Practice Standards: This service will be developed in the coming years by IFOAM. It will recognize organic standards that lead the improvement process of Organic Agriculture. Standard owners can apply for their standard to be recognized as part of the Community of Best Practice. For
T
hese impressive figures reflect the
Yet, there is no international governmental
and those trying to jump on the organic
admission into this category, standards must have passed an assessment against
growth and the diversity of the orga-
mechanism for establishing multilateral
bandwagon without committing to the
the optional Best Practices Requirements contained in the IFOAM Standards
nic sector. Under the umbrella of IFOAM,
equivalence of national organic regulati-
organic principles. Diversity must be
Requirements. Admission will be subject to a one-off admission fee plus an annual
During BioFach 2011, certification bodies
the international organic movement has
ons: often what is recognised as “organic”
accepted (even encouraged) while preser-
fee and will grant access to the Best Practice logo to be used in relation to the
interested in an IFOAM Accreditation or
developed international references such
in one country is not recognised as orga-
ving integrity.
standard.
in a Global Organic System Accredita-
as the IFOAM Basic Standards for Orga-
nic in another.
tion can discuss details with staff from
nic Production and Processing and the
The IFOAM Organic Guarantee System
4 IFOAM and the Global Organic System Accreditation for Organic Certification Bodies:
the IOAS. At the same event, IFOAM is
Principles of Organic Agriculture. In the
(OGS) draws the line between what is
These accreditations are based on the IFOAM Accreditation Requirements (former-
available to discuss with potential clients
past few years, our movement has beco-
organic and what is not. IFOAM will pro-
ly IFOAM Accreditation Criteria) and certifiers can apply to the IOAS (International
the uptake of the IFOAM Standard as
me increasingly successful in generating
mote those who are admitted into the
Organic Accreditation Service, a daughter company of IFOAM) to obtain either the
certification standard. Operators using a
interest and support from governments,
system as truly organic and encourage
IFOAM Accreditation or the Global Organic System Accreditation. Both accreditati-
standard that is in the Family and whose
many of whom have started very serious
their mutual recognition through multilate-
ons are conducted by the IOAS and subject to accreditation fees. IFOAM encoura-
certification body is accredited by IFOAM
organic programmes.
ral equivalence. Being admitted or accre-
ges all governments to recognize the IFOAM and Global Organic System accredi-
or their respective governments, will be
tations as necessary and/or sufficient for access to their organic market.
able to start using the Global Organic
One less-expected development is that
IFOAM believes that there is one common
dited within the IFOAM Organic Guaran-
government regulations have become
vision of what organic is, even though
tee System is, for organic standards and
increasingly important in defining what is
there may be slight differences in the
certification bodies, the most important
5 A Global Organic Mark for operators: This mark is available to organic opera-
organic and how this should be verified.
details of standards and regulations. The
endorsement of their organic credibility.
tors certified to any organic standard or regulation approved in the IFOAM Family
All the OGS service logos are presented
Governments are now faced with the
organic movement has proven strong
Ultimately, IFOAM aims to have all repu-
of Standards and certified within a credible system (government-approved or
in the February 14, 2011 edition of the
daunting task of working out bilateral
enough to define this common vision and
table organic certification systems within
IFOAM-approved verification system). Use of the mark is permitted on the pro-
OGS Courier. See www.ifoam.org/ogs for
equivalence agreements with one another.
to lead the fight against “green-washers”
its OGS.
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1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
Mark immediately after BioFach.
ducts under contract with IFOAM and is subject to a percentage fee.
more information.
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
45
Agro-biodiversity
by Vanaja Ramprasad their diversity, with small-scale, marginal,
sustenance is derived from the use of
India’s has many different geographical
farmers playing a major role.
diverse crops, flora and fauna.
regions and a vast genetic diversity with
Multi-cropping systems combine spe-
Seed has been the life line of food production, ever since organized agriculture began.
Seed, the life line of organic agriculture
India is home to over 100,000 rice varieties. Yet, more than 90 percent of these have been lost and the rest are on the brink of extinction.
In recent times, the potentials of seeds as a means of technological intervention in agriculture have captured the attention of the world, due to commercial interests on the one hand and, on the other, the urgent need to conserve diversity.
T
he Green Revolution largely benefited
sowing. Saving seeds was part of the
occurred in the transition to modern agri-
farmers in irrigated areas, the fertilizer
culture and tradition of agriculture. Today,
culture which, through monocropping,
and seed industry and urban consumers.
however, the industrialization of farming
has greatly simplified agricultural proces-
However, small-scale farmers in dry lands
has undermined the role of the farmers in
ses and reduced genetic diversity, even
did not benefit much and often suffered
contributing to seed security.
within a single crop. The loss in genetic
adverse side effects. For centuries these
India was home to over 100,000 rice
diversity affects both domesticated and
farmers have used their heirloom seeds,
varieties. Yet, more than 90 percent of
wild flora and fauna. Much of the diversity
to preserve the genetic diversity of their
these have been lost and most of the rest
in India’s irrigated tracts was lost during
lands, domesticating crops through the
are on the brink of extinction. Evidence
the Green Revolution period, while the
simple act of selecting seeds for re-
shows that this severe loss of diversity
dry lands and semi-arid tracts maintained
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1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
specific characteristics that have evolved
cies and structural diversity in time and
Organic farmers breed crop varieties
along with these environments. Varieties
space through both vertical and horizon-
for quality, nutrition, resistance and
that have been found that are suited to
tal organization of the cropping regime.
yield, with practically no external input.
fragile ecosystems, such as drylands
Such systems have a higher biodiversity
Research has shown that these characte-
or saline coastal areas, are being con-
of plants, microbes and animals and this
ristics are more likely to be found in older,
served by farmers’ networks, facilitated
supports the productivity of crops - even
native cultivars. In particular, open pollina-
by GREEN. The Green Revolution, with
under stressful conditions - and mediate
ted varieties and indigenous breeds have
its focus has on increasing productivity,
the biological recycling of nutrients. In
diverse and regionally adapted characte-
through using a narrow genetic base
addition, indigenous local genetic diver-
ristics, suitable to organic agriculture.
of high yielding varieties, backed up by
sity can provide security against disease
In the last decade, the adoption of orga-
synthetic inputs and increased quantities
and pathogens, which may well increase
nic agriculture has indirectly established
of water, led to such local varieties being
as a result of climate change and conditi-
a rescue operation of species, varieties
neglected. Diversity has special signifi-
ons of drought. In the last 15 years, as a
and breeds, threatened by under-use or
cance for maintaining and enhancing the
response to changing climatic conditions,
extinction. Of the vast diversity in food
quality and productivity of agricultural
community seed banks for conservation
crops, rice, wheat and maize have beco-
crops. Geneticist Melaku Worede argues
have been introduced by the Foundation
me established as the world’s main staple
that a wide variety of plant and animal
for Genetic Resource Energy, Ecology
crops. Indigenous species that have a
species provide materials for nutrition,
and Nutrition (GREEN). GREEN has learnt
high-yield potential and are resistant to
food, feed, fibre and medicinal uses. Such
many valuable lessons through working
pests and drought, under different soil
diversity is also crucial for sustaining pro-
with small-scale and marginal farmers -
and agro climatic conditions, have been
duction systems, improving human diets
the true custodians of diversity - whose
underutilized and neglected.
and supporting biological systems, and
IFOAM
’s Position on Seed
Based on several motions during IFOAM’s General Assembly in Modena in 2008, IFOAM, together with interested stakeholders, has developed a position on seed. This position should guide organic stakeholders in the development of their seed policies, in terms of research, advice, communication and setting standards. In September 2010, a consultation on the draft seed position paper was launched among stakeholders and this has provoked a heated debate. A synthesis of this discussion is now ready for the approval of IFOAM’s World Board and will be published soon with more details in Ecology and Farming.
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
47
Calen dar Items
FEBRUARY - DECEMBER 2011 //
are essential for the sustainability of local
or pest (or to several pests at one time)
ric designation for seeds that have had a
communities.
and then selecting a group of the most
gene from the soil bacteria bacillus thurin-
There is a need for a wide gene pool in
resistant plants and interbreeding them
gensis (Bt) added to them. This gene ena-
order to improve and multiply genetic
for several generations, the resistance of
bles the plant to produce a protein that is
resources for food and agriculture. Bree-
the population can be increased. Horizon-
toxic to some types of insects, especially
ding requires access to seeds and breeds
tally resistant cultivars are well adapted to
the American boll worm. Currently more
from both the formal and informal sectors.
the environment in which they are bred,
than half the pesticides used in India are
Open pollinated varieties, which represent
but may be less suitable for other growing
sprayed on cotton.
an important gene pool for resource-poor
conditions.
As farmers in India got on the pesticide
farmers living in marginalized and stress-
treadmill, more chemicals were required,
prone areas, are rapidly vanishing. They
‘justifying’ the need for Bt cotton. But Bt
are being replaced by a very limited num-
cotton does not offer a solution, or alter-
ber of hybrid varieties that require inputs
native to using pesticides, since cotton
that are not affordable to poor farmers
is attacked by seventeen other pests and
and which entail dependence on large
these require frequent and prolonged use
seed companies and increased quantities
of pesticides. The large-scale introduction
of water.
of Bt cotton has been resisted because it also has implications for monopoly con-
IFOAM is developing a position on orga-
trol and creating dependence for seed
nic seed which seeks to promote the
and other inputs.
co-existence of the formal seed sector and the informal (peasant) propagation in
Similarly, Golden Rice has been promoted
order to increase agricultural biodiversity.
as a way of alleviating malnutrition and
This will involve IFOAM in lobbying for the
blindness among rice-dependent popula-
FEBRUARY 15th 2011 IFOAM Summit / Member Meeting BioFach 2011 Nürnberg, Germany www.ifoam.org/ifoamsummit2011 FEBRUARY 16-19th 2011 BioFach Nürnberg 2011 Nürnberg, Germany www.ifoam.org/biofach2011 MAY 12-15th 2011 Ekoloji Izmir 2011, 10th Organic Product Fair Izmir, Turkey ekolojiizmir.izfas.com.tr MAY 26-28th, 2011 BioFach China 2011 Shanghai, China www.biofach-china.com
SEPTEMBER 22-24th 2011 BioFach America 2011 Baltimore, USA www.biofach-america.com SEPTEMBER 26th OCTOBER 5th 2011 17th Organic World Congress 2011 Gyeonggi Paldang, South Korea www.kowc2011.org
NOVEMBER 1-3rd 2011 BioFach Japan 2011 Tokyo, Japan www.biofach-japan.com
OCTOBER 3-5th 2011 IFOAM General Assembly 2011 Gyeonggi Paldang, South Korea www.ifoam.org/GA2011
DECEMBER 5-7th 2011 Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo 2011 Dubai, United Arab Emirates www.naturalproductme.com
OCTOBER 5th-7th 2011 BioFach America Latina 2011 Sao Paulo, Brazil www.biofach-americalatina.com
DECEMBER 14-16th 2011 BioFach India 2011 Mumbai, India www.biofach-india.com
“Healthy flow of money in society”
establishment of an open source public
There are several challenges involved in
tions. Hunger in the midst of plenty is the
domain for varieties that are not protected
promoting and conserving varietal diver-
hallmark of today’s patterns of develop-
by intellectual property rights, so they can
sity within species. These include: the
ment. India’s food production levels peak-
be freely bred, propagated and traded by
loss of indigenous knowledge about seed,
ed at around 209 million tones in the year
farmers, without having resort to invasive
poor timing of seed sowing (in relation to
2000, yet even then some 42 percent of
technologies.
rainfall), poor local processing facilities,
the rural population consumed less than
lack of opportunities for adding value and
the recommended minimum 2430 Kcals
Many organic farmers, especially in the
poor market access.
per day. Inadequate calorie consumption
horticulture sector, have begun to pro-
There is growing resistance to the wide-
is particularly prevalent among farm hou-
duce their own seeds. In doing so, they
spread notions that food and seed are
seholds with less than one acre and the
have often had to rescue local varieties
merely commodities to be traded and
landless households.
and develop their own systems of selec-
genetically manipulated. In the last
More recently civil society mounted a
tion and distribution, including seed
decade, food and agriculture have been
persuasive campaign against introducing
exchanges between farmers (e.g. village
caught in the clutches of biotechnology
genetically engineered brinjal into India.
organic seed banks). Farmers who save
and genetic engineering, which is being
This campaign won the support of sensi-
their own seeds can gradually increase
offered as a solution to reduce hunger
tive scientists and farmers, and the move
• Support of industries who seek quality and safety in their products;
crop resistance to pests and diseases
and malnutrition through higher yields.
to allow GM brinjal was put on hold.
by breeding for horizontal resistance.
There are serious doubts about the so-
While an encouraging result, this repre-
• Networking in the NGO world;
This describes the ability of a crop to
called ‘pro-poor biotech’ that is emerging.
sented more a coma, rather than a full
resist many or all strains of a particular
Local companies riding on the back of
stop, on attempts to introduce genetically
pest (and differs from breeding for ver-
the biotechnolgy revolution are more
engineered food crops into the country.
tical resistance, in which the focus is on
concerned with serving the interests of
developing a gene that can resist one
multinational companies than meeting the
Dr. Vanaja Ramprasad is Founder of the
specific strain of a disease). By exposing
needs of marginal farmers. Bt cotton pro-
GREEN Foundation and IFOAM World
a population of plants to a certain disease
vides a concrete example. Bt is the gene-
Board Member
48
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
Our Mission
• Explain and promote sustainable agriculture and animal production in its productive chain, aiming health and life integrity of humans, animals, plants, water, earth and air.
Our activities:
• Organization of national and international seminars and conferences. In 2010 the focus has been public health and quality of living in relation to food security and food origin; • High quality level networking in universities, industry, government, medical and consumer associations, sustainability orientation; • Support of small communities, who strive to protect the social, health, gender, economic sound and environment aspects of common living. Municipality impacts of global warming and food security;
• Consultancy and observatories in medicine, toxicology, agriculture, law and food. Etica da Terra /Instituto Ita Wegman do Brasil has won a special status -OSCIP- from the Ministry of Justice in Brasil in 2010.
Contact
Josiana Arippol E-mail: josiana@eticadaterra.org Tel: +55 11 3443-6423 Av. Brig. Faria Lima, 3729-4o/5o andares CEP: 04538-905 São Paulo/SP/Brasil
Josiana Arippol E-mail: josiana@institutoitawegmandobrasil.org Tel: +55 11 3443-6397 Av. Brig. Faria Lima, 3729-4o/5o andares CEP: 04538-905 São Paulo/SP/Brasil
Our organic seeds grow your success
In the next Issue!
APRIL 2011 // NR 2
Rijk Zwaan is a world-leading specialist in
Coming up in the next issue of Ecology and Farming (April 2011) Greenhouse horticulture: a reaction to the article by
creating high-quality vegetable varieties; also for the organic market. We do this through innovative research & development, led by the needs of our customers. It is our aim to be a
Mike Nichols. Should we allow aquaponics in organic
important for the future than climate change”. A discus-
greenhouses, or should we stick to soil-based horticul-
sion between soil scientists about the need for better soil
ture? This debate will have a big impact on the future
management strategies in organic agriculture.
development of organic greenhouse horticulture and for
knowledgeable, collaborative partner, with infinite respect for
Soil quality: “the loss of soil quality might be even more
the environment. Rijk Zwaan. www.rijkzwaan.com
Salt tolerant crops: producing and marketing of a new range of organic crops. The organic solution for agriculture
existing gardeners. Organic and Health: Machteld Hüber (author of ‘Buy 7
in saline areas.
in 1’) continues with a summary of scientific research on the relative health effects of organic and conventional products. Cocoa: the large players in the cocoa market follow both the short term interests of consumers and a long term interest in sustainable production. What prospects are there for the cocoa market being more organic and
423797RZW_adv187x126.indd 1
03-02-11 09:17
fairer? Integrity: the organic is now worth 50 billion dollars a year and continues to grow rapidly. That makes it
Country report: Turkey, the world leader in the organic
attractive for many entrepreneurs. A group of experts on
production of dried fruits and nuts, is developing new
inspection and certification is worried about the integrity
programmes for organic production, through exports and
of the organic seal and is trying to close the gaps between
developing the domestic market.
legislation, standards, inspection and certification on the
And more news, opinions facts and figures about orga-
one hand and the harsh reality on the ground on the other.
nic farmers and market gardeners, companies, innovations
A report from the ‘fraud team’.
in agriculture and market developments.
CONTACT Publisher Jaap van Westering Editorial staff Peter Brul (editor in chief) Denise Godinho Nick Parrott Contributors to this issue Alexandre Harkaly, Denise Godinho, Edith Lammers van Buren, Mike Nichols, Markus Arbenz, Peter Brul, Inge Vos, Hartwig Mennen, Marina Goldinberg, Machteld Hüber, Vanaja Ramprasad, and Nelleke Veenstra.
Editorial office P.O.Box 696 3740 AP Baarn, The Netherlands T +31 35 88 735 31 F +31 35 54 241 19 E p.brul@ecologyandfarming.com W www.ecologyandfarming.com Lay-out Vilarrica bv, Baarn, The Netherlands Maurice Spithoven (design) Annemieke Praamstra Print Drukkerij van Amerongen, The Netherlands - FSC certified
Advert acquisition Van Westering Groep bv Baarn, The Netherlands T +31 35 88 735 31 Subscriber administration P.O.Box 696 3740 AP Baarn, The Netherlands E subscriptions@ecologyandfarming.com W www.ecologyandfarming.com Subscription Annual fee (2011), frequency of 6 x per year: Companies € 120,NGO’s € 90,IFOAM members can get a reduction of 50%
Ecology and Farming is published by Van Westering Groep bv, Netherlands, under the auspices of IFOAM 50
1-2011 | ECOLOGY & FARMING
ECOLOGY & FARMING | 1-2011
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