Organic Farming 108

The Soil Association journal for the new farmer and grower • WINTER 2011 Issue 108

www.soilassociation.org

VOTE NOW O

nline ballot of producer members (page 9)

The road ahead The Soil Association’s new corporate strategy

Future farming Market prices & trends Technical support Representing you

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issue 108 WINTER 2011

The Soil Association journal for the new farmer and grower • WINTER 2011 ISSuE 108

Welcome

www.soilassociation.org

VOTE NOW

Online ballot of producer members (page 9)

The road ahead The Soil Association’s new corporate strategy

Future farming Market prices & trends Technical support Representing you

ISSN 1464–1224 © Soil Association 2011 Registered charity no.

206862 (England and Wales) Registered charity no.

SC039168 (Scotland) Price £6.95 Published quarterly by the Soil Association South Plaza, Marlborough Street Bristol BS1 3NX 0117 314 5000 info@soilassociation.org www.soilassociation.org Editor Peter Mundy pmundy@soilassociation.org Art editor Suzanne Gent sue.gent@gmail.com Advertising Peter Mundy pmundy@soilassociation.org Subscriptions Membership department memb@soilassociation.org

cover image: ian parfitt

Views expressed in Organic Farming are not necessarily those of the Soil Association or its producer committee. Every effort is made to check the factual accuracy of statements made in the magazine, but no guarantees are expressed or implied. In particular, readers should satisfy themselves about the authenticity of products or inputs advertised. Material may not be reproduced without prior written permission.

The Soil Association Royal Patron HRH Prince of Wales President Monty Don Chair Orna Ni Chionna Chief executive Helen Browning This publication is also available in alternative formats.

Contact 0117 914 2400 or pmundy@soilassociation.org

In the battle to win the hearts and minds of policy makers, organic and agro-ecological systems are often disparaged as a step backwards or as morally irresponsible. Yet the reality is that agro-ecology is an emerging technology, and that unlocking its potential is the key to the future, not the past.

This is just one of the messages within the Soil Association’s new strategy, The Road to 2020. Over the last 50 years colossal sums of public and private money have been spent on research into intensive farming systems, new agrochemicals and genetic engineering.

If a fraction of this research was diverted to truly sustainable approaches, such as understanding soil biology or appropriate breeding strategies for non-intensive systems, there is little doubt that yields would increase, and our environmental impact would decrease. An investment in sustainable food production would also pay dividends by tackling diet-related health, rural employment, food inequality – and more. Of course, all of this would necessitate scientific endeavor and technological innovation on a grand scale. As Joel Salatin, the outspoken U.S. sustainable farmer, recently wrote, “don’t ever let someone disparage eco-farming’s place in this ministry to feed the world.”

As a final word, I would like to say a personal thank you to Phil Stocker, who leaves the Soil Association after 15 years (see page 22). Phil has been a very important figure in my time at the Soil Association and he was always a crucial source of advice and inspiration. So this issue is dedicated to you, Mr. Stocker. Good luck at the NSA.

Peter Mundy, editor

PRODUCER MEMBERSHIP The Soil Association is a membership charity campaigning for planet-friendly food and farming. We believe in the connection between soil, food, the health of people and the health of the planet. Founded in 1946, we drafted the world’s first organic standards 30 years ago and by joining us you can support the transformation of the UK’s food culture, give your beliefs a voice and become part of the solution.

Your copy of Organic Farming magazine is just one of the many benefits of Soil Association producer membership. From our telephone helpline to supplier lists, find out what’s available at:.

www.soilassociation. org/farmersgrowers

Contents opinion your views Opinion and your letters

06

REPRESENTATION FARMER AND GROWER BOARD Building resilience on the farm

08

NEWS cap reform The Soil Association welcomes recent CAP proposals 11 NEWS ROUND-UP Antibiotics, price deal, new FFIS grant – and more

12

market news Our regular report on the key sectors

17

EVENTS Training events, conferences and farm walks

21

42

Can peas and faba beans help reduce reliance on imported soya in UK pig rations?

FEATURES A great ambassador Our farewell to Phil Stocker

22

the road to 2020 COVER FEATURE An overview of the Soil Association’s new strategy

24

into the future The challenges of farm succession

33

solar power Up-to-date advice on going solar on farm

36

organic hero Meet Bob Kennard of Graig Producers

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22

Our loss is the National Sheep Association’s gain

24

A new strategy for the challenges ahead

technical support CERTIFICATION NEWS The latest updates from Soil Association Certification 29

40

green pig production Reducing reliance on imported soya for pigs

42

horse power Is there a role for draught animals in UK growing?

44

spring cereals The latest data from spring cereal trials

46

ask the experts Glasshouse hygiene, green manures, lice – and more

48

book review The newly revised guide to grassland management

50

“Large-scale problems do not require largescale solutions; they require small-scale solutions within a large-scale framework.”

Dr. David Fleming, Energy and the Common Purpose, 2007

40

Diversity can bring increased grassland productivity – and resilience

GETTY, Oliver Crowley

a win-win for legume mixtures Diverse legume mixtures can increase productivity

Opinion

The Road to 2020… and beyond The Soil Association’s role is more relevant than ever, says Molly Conisbee The Road to 2020

ane Towards healthy, hum and sustainable food, farming and land use

Download your copy of The Road to 2020 (see page 27)

T

his year marks the Soil Association’s 65th anniversary.

Founded in 1946 by a pioneering group of scientists, farmers, nutritionists and doctors, its early mission was to educate the public, creating an informed body of opinion around the key relationship between healthy soil, animals and people.

Sixty-five years on and we are facing similar problems in the politics, practicalities and economics of food and farming that our founders grappled with in Post-War Britain. How can we feed ourselves sustainably? What is the connection between the health of the environment and people?

What is the relationship between socio-economic status, diet and

health? Is it possible to challenge the Government’s response of intensive agriculture to future food insecurities with a viable alternative model that will protect small and family farms, place high importance on animal welfare and, crucially, maintain soil fertility through natural means?

This is why our new strategy is more timely and relevant than ever. Organised around the twin pillars of ‘facing the future’ and ‘good food for all’ it aims to promote solutions that meet the needs of people for healthy food, fuel and fibre while protecting the environment. We want to build on our long links with the public health movement, which perhaps finds its strongest contemporary expression through the Food for Life Partnership, by campaigning to ensure that organic, seasonal,

healthy food is accessible to all.

Meeting the challenges of feeding a growing population in the face of climate change, diminishing resources and a fragile global economy will demand innovation, creativity and cooperation. The organic movement does not – and should not – claim to have all the answers.

But we do have some of the most pioneering producers, business people and supporters who have dared to question existing models and mindsets in order to do things in a more sustainable way. From this perspective, we hope that the Soil Association’s founders would approve of what we are trying to do with our new strategy – and work – today.

Molly Conisbee is Soil Association director of external relations

YOUR LETTERS We welcome letters in response to articles or about issues that concern you Sharing our knowledge and principles

T

he work that the Soil Association has been doing on presenting sustainable farming methods as an emerging technology is tremendous. The programmes that have been running in Scotland, such as the climate change programme, have been first class and those non-organic farmers who attended are now making equal use of the findings.

Many of the farmers that have reverted to non-organic are making use of cost saving measures that they learnt while being organic. We need to be advocating more of these principles to the wider farming community, and I am pleased to see this objective at the heart of the Soil Association’s new strategy.

Giles Henry, Oakwood Mill Farm, Selkirk  This reader wins a bottle of Juniper Green Organic Gin (see right)

6 Organic Farming Winter 2011

All farmers can benefit from organic techniques

Write in and win We welcome letters in response to articles or about issues that concern you. The Star Letter wins a bottle of Juniper Green Organic Sloe Gin from the Organic Spirits Company.

Please include your full address and telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for length only.

The Editor Organic Farming South Plaza Marlborough Street Bristol BS1 3NX 0117 314 5000 pmundy@ soilassociation.org A classic winter warmer! Visit www. junipergreen.org

WORTH £25

3 for £20 issues

Subscribe to Organic Farming today and keep up-to-date and informed!

Increasing the number of non-organic farmers we work with is a core objective

Encouraging

Equal principles

I am really encouraged by the Soil Association’s refreshed strategy and feel it’s the right way to go.

I’ve always thought of organic simply as good, efficient farming.

As organic farmers we have no less a responsibility than any other farmers to produce more good food from the same acres to feed a rising global population. The right research and the adoption of new technology and knowledge transfer will help organic farmers to step up a gear, and help non-organic farmers to be more productive, use fewer artificial inputs, and be more profitable.

‘Conventional’ food produced using organic techniques is still progress.

Ainsley Baker, Cheshire

The ‘organic principles’ quoted on page 4 of the Soil Association’s new strategy document are exactly the same principles as those held by all farmers. Finally, we have been shown that there’s no point of difference between organic and other farming systems. ALL farmers have great principles, no matter what their production methods, and that’s the way it should be.

Adrian Weston, from www.soilassociation.org

Embracing all The Road to 2020 is a very promising strategy as it is crucially about starting from where most people are (the public, businesses and farmers) and embracing all.

If everyone took even a small step in the right direction, it will surely have a big impact and shift in understanding, thinking and behaviour. Too often the Soil Association and organic food has been seen as niche, expensive and for the rich.

Lisa Whitehead, by email

Good work As an ordinary farmer on the ground I joined the organic fold in 1999 and enjoyed all the new ideas and pioneering spirit at the time. Of late, however, things seem to have become rather stale and a recent Farmers Guardian front page which stated that organic was not the way ahead, and that the present ‘conventional’ farming with its huge petrochemical inputs was, reveals how far we have strayed from mainstream opinion. We should be pushing the sustainability and animal welfare message even harder. Most people don’t realise, for example, how fast dairy farming is becoming the new factory farming. Keep up the good work and let’s make organic farming interesting again.

Martin P. Whitaker, Gloucestershire

Every issue features the latest technical research and thought provoking commentary on all aspects of organic farming, including:

The Soil Association journal

for the new farmer and

grower • WINTER 2011 ISSuE 108 www.soilassociation.o

rg

VOTE NOW Onlin

e ballot of produ cer members (page 9)

The road ahead

The Soil Association’s new corporate strat egy

Future farming Market prices & trends

Technical support Representing you

free to News and policy issues members Market information and prices Future farming and case studies Comprehensive advertising “Organic Farming provides an invaluable commentary on the organic industry and excellent in-depth technical articles” Stephen Briggs, Abacus Organic Associates

Call 0117

914 2447, visit www.soilassociation.org/ shop or fill out this form

 I would like to subscribe to Organic Farming magazine  Individual (UK) £20 a year  Company (UK) £23 a year  Individual (international inc. Ireland) £26  Company (international inc. Ireland) £29 Title

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 I enclose payment by cheque (made payable to Soil Association) If you wish to pay by credit card or direct debit please call us or visit the website above. Please cut out this form and send to: Soil Association membership department, South Plaza, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS1 3NX

7 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Planting a diverse ley can offer greater resilience to changing weather patterns

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2 3 4

7

6

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8 10 9

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YOUR BOARD MEMBERS The Soil Association farmer and grower board is an elected group of producers who represent the views and interests of other farmers and growers. Being typical producers, the Soil Association will frequently consult with the board on a range of topics. If you have any concerns or issues affecting your business then contact the board – they are here to help and represent you.

1 Gillian Butler Northumberland 01661 830222 gillian.butler@newcastle.ac.uk

8 Adrian Dolby Oxfordshire 01451 843015 adrian@barrington -park.co.uk

2 Alan Schofield Lancashire 01253 790046 enquiries@gwnhome. demon.co.uk

9 Guy Dibble Wiltshire 01793 762196 eastrop@tiscali.co.uk

3 Tom Rigby (coopted from NFU) Cheshire 01942 671020 tom.rigby2@btopenworld.com

10 Pete Richardson Wiltshire 01793 861070 sonia.oliver@btinternet.com

4 Graeme Matravers (Chair) Leicestershire 01509 646413 g@manororganic farm.co.uk

11 Pauline Dixon Gloucestershire 01454 299236 pcdixon@waitrose.com

5 Haydn Evans Carmarthenshire 01994 230313 janet.evans16@ btopenworld.com

12 Oliver Dowding Somerset 01749 812652 oliver.dowding@ sheptonfarms.com

6 Charles Weston Powys 01874 636669 weston.crai@btinternet.com

13 Alan Smith Devon 01395 232223 alansmith@sunnyhaye.com

7 Nick Walton Norfolk 01485 578528 nick@bagthorpefarm.co.uk

14 Ian Noble Cornwall 01840 312646 inoble0656@tiscali.co.uk

8 Organic Farming Winter 2011

FARMER AND GROWER BOARD

Building resilience on the farm

I

am drying beans with thistle down blowing across the yard. Behind me is a field of rape and turnip, which is wilting in the October sun. To my left is a new lucerne ley and in front of me the view my great grand father would have seen when he first visited the farm before taking on the tenancy back in 1917.

It set me thinking as to what has changed in the 95 years since.

It also reminded me of a Soil Association farmer and grower board meeting at which Patrick Holden described his farm and how he was trying to make his farm business both sustainable and resilient; that ability to remain viable when conditions got tough.

The floods of 2007, when our whole farm yard was under water, convinced me that I needed to make our farm more resilient to the climate and the wider economy.

The biggest single change we have made is to diversify the plants we now grow for forage, moving

from ryegrass and clover to grazing leys which now contain nine species: three types of clover, cocksfoot, timothy, ryegrass, sainfoin, trefoil and chicory.

This ley is the only thing that has remained green at times this year.

While the management is more challenging, the calves have done well on it.

We have also planted lucerne for the first time on some shallow ground, expecting its deep roots to provide more reliable yields than red clover. It also has the advantage of being a disease break from red clover. Good quality forage is the driver of my business, with 85% of our milk produced from forage. While this buffers me from changes in concentrate prices, and keeps production costs low, it leaves us susceptible to dry summers.

Only time will tell whether these small changes will keep us here for the next 95 years.

Guy Dibble sits on the Soil Association farmer and grower board

FARMER AND GROWER BOARD MEETINGS • Tuesday 21 February 2012 (Bristol) Discuss the issues that matter to you with the farmer and grower board members (left)

THINKSTOCK

11

5

Representation

It has been a massive privilege

One man and his dog: Phil Stocker moves to the National Sheep Association in November

Phil Stocker bids a farewell to colleagues and friends as he moves to the National Sheep Association

B

y the time you read this I will have left the Soil Association and started my new life at the National Sheep Association. I am certain I am doing the right thing but that doesn’t make leaving the Soil Association any easier.

You would struggle to find a more energised organisation or a more committed and driven staff.

Sadly, it’s not often recognised but there can be few other organisations that are doing more for the future of our food culture and our farming methods.

It’s been a massive privilege to work with the thousands of farmers and growers who make up

our membership. You couldn’t find a more pioneering, aware, forward thinking and fun loving group of producers anywhere.

All I can hope is that I have helped the movement progress and made a difference for as many of you as possible.

The last 15 years have been life changing for me. I have learnt a huge amount, from the global environmental and land use perspective to the detailed practical application of many techniques. I now understand soils and the role of soil life to an extent that I couldn’t have even dreamt of 15 years ago; perhaps tellingly, this came after over 20 years as a conventional ‘son of the soil’. I also now recognise that the values held by the organic

movement reside in a lot of people who don’t always necessarily make an automatic connection with the Soil Association’s work.

Yet all these positive comments don’t make life easier for farming, even if they do make it more fulfilling. I heard a well known member recently comment that their vegetable growing activities were hugely successful in all ways, adding dryly “except financially” – and there is the irony and the outstanding challenge. We all know how tough the market is.

But growth will return and, even

though it may present challenges, we should see the gradual greening of wider farming as part of our success story.

I leave the Soil Association confident that its vision and determination is solid, supported by a group of hugely committed staff and members. Many of our paths will undoubtedly cross again. I look forward to that.

Phil Stocker is director of farmer and grower relations. Read his final blog at www.soilassociation. org/blogs

Make your vote count – online The Soil Association farmer and grower board is a 16-strong body of men and women, elected by Soil Association producer members across the UK. The 2011 online ballot* of Soil Association producer members will decide who is elected to the board. Six candidates are standing for one elected position:

Gillian Butler

Paul Coates

Kate Edwards

John Pawsey

Alan Schofield

Chris Walton

The ballot closes at 5pm on Friday 10 February 2012. The candidate who receives the most votes will be elected to the board. If you have any questions – * or you cannot vote online – call 0117 914 2400. Results will be published in a future edition of Organic Farming magazine.

To read their resumés – and to vote online – visit

www.soilassociation.org/farmersgrowers 9 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Head of Farmer Relations Full time or part time | Competitive salary Location flexible but requiring regular presence in Bristol and regular travel across the UK The Soil Association is a membership charity that believes in the vital connection between soil, food, the health of people and the health of the planet. Our goal is to deliver solutions for healthy, humane and resilient food, farming and land use. We are the foremost organic charity and today we have 40,000 public members and supporters and a strong reputation for effecting change.

We are recruiting for a Head of Farmer Relations to represent farming interests internally and externally on behalf of the Soil Association. This role will champion the voice of the farming community, ensuring that its views are represented and our work is of relevance.

Soil Association South Plaza Marlborough Street Bristol BS1 3NX

S/he will be required to influence policy makers to support best practice in organic and sustainable farming, and with a sound technical knowledge of farming practices s/he will lead the provision and development of an accessible and high quality technical support service.

T 0117 314 5000 F 0117 314 5001

This role will work closely with the Soil Association’s elected Farmer and Grower Board to develop and manage effective relations with their respective communities. Internally s/he will be expected to play a strategic role as a member of our Senior Management Team.

www.soilassociation.org

For more details please visit www.soilassociation.org/jobs

Registered charity no. 206862

Closing date for applications Friday 16 January 2012

Processing Standards Committee Seeking new members A unique opportunity to take part in developing our organic food standards Our Processing Standards Committee is one of seven standards committees at the heart of our standards development, feeding in the practical and technical knowledge to ensure our standards remain relevant, practical and pioneering.

We are seeking candidates with skills and/or expertise, either production, technical or academic, in the following sectors:  Baby food  Bakery  Fresh produce (salads, fruit and vegetables)  Meat, poultry, fish The committee meets up to three times a year, usually in Bristol or London.

Standards committee member positions are voluntary; however, we reimburse travel and reasonable subsistence expenses.

Soil Association South Plaza Marlborough Street Bristol BS1 3NX T 0117 314 5000 F 0117 314 5001 www.soilassociation.org Registered charity no. 206862

We are looking for candidates with:  Empathy with our aims and objectives  Excellent experience of the organic food manufacturing sector  Experience of working to reach collective decisions.

Standards committee members join as individuals, not as representatives of companies or any commercial interest. By becoming involved you will add your voice to the other one hundred plus professionals involved in Soil Association standards development.

If you are interested, please contact Isabel Griffiths, Standards Manager (igriffiths@soilassociation.org) by 31 January 2012

NEWS

MAIN NEWS STORY PIC

Dacian Ciolo, EC commissioner for agriculture and rural development, on a recent farm visit in Belgium

Soil Association Welcomes CAP Reform The Soil Association has welcomed draft legislative proposals for the current round of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, announced in late October

European Union, 2011

E

uropean agriculture commissioner, Dacian Ciolos, has announced plans to reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013, which aim to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability and permanence of agriculture throughout the EU. “The coming decades will be crucial in laying the foundations for a strong agriculture, able to deal with climate change and international competition, while meeting public expectations,” says Ciolos.

Key points include a ‘Green’ payment for preserving long-term productivity and ecosystems, a doubling of the budget for agricultural research and innovation, and a commitment to encouraging agri-environmental initiatives at national, regional and local level. Under the green payment proposal, the Commission is proposing to spend 30% of direct payments specifically for the improved use of natural resources. Organic producers have no additional requirements as they are shown to provide a clear ecological benefit.

“We welcome the European commissioner’s strong

focus on stimulating employment in farming and on greening the CAP,” says Peter Melchett, Soil Association policy director. “We support the compulsory 30% allocation of Pillar 1 payments to benefit the climate and the environment, and we are pleased that the environmental benefits of organic farming have been recognised by the fact that organic producers automatically qualify for the 30% greening element.”

In the Rural Development element (Pillar 2) the “new separate measure” for organic farming, designed to give organic farming “greater visibility”, could be particularly important for UK organic farmers, who currently receive lower Pillar 2 payments than any other EU Member State. “We are anxious that the innovative role of organic farming is recognised through strong involvement in the new Innovation Partnership,” says Peter Melchett. “We have been feeding into the CAP reform process, along with the IFOAM EU group, the Organic Research Centre and others, and talking to a range of UK MEPs about the benefits of organic farming.”

“The coming decades will be crucial…”

FIND OUT MORE Help us make the case for a fair CAP for organic producers. Write to your MEP with your views. Find suggestions of content and contact details at www.soilassociation. org/CAP

11 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Antibiotic alert

Innovations role

A report by the newly formed Alliance to Save Antibiotics has identified an alarming rise in new farm superbugs that are now passing to humans.

The new report – Case Study of a Health Crisis – links the rise in superbugs to the fact that nearly 50% of all antibiotics are used in farming and that one of the fundamental causes of food and animal-related antibiotic resistance is factory farming. The Alliance is calling for the overall use of antibiotics on EU farms to be halved by 2015 – with an emphasis on ending all routine, prophylactic use and major restrictions on the farm use of antibiotics that are ‘critically important’ in human medicine.

“Organic farmers have shown it is entirely possible to raise healthy animals with minimal use of antibiotics,” says Richard Young, Soil Association policy adviser. “We cannot get rid of factory farming overnight, but we could immediately start a Europewide programme of change to look after animals in ways that naturally keep them healthy.”

The Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics was formed by Compassion in World Farming, Soil Association and Sustain.

Download the report at www. soilassociation.org/antibiotics

The Soil Association has appointed Dr Tom MacMillan as its new director of innovation.

Dr MacMillan was director of the Food Ethics Council since 2003 and has helped to establish the think tank as a leading and respected voice on food policy.

Starting in late November, Dr MacMillan brings the right blend of research credibility and academic rigour to support the Soil Association’s work in developing innovation in practice.

“I’m really excited to take on this new role at the Soil Association, as it will allow me to use so much of what I’ve learned at the Food Ethics Council,” said Dr MacMillan. “My brief will be to strengthen the Soil Association’s approach to scientific research, the use of evidence and developing best practice, within a bold new strategy that refocuses on promoting innovation and social justice.”

SAVE OUR ANTIBIOTICS

LTH CRISIS CASE STUDY OF A HEA How human health is

under threat from over-use

A report for the Alliance

e livestock farming of antibiotics in intensiv

to Save Our Antibiotics

1

12 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Price scheme Organic livestock producer group Graig Producers and meat processor Dunbia have agreed a guaranteed price scheme in an effort to encourage British farmers to produce organic lamb year-round.

The new agreement guarantees minimum prices for five months, from £4/kg in January, rising to £4.70 in May 2012, as well as an agreed year-round minimum organic premium of 10p/kg.

“This is positive news for Graig’s 400-plus producers – and for the organic livestock sector as a whole,” says Phil Stocker, Soil Association director of farmer and grower relations. “This type of contract is essential to give confidence to store buyers and finishers, and shows that retailers, processors and producer groups can work collaboratively for the benefit of all.”

Conference 2012 Book your place now for the Soil Association’s celebrating innovation in food and farming today

T

ickets are now on sale for the Soil Association’s annual conference 2012, entitled ‘Facing the future: Innovation in food and farming.’ This year the conference is a one day event and takes place on 2 March at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London.

“To be called an innovation, an idea must be replicable at an economical cost and must satisfy a specific need,” says Molly Conisbee, the Soil Association’s director of external relations. “Our conference will explore the exciting scientific and technical progress being made by organic and low-input farmers, and how these innovations can be harnessed to provide food which is not only healthy for us all, but also for the planet.

“If the current model of food and farming is ‘unsustainable’, then we need to galvanise the finest thinkers, technologists,

scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs and teachers to develop new ways of feeding a growing world population now and in the future. Our conference is an important step towards achieving this goal.”

The event will consist of a morning plenary session devoted to exploring the role innovation can play in food and farming, followed by a panel discussion.

The afternoon will shift to workshop sessions, with each group charged with developing potential innovations within food and farming. The day will close with a keynote address on the urgent need for innovation and best practice to be shared so that we can provide good food for all. The organic lunch will be sourced from local producers.

“The Soil Association conference is always a truly

NEWS

Cert News

The survey provides a good indication of farmers’ experiences of bTB and Johne’s

Soil Association Certification licensees will now receive updates on Soil Association standards and regulations through Organic Farming magazine.

“As the majority of our licensees already read Organic Farming, integrating Certification News within the magazine makes a lot of sense,” says Rob Sexton, chief executive officer, SA Certification. “The new section, which sits in the centre pages, will contain all necessary updates to standards and guidance, as before. We will be providing electronic versions, too – to receive Certification News by email contact certnews@soilassociation.org”.

The Royal Horticultural Halls in London will play host to the Soil Association 2012 conference

“The conference is always a truly stimulating and inspiring event” stimulating and inspiring event,” says Helen Browning, Soil Association chief executive. “I am looking forward to the day’s discussion and the opportunity to share our own work, as well as to learn about the work of people who are pioneering change in food, farming, public health and nutrition.”

Book now For further information about the conference – and to book tickets – visit www.soilassociation.org/ conference. Early bird discount available until Monday 2 January 2012. Call 0117 987 4586 or email landrews@soilassociation.org

400,000 Catering Mark accredited meals are served each day

Top nosh The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has achieved a bronze Food for Life Catering Mark for all 90 of its primary, nursery and special schools.

The award means one of the most culturally and financially diverse inner-city boroughs, with the highest number of free school meals in the UK, is serving food that is fresh and free from controversial additives to the borough’s children every day.

The borough catering team achieved this without increasing their budget, by switching suppliers and being part of a London-wide buying group.

Around the world Highlights from international journals and websites Bats provide free and effective pest control

Electro danger

Fumigated horns

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from cellular telecommunications can harm bees, birds, bats and other animals. Many creatures have an inbuilt compass that uses the Earth’s natural electromagnetic fields to navigate and migrate. Research suggests that some types of EMFs are capable of disarming an animal’s immune systems and navigational abilities.

Organic NZ, March/April 2011

Do imported horns – which are fumigated with atmospheric formaldehyde – still produce high quality biodynamic preparation?

Researchers in New Zealand carried out trials making preparation 500. They found that the age of the horns – not the fumigation – may hold greater implications for preparation quality.

Harvests, vol.63, no.1, 2011

Death from above

Nano-problems

Bats can be a farmer’s friend, providing free and effective pest control services over farm fields and orchards. Installing bat boxes and houses on long stilts in fields can encourage bat activity. For practical advice visit www.batcon.org Acres USA, November 2011

Scientists at the University of Plymouth have shown that nanoparticles have a detrimental effect on the brain and the nervous system of animals. Rainbow trout were exposed to titanium oxide particles, widely used as a whitening agent. The particles caused vacuoles (holes) in the brain and other nerve damage.

Acres USA, November 2011

Carbon calc A computer-based tool is now available to help growers to estimate the amount of organic matter returned to soil following different crop rotations and soils amendments. The C-Calc program calculates organic carbon inputs for each crop based on crop yields and the amount of residual organic matter after harvest.

Australian Organic Producer, spring 2011

An orange a day U.S. researchers have found that orange byproducts can reduce gastric populations of Salmonella and E. coli in cattle, sheep and pigs. Orange peel and pulp contain compounds which have an antimicrobial effect in the animal’s gut.

Agricultural Research, November/December 2011

13 Organic Farming Winter 2011

NEWS FFIS grants can be used for new mechanical equipment to process timber

News in brief Stop press

Arable bonus

The Food for Life Partnership has just been awarded the prestigious BBC Radio 4 Derek Cooper Award at the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2011 for its work to increase access to, and knowledge and appreciation of, good food. Congratulations also to Loch Arthur Creamery, Dumfries, and the True Food Community Co-operative Ltd., Berkshire, for winning the Best Food Producer category and Best Retail Initiative, respectively.

Numerous other organic food and farming businesses were shortlisted, which is a fantastic achievement in itself.

Organic Arable has just announced a loyalty bonus payment to its members.

Established by farmers in 1999 to ensure a fair deal for its members and its trading partners, Organic Arable members will receive up to £900, depending on the tonnage they sold through the company last year.

Shetland wins PDO

New grants scheme Defra announces new £20 million fund for farming, horticultural and forestry businesses

SHETLAND ORGANICS

A

griculture minister Jim Paice has launched the new £20 million fund to help rural businesses in England increase profits and reduce their impact on the environment.

Under the new Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme, farmers, foresters and horticulturalists can apply for grants of up to £25,000 to invest in green projects and new machinery so their businesses can grow in an environmentally friendly way.

“Businesses can apply for funding to help them to save, recycle and reuse rainwater, reduce or recover energy, or to improve the health and welfare of farm animals,” says Tim Perrett, Soil Association senior producer adviser. “Grants are also available to improve soil quality and encourage better use of farm slurries and manures. Money can also be invested in new mechanical equipment to process timber more efficiently, giving land owners a financial incentive to manage woodland and improve biodiversity.”

Under the scheme, all farmers, foresters, contractors and horticulturalists in England can apply for grants of between £2,500 and £25,000. Applications will be assessed on whether or not they meet one or more key objectives.

Funds will be allocated between now and December 2013. The Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme is part of Defra’s Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information on the Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme contact your local RDPE delivery team or visit www.defra.gov.uk

14 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Native Shetland wool is set to secure protected status, following an application made six years ago by Shetland Organics. The wool will gain Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) under the EU’s Protected Food Name scheme and will become the UK’s first nonfood and drink product to be registered under the scheme.

Rugby success Organic naturally flavoured milk supplier Daioni has signed a three year deal to become Official Wales Rugby League Community Partner. The Daioni brand will appear on the back of the Wales National shirt.

Use your vote Voting is now open for the Soil Association farmer and grower board. Soil Association producer members will decide who is elected to the board, with six candidates putting their names forward for one elected place. Voting closes on Friday 10 February 2012 (see page 9).

Welsh signs Welsh organic farmers can now inform walkers when the land under their feet is organic with the launch of new bi-lingual ‘Tir Organig’ footpath signs from the Better Organic Business Links Project. The signs are available free to certified organic farms. Call 01970 622248.

Sustainable cities October saw the launch of a UK-wide Sustainable Food Cities Network. Supported by the Soil Association, Cooperatives UK, FareShare, Food Matters, Garden Organic, Plunkett Foundation, and Sustain, the Network will help cities to develop and promote healthy and sustainable food programmes and promote the key role food can play in dealing with some of today’s most pressing problems. Watch this space.

PDO status for Native Shetland wool

You could say we’re obsessed about organic feed efficiency As the UK’s leading supplier of organic livestock feeds we admit to being a little obsessive with feed efficiency or F2M. And with rising costs we all know how important it is to maximise F2M. We’ve devised two unique analysis services to help.

Visiolac measures milk fatty acid profiles to identify any deficiencies in the diet, and it3 our new formulation system allows you to control levels of beneficial fatty acids in the diet using combinations of forage and concentrate feeds.

Used with any of our organic compound feeds and blends they’re powerful tools in the battle to keep feed costs down and performance up.

For further information contact one of our organic specialists: National

Mike Thompson National Manager

07802 173113

South

Eddie Summers

07803 286812

Organic Raw Materials

North

Far West

North West & Midlands

Jack Cordery 07802 173238 Raw Materials Manager Roger Richards

07803 286909

Gordon Russell

Alison Ewing

07803 286755

07803 286788

Wales

James Wilyman

Scotland

Greg Leishman

Ireland

Neil Simcock

07803 286909

07803 286831

07803 286761

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U.K. Distributor Elsoms Seeds Ltd. Spalding Tel: +44 (0)1775-715000 Fax: +44 (0)1775-715001 E-mail: seed@elsoms.com Website: www.elsoms.com

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www.bejo.com 20-01-11 15:23

market news

Organic market update Finn Cottle looks at the state of play in the organic market, including the latest data from Kantar on sales through the major multiple retailers

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his winter has seen a renewed focus on price cutting and competitiveness across the major retailers. Such an unnecessary focus on offering cheap food for sale seems to be addictive for some and distracts the promiscuous consumer from valuing good food. For the last six months, however, the organic market has generally stabilised, suggesting that loyal consumers remain committed to keeping organic options in their shopping baskets.

Organic September raised the profile of the organic ranges on shelf. Our own price survey at the time proved that organic is very accessible; we recorded a 4% premium for an average organic shopping basket compared to a non-organic equivalent with offers included. Almost all of the major retailers engaged in promotions during the month, while countless smaller retailers, organic processors and producers also marked the event.

For now, the market continues to show a decline of -4% (Kantar data to 4 September 2011). Babyfood, fresh poultry and meat remain the best performing categories,

at +11.3%, +9.1% and +5.2%, respectively. The strongest increases in sales are in sectors where brands are forging ahead through innovation and marketing campaigns or where the retail brand is being supported with more affordable pricing and on-shelf promotions. Fresh fruit and vegetables remain in decline but the situation is gradually improving with a -1.9% and -2.8% decline, respectively. Two of the key dairy categories continue to grow well, with yoghurts at +5.9% and butter at +16.8%.

At a recent Soil Association trade briefing, Ocado’s Lawrence Hene shared positive news on their sales performance across organic ranges – achieved through depth of range and choice – proving that consumers will choose organic if it is available. Future market performance depends on this choice being available more widely in both supermarkets and independent stores, and the price becoming more affordable.

Above: September was a strong month for organic sales at retailers

FIND OUT MORE Look out for the Facing the Future market update session at the Soil Association conference on 2 March 2012.

Visit www.soilassociation. org/conference

Finn Cottle is Soil Association trade consultant. fcottle@soilassociation.org

17 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Market information Compiled by the Soil Association’s trade and producer support team, in collaboration with key contacts in the organic market

ARABLE I hope that most of you will have recovered from the shock of reviewing your grain drying costs this year. In contrast to the rest of the year, the harvest period was wet. After an arid spring, rains finally arrived for most in June to boost crop growth. However, the weather proved catchy throughout the UK during harvest – none worst than for producers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, who reported only eight good harvest days in August.

All things considered, traders report that quality and quantity is generally good, so heavy bushel weights should hopefully offset some drying costs. Somewhat predictably, the market is currently hanging in the balance. Feedmills are not purchasing too far forward, in the hope that prices will drop back (as has happened in the non-organic market), while cereal prices across the water are tempting to traders, even with the additional haulage. Expanding organic markets in many EU states are driving firmer prices. In France, for example, BioFil report that over 3,150 new farmers started conversion between 1 January and 30 June (that’s 17 a day), with a total of 34,000 producers and 845, 440ha (4.6%) now under conversion or converted. The arable area is estimated at 20% of

land area, so cereal undersupply is likely to continue.

With the weather turning colder feed grain volumes will start to move. Keep in touch with your merchant, as I believe many are not as covered as they may say, and last minute phone calls for loads off farm are likely to occur.

Tim Perrett is senior producer adviser at the Soil Association

DAIRY So which side of the rain cloud were you on? It really was a tale of two halves for producers in the latter half of this year, and we urge anyone with excess forage to advertise on the Organic Marketplace to help others over the winter.

Data from the DairyCo does not provide encouraging reading, with liquid milk sales declining 10 million litres since March 2011.

However, processed products continue to grow, or at least hold their market share, leading to a slight increase in demand. The organic surplus is mainly going into growing European markets; however, these markets are temporary, with 1,000s of new organic converts across the EU this year (see arable report).

Attracting UK customers back to liquid milk remains the most pressing issue for the entire

KEEP UP TO DATE For up to date price data call the Soil Association’s trade and producer support team on 0117 914 2400 or visit

www.soilassociation.org/pricedata

18 Organic Farming Winter 2011

industry, including organic. With products such as ‘filtered’ milk attracting consumer interest at higher retail values, organic must show that it’s ‘whiter than the white’.

New innovations such as Calon Wen’s QR packaging codes, which instantly deliver the story of that container of milk to smart phones, should be applauded.

Data from DairyCo reveals a rolling average organic and nonorganic milk price of 31ppl and 26.3ppl, respectively. While high concentrate prices over the winter will mean that margins remain tight for most, news of OMSCo’s recent additional payments, together with the favourable supply/demand curves, continued environmental support payments, and no new entrants into organic milking, should hopefully provide grounds for some optimism in 2012.

Tim Perrett is senior producer adviser at the Soil Association

HORTICULTURE Overall, it seems that 2011 was not a bad year for most growers – particularly in comparison to 2009–2010. Regular, but not excessive, rain suited many crops, although squashes and beans were not so successful. Worryingly, a lack of pollinating insects was cited by some as a major cause of failure in certain crops.

In light of the slight rallying of sales, the feeling among delegates at our recent Horticultural Symposium was one of cautious optimism, tempered by the recognition that there is still a huge amount of work to do to win

market news back the ‘lighter green’ consumer.

During the event we conducted a survey and most respondents reported a small increase in sales over 2010, predicting another small increase next year. Supplies to farmers’ markets and private catering outlets seem to be the main areas of increase.

Other key highlights at the event included confirmation that very local and dark green customers have remained mostly loyal. A particularly interesting presentation examined the disparity in approach between the different supermarkets, with Waitrose’s commitment to organic resulting in greater market share, with Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and M&S also doing well on some lines. The Co-Operative and (particularly) Tesco, however, have seen their organic market share decrease. Buying groups were also highlighted as an opportunity for growers of all sizes to bridge the gap between very local direct sales and the wholesale market.

You’ll find a lot more information on buying groups on our website – see www.soilassociation.org/ organicbuyinggroups Ben Raskin is horticulture adviser at the Soil Association

livestock At the time of writing, abattoirs were reporting some lighter weights and leaner gradings for cattle and sheep, following grass shortages in parts of the country.

However, cattle have generally finished well throughout the summer and most continued to thrive following a late flush of grass this autumn. Supplies are likely to get tight towards the end of the year and into early 2012, in line with normal seasonal fluctuations.

On the lamb front, supply and demand remains fairly in balance, with lambs finishing well off grass. Quality forage has resulted in consistently good weights for most. Organic producers have been fortunate to benefit from strong non-organic prices and, as in previous years, large numbers of store lambs were sold into nonorganic markets. We need more cooperation across the supply chain to help reverse this trend – including information on forward pricing from abattoirs. So it is

great to see that Graig Producers are making real headway in overcoming this issue, having recently secured an agreement for guaranteed minimum prices and organic premiums (see page 12). If you have organic stores for sale, contact Gareth Lewis at Graig Producers on 01597 851704.

Hopefully, by the time you read this, the anticipated seasonal rise in demand for organic meat – and subsequent price rises – will have been realised.

Egg producers who supply the multiple retailers have had an extremely difficult trading year, and many are now looking to diversify into additional enterprises to help contribute towards the substantial financial investment in poultry infrastructure. The message seems clear: an increased egg price is desperately needed. Although some pig producers unfortunately left the sector this year, the organic pig market remains relatively stable at present. We cannot stress enough the importance of forward planning and securing your market before considering organic pig production.

Astrid Toner is senior producer adviser at the Soil Association

New opportunities The latest adverts on the Organic Marketplace Forage Somerset 350 x square bales red and white clover (290kgs) DM 60–62%; protein 13-14%.

David Jukes 07921 191639 H35W Wanted livestock Herefordshire Wanted: Lleyn or Lleyn x ewes or ewe lambs.

Daniel Seaborne 01432 870566 G7235

Machinery Ceredigion Three-row Accord module planter, adjustable gearbox gives a wide range of spacings. Plus rigid module trays and Allibert potato chitting trays.

Ian Sumpter 07837 912108 G5980 Dairy cattle Cheshire 20 x Friesian cows, to calf in June.

Sold under TB restrictions.

Rob Bostock 01829 250308 G5973

Beef (stores) Herefordshire 4 x 6–12 month organic Aberdeen Angus steers.

Mary Jones 01432 277283 G9135 To advertise your items, search what is available or place a wanted advert visit www.soilassociation.org/ organicmarketplace

19 Organic Farming Winter 2011

100% ORGANIC - 100% EFFECTIVE? ORGANyx plus Fully approved 100% organic feed, suitable for year round feeding to all cattle and sheep. Ideal for flushing ewes and tups, growing/finishing lambs at grass, breeding bulls and also growing/finishing cattle at grass.

Corrects nutrient deficiencies Improves forage digestibility (+10% approx.)

Stimulates and improves intakes (+ 13%) Improves animal health and performance.

ORGANyx GARlIC With all the advantages of Organyx Plus but with the additional benefit of garlic to naturally help protect your cattle and sheep against airborne biting insects.

For more information call the Caltech Helpline: 016973 32592 email: info@caltech-crystalyx.co.uk www.caltech-crystalyx.co.uk

“WE’VE GOT IT LICKED!”

EVENTS

Local and national events Training days, farm walks, conferences – find the events that matter. For updates visit www.soilassociation.org/events Soil Association conference 2012 2 March 2012 Royal Horticultural Halls, London The Soil Association’s annual conference 2012 celebrates innovation in food and farming, using the two major themes of our organisation’s strategy: Facing the Future, which explores the exciting scientific and technical progress being made in organic and low-input farming systems; and Good Food for All, which contributes to the important debate about food, public health and social justice. An early bird booking rate is available until Monday 2 January 2012. Visit www.soilassociation.org/conference or call 0117 987 4586.

5–6 January The Oxford Real Farming Conference

SAC Organic Producer Conference 9 February 2012 Murrayshall House Hotel, Perthshire Organic Prospects and Opportunities: this event will provide an extensive overview of the organic sector and future prospects. Call 01224 711073 or email caroline.shahin@sac.co.uk

2 March Soil Association Conference 2012

The Oxford Real Farming conference

Organic Producer Conference

5–6 January 2012 Magdalen College, Oxford Established in 2010 as the ‘alternative’ farming conference, this two day event includes a series of 10 fringe sessions on different aspects of Real Farming. www.oxfordrealfarming conference.org

17–18 January 2012 Aston University, Birmingham Developing better organic systems: a meeting of innovative organic producers, consultants and researchers to debate ideas and be inspired. Call 01488 658279 or visit www. organicresearchcentre.com

Energy Now Expo 2012

BioFach 2012: The World Organic Trade Fair 15–18 February 2012 Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, Germany Join over 2,500 exhibitors and 44,000 visitors from over 120 countries for this annual international event. Visit www.biofach.de/en

17–18 January Organic Producer Conference

15–16 February Energy Now Expo

15–16 February, 2012 Malvern Showground, Worcestershire A two-day conference and exhibition to help farmers and landowners explore the opportunities for renewable energy. For more information visit www.energynowexpo.co.uk

Agricultural Buildings Show

Keep up-to-date

27 March 2012 NAC Showground, Coventry The reference point covering all faces of farm buildings, including farm buildings, fuel and slurry storage, livestock handling equipment, cubicles, gates, structural planning advice and much more. www.farm-smart.co.uk/abs

www.soilassociation.org/events

with Soil Association and other events at

Get the free monthly Soil Association producer news email – simply send an email with ‘subscribe’ to

producernews@soilassociation.org

27 March 2012 Agricultural Buildings Show

Find other local and national events at: Organic Centre Wales www.organic.aber.ac.uk Organic Farmers & Growers www.organicfarmers.org.uk Organic Growers Alliance www.newoga.org.uk

21 Organic Farming Winter 2011

A Great Ambassador Helen Browning looks back at Phil Stocker’s outstanding contribution to the organic movement during his 15 years at the Soil Association

I

think I am in denial about Phil Stocker’s recent move to pastures new at the National Sheep Association.

We worked together so closely for so long that it will take some getting used to.

During his 15 years at the Soil Association, Phil’s commitment to farmer and grower members was second to none and he was always such a great ambassador for the organisation – and for organic farming. Respected, valued and loved by so many, both inside and outside the Soil Association, I thought I would contact some of the individuals and organisations who Phil worked with about his achievements.

of independent organic marketing groups,” says Bob Kennard, of Graig Producers. “But while he is utterly dedicated to organic farming, Phil always maintained a joined-up approach, realising that organic farming does not operate in a vacuum.” These values were echoed by OMSCo’s Huw Bowles. “In my seven years at OMSCo, Phil has been a constant link to organic producers,” he says. “He has always brought the producers’ point of view to the fore. Most organic producers see themselves first and foremost as part of the UK farming community.

Phil recognised this and always endeavoured to achieve harmony with our non-organic neighbours.”

Producer groups Throughout his tenure, Phil has championed the importance of producer groups and cooperatives in the organic market, and the principles of cooperation and collaboration across the supply chain. “From the campaign to save the smaller abattoirs back in 1999–2000, to the more recent Organic Beef and Sheep Development Group, Phil has been a solid supporter

Representation No one can doubt Phil’s commitment to making sure the voice of farmers and growers was always heard. “Phil’s support for the producers whom he served has been exemplary,” remembers Patrick Holden of the Sustainable Food Trust, and former Soil Association director. “His extraordinary qualities include his total integrity, his incredible commitment to the cause of the producer

22 Organic Farming Winter 2011

KATRIN HOCBERG

people

movement, and his capacity always to look on the positive side of things.”

During a recent chat, Peter Melchett, the Soil Association’s policy director, reminded me of the role Phil played in the negotiations for both conversion and ongoing payments for the environmental benefits of organic farming. Phil played a crucial role in getting the NFU and CLA to agree to proposals that we worked on with Natural England for a scheme that subsequently became the English Organic Entry Level Scheme.

Lawrence Woodward of Whole Organic Plus, and former director of the Organic Research Centre, also remembers Phil’s pivotal role. “To use a cricketing metaphor, Phil plays the long game with a straight bat, but is always open to nicking an opportunistic quick single,” he says. “This was exemplified in the protracted discussions with Defra over what became the Organic Entry Level Scheme, where Phil played a blinder, and it is fair to say that many organic producers have benefited greatly.”

“Phil’s presence at the heart of the movement has ensured that farmers and growers are always represented at all levels,” adds Graeme Matravers, of Manor Farm, Leicestershire, and chair of the Soil Association farmer and grower board. “All of us on the farmer and grower board will miss his in depth awareness of how to get things done and how organisations work.” Phil’s diplomacy skills were forged in the late 1990s when he brought together growers and seed representatives to address the impending requirement for organic seed. “Those early meetings of the Seed Working Group became legendary due to the

disgruntled nature of the attendees,” remembers Ian Wilkinson, of Cotswold Seeds. “But this is where Phil came in to his own: his ability to sooth ruffled feathers and move things along was a sight to see.”

“Phil is well known among the grower community,” says Alan Schofield, of the Organic Growers Alliance (OGA). “He has always been my first port of call when something pressing has arisen in the grower’s world. A true diplomat, Phil carried out this role to the letter and will be missed by OGA members.”

OPPOSITE: It's not a sheep but it will do. Phil on the farm THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Fishing with his family. One man and his dog. Taking a soil sample at Laverstoke Park. Phil and Helen Browning. With the farmer and grower board at the Royal Oak, Bishopstone

"Phil played a crucial role in getting the NFU and CLA to agree to proposals…"

The future Our loss is the NSA’s gain, but it’s interesting that most people I spoke to commented that Phil’s appointment is a reflection not only of his unique skills and qualities, but also the growing importance of the organic approach in mainstream UK agriculture.

We will all miss Phil’s wonderful humour and his ability to keep things in perspective through all the trials and tribulations. I would like to echo the sentiments of all the contributors here and, on behalf of the entire staff at the Soil Association, wish Phil the best of luck for the future.

Not that he’ll need it.

Helen Browning is chief executive of the Soil Association. Phil Stocker joins the National Sheep Association as chief executive officer

23 Organic Farming Winter 2011

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

COVER STORY

The road to

2020

The launch of the Soil Association’s new corporate strategy marks a reaffirming of the organisation’s direction – and its key priorities for the future

T

GETTY

he resources that we rely on to produce our food – water, soil, oil, phosphates – are running out. The global population continues to grow. Dietary changes, especially the increased consumption of sugar, refined carbohydrates and processed foods, are leading to an epidemic of diet-related ill health. Changing weather patterns, trade policies and commodity speculation have all conspired to increase food prices, heightening inequalities between rich and poor.

It is in this context that the Soil Association launches its new corporate strategy, The Road to 2020: Towards healthy, humane and sustainable food, farming and land use. With a refreshed mission – to deliver solutions which will secure healthy, humane and sustainable food, farming and land use – The Road to 2020 builds on the Soil Association’s past successes and shows how our activities will focus around two major themes: ‘Facing the future’ and ‘Good food for all’. Both themes are underpinned by an ongoing commitment to supporting others to deliver healthy, humane and sustainable food, farming and land use solutions.

Facing the future While there is widespread consensus that business as usual in our food and farming system is no longer an option, two very different approaches are put forward as solutions. The first advocates the continuation of the trend towards specialisation, often industrialisation, increased farm size, fewer jobs and higher inputs. The other seeks a more human scale, diverse and equitable approach with low inputs and more jobs. The Soil Association’s role is to show that this more humane approach – equally rooted in robust science and supported by an extensive evidence base – can genuinely secure a viable future for all of the Earth’s citizens while enhancing the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

Under the theme of ‘facing the future’, the Soil Association will work to bring farming practices ever closer to the core organic principles of care, ecology, health and fairness.

This is not just about organic techniques, and we will work even harder to share knowledge with all those who have an interest in improving the sustainability and resilience of their farming, growing and land-use systems. Meeting the needs of nine billion people by 2050 we will require innovation, new models, and novel technologies to ensure that the solutions we advocate really can deliver optimal production of food, timber and textiles. This means spreading best practice, identifying weaknesses in our current systems, and seeking the innovations that can help us remedy them. We hope this approach will support all practitioners, organic or not, by sharing organic techniques among the wider farmer and grower community.

Innovation and best practice should reach beyond the farm gate – and beyond the UK. The Soil Association has always stimulated and supported innovation in new routes to market and this should still be a key feature, especially when it helps tackle inequalities or

25 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Top: The Soil Association's low carbon farming and climate change projects will continue to influence farming and research agenda Above: The new strategy will refine our proposition to the public and provide them with a clearer idea of the changes we want

reach new audiences. Given the endless refrain of ‘yes, but can you feed the world?’ we will also seek to work with partners and support important global initiatives on food, forestry, fishing, textiles and ethical trade.

So what will this mean in practice? The Soil Association will seek to influence farming and food research agendas – particularly on farming’s impact on climate change – through campaigns and practical projects like our low carbon farming and climate change programmes. Work will continue on moving practice closer to the core principles through learning networks, voluntary schemes, standards development and other initiatives. We will do even more to encourage policy makers in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the EU to put the right support in place to encourage organic and agro-ecological farming and land-use. Work will continue to ensure that farm practice delivers a good life for farm animals through the AssureWel animal welfare outcomes project, and campaign on industrial livestock units and antibiotics.

If we are successful the UK governments will acknowledge the crucial role that organic and agroecological farming have in meeting the challenges of feeding the world while reducing climate and other environmental impacts. The total productivity of key crops and organic systems as a whole will be sustainably improved. We will see a greater number of Soil Association businesses leading the way in reducing fossil fuel and water use, and all Soil Association farms will have met the agreed AssureWel welfare targets by 2015.

Good food for all So what about the second strategy theme: ‘good food for all’? Our premise is that good food can transform people’s lives. It’s not just about the health benefits of a good diet or eating five-a-day; it’s about mainstreaming our values, encouraging people to connect with, and care for, each other and the natural world through their relationship with food. It’s about cultural cohesion, improving life chances and tackling some of society’s great health and social inequalities. Diet related ill health

26 Organic Farming Winter 2011

costs the NHS over £6 billion a year and the life chances for those with the poorest diets are dramatically diminished. In this context, food has become a key indicator of not only health outcomes, but a metaphor for wellbeing and of how our resources are being used.

Changing what people eat is notoriously hard but we have experience of real success, and an evidence-based approach to support people and communities through real changes. It’s not about lecturing: it’s about understanding, and our work must start where people are. The most significant first step may be a shift away from junk food, or the acquisition of cooking skills, or a new relationship with a local food producer.

We want to promote solutions which ensure everyone can access food that is healthy for them and the planet.

We will campaign to reduce inequalities so that people who stand to benefit most from good food are not excluded on the grounds of accessibility and affordability. This is not new territory for the Soil Association: our founders understood the connection between food production and diet, and this work will take us back to the Soil Association’s roots as a key player in the health debate, acting in the public interest.

This area of work will be rooted in the success of our leadership of the Food for Life Partnership and its approach to transforming food culture in schools, linking changes in catering with food education, farm visits and the development of growing and cooking skills.

We want to secure the future of this work in schools, but also to explore how we can extend the learning from this model to other sectors. We will also seek to challenge perception; already many organic products are no more expensive than a quality non-organic alternative.

So what will this mean in practice? Building on the successes of the first phase of Food for Life Partnership, we will work to extend the reach of the Food for Life catering mark throughout the public sector and encourage take-up in restaurants and workplaces. We will research into the quality of food served in hospitals, celebrating the remarkable examples of best practice and encouraging more hospital trusts to follow these

COVER STORY

The farmer's view

The Road to 2020

ane Towards healthy, hum , and sustainable food use land and farming

FINDOUT MORE Download the full copy of The Road to 2020: Towards healthy, humane and sustainable food, farming and land use at www. soilassociation.org/ aboutus/ourstrategy

The road to welfare: Delivering a good life for farm animals is a key aim of the AssureWel project

examples. And as part of the Making Local Food Work coalition, we will support a thriving network of CSA projects and organic buying groups across the country.

If we are successful the work of the Food for Life Partnership will be normalised, reaching at least half the schools in the UK, while the number of meals served to Food for Life catering mark standards will increase by at least 20% every year. An increasing proportion of food will be sourced directly from producers or through community initiatives. Above all, the demographic profile of organic consumers will broaden, and good food will be seen as a right, not a privilege.

A powerful voice Unlike many organisations who advocate for change, the Soil Association has the extraordinary advantage of working with those who make it happen on the ground.

The knowledge that is embedded within the organic movement holds many of the answers to the challenges facing the world today. We are powerful because we represent those who deliver or enable change.

Our new strategy will refine our proposition to the public and provide them with a clearer idea of the changes we want. But if we are going to reach out effectively, we cannot expect that people will understand our organic principles immediately. We need to listen to

THINKSTOCK

"The Soil Association has the extraordinary advantage of working with the people who make it happen on the ground"

The Soil Association’s new strategy should be welcomed by all farmers and growers. Having a defined and powerful set of values and objectives that encourage us all to move in the right direction should help in achieving what we all need – stable prices that deliver profitability. The new strategy seeks to reach out to new audiences and to create partnerships and relationships that will deliver positive outcomes to those who may not yet have started on the sustainable path.

It is important that these relationships work – especially with Government, which has the greatest potential to influence the marketplace in which we all work.

As farmers and growers, we are the enablers of the changes that the Soil Association’s strategy wants to see, but we can only do this if it works financially. So it is good to see calls for research into greater efficiencies and increasing yields, and which could even offer sustainable solutions to our non-organic colleagues.

The new open partnerships could also impact on the food supply chain, resulting in a more equal distribution of its value. What an achievement that would be!

In our quest for partnerships, and to engage with people where they are, it is important that we do not lose our radical streak. We must continue to be prepared to stand up against vested interests and to promote ourselves with unashamed forcefulness, using robust scientific evidence to support our case and to challenge the often intentional distortion of science used by the GM lobby and climate change deniers. If good food is to be available to all then we all need to have the right information to make the right choices.

The Road to 2020 provides a clear way forward. It learns from past successes and failures, and integrates the strategies that work into two clear themes of ‘good food for all’ and ‘farming for the future’. We have a past to be proud of, so let us use this opportunity to help shape the future of our food production and consumption, and to work together to turn these words into action.

Graeme Matravers is chair of the Soil Association farmer and grower board (see page 8).

Our heritage: the patchwork quilt of the British landscape

people, to understand where they are coming from, and find creative ways to engage them in our work and ideas.

We want to be bold and fearless in presenting and defending our organic principles. We have something unique to say. The philosophy of our founders, based on the inter-connectivity of the health of soil, plant, animal and man, is still relevant and inspiring. We are confident and proud to take this vision forward into the world.

27 Organic Farming Winter 2011

GROWERS OF ORGANIC ORGANIC GROWERSAND ANDSUPPLIERS SUPPLIERS OF SEED SETS SEEDPOTATOES POTATOES && GARLIC/ONION GARLIC/ONION SETS CAROLUS – New blight resistant variety bred at Agrico Research Holland RADAR Onion sets for September/October planting. Radar has a proven Blight (9 high) track record and produces highResistance quality onions for green top lifting in May/ Foliage 9 June or mature bulbs from July. Can be stored up to December/January 8.5 planting. For best results VALLELADO Garlic for Tubers October to November

a deep firm and keep damp for early establishment Thisplant latestinto variety bredfertile in 2002 hasbed survived 4 years in the rigorous Bioseries Trials winter to ensure European large attractive bulbs by end June/July. which before are conducted in several countries to determine general disease resistance along with marketability.

Carolusto produces high yields, looks attractive and Please order by 22nd August avoid higher delivery costs. eats well. Seed multiplication has begun in Holland and Scotland and will be available in commercial quantities within 3 toPOTATOES 4 years. Carolus has a dry matter of 20% so has good fl avour and is also •suitable for •processing.

AMOROSA • ATHLETE COSMOS DESIREE • MADELEINE • MARFONA POTATOES • MARIS BARD • MARIS PEER • MILVA NICOLA • NOVELLA • PENTLAND JAVELIN • PREMIERE AMOROSA • ATHLETE • COSMOS • DESIREE • MADELEINE • MARFONA ROMANO • SANTE • TOLUCA • VALOR

MARIS BARD • MARIS PEER • MILVA • NICOLA • NOVELLA PENTLAND JAVELIN •ONIONS PREMIERE&• GARLIC ROMANO •SETS SANTE • TOLUCA • VALOR

RADAR • STURON ONIONS • JETSET & • CENTURION • RED BARON • KAMAL GARLIC SETS SHALLOT: RED SUN • GARLIC: FLAVOR/VALLELADO RADAR • STURON • JETSET • CENTURION • RED BARON • KAMAL SHALLOT: RED SUN • GARLIC: STRICTLY SUBJECT TOFLAVOR/VALLELADO AVAILABILITY

Contact Laurence Hasson for details/price list STRICTLY SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY 01823 401500 / 07775 938472 Contact Laurence Hasson for details/price list laurence.hasson@organicpotatoes.co.uk 01823 401500 / 07775 938472 www.organicpotatoes.co.uk laurence.hasson@organicpotatoes.co.uk www.organicpotatoes.co.uk

Bioselect UK UK is is a a wholly wholly owned owned subsidiary subsidiary of of Agrico Agrico UK UK Ltd, Ltd, Castleton Castleton of of Eassie, Eassie, Forfar, Forfar, Angus Angus DD8 DD8 1SJ 1SJ Bioselect

75

Certification News The latest updates from Soil Association Certification Winter 2011

Yeast update PHOTO: G WIlKINSON

Yeast update

Certification online New website updates launched

Opportunities for cereals

M

Minor extra checks can open up new markets to cereal producers PHOTO: ISTOCK

any of you will be aware that your cereals can end up in products that are destined for the American markets, these typically being for English style beers, baked products and occasional fresh produce.

To make this possible SA Certification can inspect to a few additional criteria that are requirements of the NOP - the American organic regulations.

The additonal areas that need to be covered are:

You may be asked by your certification officer if you want to participate in the NOP. If you do, this will be flagged up to your inspector who will ask a few additional questions at your next inspection which will have a minimal impact on the inspection as a whole.

Once the NOP questions have been satisfactorily answered we will create a new NOP licence free of charge. Should your purchasers need this certification for their customer, they will check to see the products listed on your NOP trading schedule. If they are not listed they will not be able to sell your produce as NOPcompliant.

•

•

• •

• • •

Field work records and all inputs, harvesting dates including yields and storage records including tonnages, samples and pest and vermin control records Conversion period - must be three years conversion of land prior to the harvest of an NOP-compliant crop Demonstration of cultural control methods Manures must be composted before application with regards to edible crops in contact with the soil or soil particles Details of grain store management to prevent pest build-up Measures to ensure rodenticides cannot come into contact with the crop Crop labelling within the grain store.

Most of SA Certification producers are able to comply with the additional criteria but not all. Your certification officer and/ or inspector will be able yo give you more details on the programme.

Don’t miss out on access to this market.

Seeking new members on the Processing Standards Committee A unique opportunity to take part in developing our organic food standards

Protected cropping standards update

Standards consultation results get final approval

Our Processing Standards Committee is one of seven committees at the heart of our standards development, feeding in the practical and technical knowledge to ensure our standards remain relevant, practical and pioneering.

These are generally the low clay soils, especially kaolinite clay, which have a lower cation exchange capacity. Your soil analysis must show a clay content less than 20%. Your soil analysis must show exchangeable K levels below index 2 (which is equal to 121mg/litre extractable K using the ammonium nitrate method.

We are seeking candidates with skills and/or expertise, either production, technical or academic, in the following sectors: • Baby food • Fresh produce (salads, fruit and vegetables) • Meat, poultry, fish • Bakery The committee meets up to three times a year, usually in Bristol or London. Standards committee member positions are voluntary however we reimburse travel and reasonable subsistence expenses.

We are looking for candidates with: • Empathy with our aims and objectives • Excellent experience of the organic food manufacturing sector • Experience of working to reach collective decisions.

Standards committee members join as individuals, not as representatives of companies or any commercial interest.

By becoming involved you will add your voice to the other one hundred plus professionals involved in Soil Association standards development.

If you are interested, please contact Isabel Griffiths, Standards Manager igriffiths@soilassociation.org by 31 January 2012.

Following a comprehensive process of consultation and development, we have now published a final set of standards for growing in glasshouses and polytunnels.

These standards sit within the existing growing standards and will be implemented from 1st April 2012. We will also be producing a technical guide to best practice in organic protected cropping to complement the new standards.

The key changes comprise of several amendments to existing standards in sections 4.8 and 5.1, along with six new standards which make up a new section 5.2, entitled ‘Additional standards for protected cropping’. They address key issues around fertility, crop rotation, energy and water and aim to encourage best practice among growers.

Amendments have also been made to section 4.10 to bring our standards up to date with technological developments in thermal weed control.

To read about the rationale behind these standards and for more information about the consultation process, visit www.soilassociation.org/consultation We would like to thank the huge number of Soil Association growers who have contributed to the development of these standards by sharing their knowledge and experience throughout the consultation process.

(For clarity, standards amendments are written in the following format: Underlined text is new text; text with strikethough is deleted; normal text is unchanged) 4.8 Mineral fertilisers and supplementary nutrients 4.8.10 Revised With our approval you may use sulphate of potash, which can contain magnesium salt, to treat severe acute deficiencies. As it sulphate of potash is highly soluble, we

ii Certification News Winter 2011

will allow you to use it only on soils susceptible to low potassium levels.

You must: • provide a fertility management plan detailing why you need to use it and demonstrating that you are optimising your use of less soluble potassium sources; • provide a soil analysis to demonstrate that your soil type is appropriate for treatment, and; • only use sulphate of potash produced through physical extraction (which can contain magnesium salt).

We can give you approval either on a case by case basis, or through a plan, provided we have details of why you need to use it and under PHOTO: MURRAY BAllARD what circumstances. You must have a full soil analysis carried out, including clay fractions, heavy metal content and trace element levels. This must be available when we request it and at your inspection.

4.10 Controlling weeds 4.10.3 Revised You may use the following methods if suitable: • pre-germinating, propagating and transplanting • raised beds and no-dig systems mulches, including plastic mulches but made only from polyethylene, polypropylene or other polycarbonates mixed stocking and tight grazing pre-emergence and post-emergence mechanical operations, such as hoeing, harrowing, topping, hand weeding, and pre-emergence and post emergence flame thermal weeding 4.10.5 Revised You must not use steam or thermal pasteurisation or sterilisation of the soil for weed control.

Note – you may use flame weeding other methods of thermal weed control (see standard 4.10.3).

Chapter 5: Arable and Horticultural Cropping Rotations 5.1 Additional standards for arable and horticultural crop rotations 5.1.13 Revised If your rotation does not meet the requirements of standard 5.1.10 above and relies on brought-in inputs for crop production, you must: • show us you are moving towards a better balance between balancing your fertility building and fertility

CeRTIfICATION NeWS depleting management; • make maximum optimum use of legumes, green manures and/or composted materials, and; • reduce or minimise your reliance on brought-in inputs.

Note - your fertility management plan will help you to comply with standard 5.1.13. Please see sections 4.7 and 4.8 for general standards on fertility management.

5.2.3 New If you use fuel or electricity to heat your protected cropping structure, you must record the energy you use for heating in kWh per metre2 per week. You must also record the type and source of energy used.

Cropping without rotations 5.1.14 Revised When you cannot produce crops within a rotation your methods of nutrient supply, weed, pest and disease control must still comply with sections 4.6-4.11. The main examples of such production systems are: • Protected cropping (this includes mono-cropping or annual cropping of the same genus, though not alliums, potatoes or brassicas) • permanent pastures, including upland habitats • perennial crops such as orchards, vineyards and plantation crops, and • wild harvested plants growing naturally in uncultivated areas (please see chapter 9)

5.2.4 New If you heat your protected cropping structure and use more than 100kWh per metre2 per year for heating, you should produce an energy plan outlining how you will progress towards renewable energy or combined heat and power over the next five years.

Note - following a review in 2016, we will set targets for renewable energy use and a date for making this standard a requirement.

5.1.15 Revised You must not use: • any cropping system we have not defined in standard 5.1.14 or 5.2.1 that relies on outside inputs for nutrient supply, weed, pest and disease control, or • continuous arable rotations.

5.2.5 New You may use carbon dioxide in your protected cropping structure only if it has been produced as a by-product of another process. You must not burn fuel solely to produce carbon dioxide.

5.2.6 New You should collect and use rainwater run-off from your protected cropping structures.

5.2 Additional standards for protected cropping 5.2.1 New You may produce crops without a rotation in a protected cropping system (polytunnel or glasshouse). You must: demonstrate that your system builds and maintains the health of your soil and crops; demonstrate that your system is not reliant upon routine use of restricted products for pest, disease and weed control, and; comply with standard 5.1.13.

5.2.2 New You must produce a fertility management plan for your protected cropping system.

The plan must demonstrate that your system: • maximises the efficient use of nutrients • builds soil health and fertility, and • optimises sustainability of fertility inputs.

The table below outlines steps to best practice to inform your fertility management plan. Your plan must outline your options for movement towards more sustainable fertility sources over time.

Note – see sections 4.5 and 4.16 for additional standards on water management.

Licensees can get more updates in Producer News. a free monthly email service designed to keep farmers, growers, consultants and vets up-to-date with sector news, as well as relevant new services, literature and training available from the Soil Association.

To subscribe to the monthly Producer News, simply send an email with the subject ‘subscribe’ to: producernews@soilassociation.org

Management of fertility inputs Progress in best practice 1

2

3

4

5

Distance the fertility input has travelled

Imported

From the UK

From within 100 miles

From within 20 miles

Produced on the holding

Are nutrients recycled?

Nutrients from mined sources

From a waste stream

From a local farm

Fertility derived from the holding

Contribution to soil health

Liquid feeds

Purposeproduced organic fertiliser Granular fertilisers

Pelleted plant material or pelleted manure

Non-omposted organic matter

Composted organic matter

Reliance on nonorganic systems

Entirely from nonorganic sources

50% from organic sources

75% from organic sources

Entirely from organic sources

25% from organic sources

Updates Water standards

PHOTO : JAMeS INGRAM

from 1 January next year a number of standards referring to water management will change from ‘you should’ to ‘you must’. Some of these will apply to all farms as they concern general good agricultural practice to protect the environment and prevent water pollution. Others are required only of farms abstracting water or irrigating.

You can refer to the detail of these standards in the following sections: Managing water biodiversity (paragraphs 4.5.40 – 4.5.50) and Managing water (Section 4.16) You can identify the standards that will change as they all say ‘You should (and from 2012 you must)…’

If you have any questions about the changes please contact your certification officer on either their direct line or 0117 914 2412.

iii Certification News Winter 2011

CeRTIfICATION NeWS

Website changes New resources now online

Deadline for the EU logo The EC introduced its new EU organic logo in 2010. From July 2010 its use became obligatory on all organic products produced in the EU and packaged and labelled for retail sale.

At the same time the EC amended the format of certification codes.

Our code, applied to products we certify in the UK, changed from ‘GB Organic Certification 5’ to ‘GB-ORG-05. From July 2010 its use became obligatory on all products we certify in the UK. For existing products and packaging the EC has allowed a transition period.

Sector support As part of our ongoing commitment to improving your experience with SA Certification we have also redesigned our website to assist and support our sector focus.

If you go to our website www.sacert.org you can see the website is now split into the following categories - farming, food and drink, health and beauty, textiles, catering and forestry. each category allows us to provide you with individual details concerning events, news and features, faqs, standards, support and much more.

We hope that you find the new layout more helpful and informative and we are always happy to hear suggestions for improvements

Certification News options Don’t forget to let us know if you want to receive certification news by email - just let your certification officer know or email certnews@soilassociation.org

iv Certification News Winter 2011

Packaging/labelling that was designed before 1 July 2010, without the new logo and certification code can continue to be used until 1 July 2012. If you think you will have difficulties meeting this deadline, please contact your certification officer to discuss options.

Product packaged, labelled and placed on the market before July 2010 without the new logo and certification code can continue to be sold until existing stocks are used up.

Note: the EU logo cannot be used on product with less than 95% organic agricultural ingredients and is optional for imported or unpackaged products.

Use of non-organic yeast EC regulations now exist for production of organic yeast extract (EC regulation 1254/2008). Part of this regulation also requires that from 1 January 2014 yeast and yeast products will be considered as ingredients of agricultural origin.

This means they will form part of the percentage calculations for product formulations.

You can view the regulation on the PHOTO: G WIlKINSON Commissions’s Europa website at: eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/Lex UriServ.do?uri=OJ:LL2008:337:0 080:0082:EN:PDF How does this regulation affect you?

This affects you if you use non-organic yeast in any of your products.

In advance of January 2014, you will need to consider if you will be using more than 5% non-organic agricultural ingredients in your product (including yeast). Products containing more than 5% nonorganic agricultural ingredients cannot be labelled or sold as organic.

This may mean that you will need to either adjust your percentage of non-organic agricultural ingredients to ensure you will be using 5% or less; source an organic yeast; or amend your product labelling to remove reference to organic from your product description.

If you have any questions about this issue please contact your certification officer.

CONTACT US Soil Association Certification South Plaza Marlborough Street Bristol BS1 3NX www.sacert.org Producer certification T 0117 914 2412 F 0117 314 5046 E prod.cert@ soilassociation.org Processor certification T 0117 914 2411 F 0117 314 5046 E proc.cert@ soilassociation.org Trade support: T 0117 914 2406 F 0117 314 5046 E goorganic@ soilassociation.org Producer support: T 0117 914 2400 F 0117 314 5046 E producer.support@ soilassociation.org

Certification News 75 Winter 2011 © Soil Association 2011 Material within Certification News may not be reproduced without prior written permission.

Editorial content: Certification News should be read by all licensees as part of their licensing agreement with Soil Association Certification Limited.

Contact for Certification News editorial, mailing or queries: certnews@soilassociation.org Certification News keeps licensees up to date with all changes and developments that could affect their licence.

Into the future Rachel Harries looks at the challenges that many farming families face with farm succession – and the work that the Soil Association is undertaking to help

T

he traditional view of succession in farming or growing is for the younger generation to inherit the earth. As a producer approaches retirement age, a son or daughter steps into their boots to ensure that the family farm – and a long line of history, stewardship and connection to the land that may go back for generations – continues into the future.

But what happens when the children aren’t interested in farming, or if there are no children? And where does this leave those who are interested in a career in agriculture

or horticulture, but who are not from farming families? The challenges faced by each of these different groups may appear impossible to resolve, but the solution lies in finding ways to bring them together to secure the vibrant future that our industry deserves.

Problems with succession Even succession within families is not without its difficulties. If a producer is lucky enough to have one child interested in the farm, they may have to work out how to compensate other siblings, buying them out or working out a

fair share in the business. Succession within their lifetime also requires the business to be financially able to support two generations, with the farmer working alongside their son or daughter until they retire. The handover process can also prove difficult, requiring trust and flexibility from the older generation, alongside respect from the younger generation and a need to feel empowered.

Then there are those without a natural successor, who may be close to retiring age and not necessarily ready to disengage entirely.

For both land owners and tenants, finding

33 Organic Farming Winter 2011

someone to take over the business is crucial to avoid the heartbreaking prospect of the farm being sold or let on the open market, or absorbed into a neighbouring property – and potentially lost from organic production.

And what are the barriers faced by new entrants, particularly those who are not from farming families?

Buying land is out of the question for most, based on current land values – and only 1% of land comes onto the market each year. Most new entrants don’t have the capital to set up a business or to convince a landlord of their ability to take on a farm business tenancy.

While new entrants may be able to find work as contractors, the benefits are loaded towards the land owners, and this approach encourages the growth of large scale intensive operations. Aspiring producers are less likely to gain an understanding of how a farm works as an interlinked system and develop a range of skills, than if they were able to work within a small family farm.

and promote tools that will facilitate ‘external’ succession by linking farmers and growers who can offer land or farm business opportunities with new entrants who are seeking a foothold.

It is common to think about succession simply in terms of a single business entity or land area. But once we start to think creatively about the succession of ‘businesses’, how these can evolve, and how new entrants (family or otherwise) might be able to establish their own enterprises on existing farms, a whole new range of possibilities begins to emerge. This approach has benefits for both parties. For example, a retiring farmer may

New strategies and models So the question is how do we match up retiring farmers and those who want to enter farming – linking retirement and exit strategies with support and signposting for new entrants? The solution lies in not only bringing together those with land and business and those without, but also developing new models and structures to enable them to coexist or collaborate.

For some time, the Soil Association has been doing this informally by advertising opportunities as and when they arise, but only recently have we identified the need for a more structured match-making approach. We are not alone in recognising the barriers to new entrants and are working with a range of organisations to create

need an exit strategy but won’t necessarily want to cut all ties with the farm. Similarly, a new entrant might find the prospect of taking over a whole farm or enterprise daunting or overwhelming. The opportunity to collaborate with – and learn from – the older generation in a more supportive environment can be invaluable.

One arrangement that can work particularly well is to establish a share farming agreement (see 'Letting Land' in OF#103, pages 36–37). Here, the existing farmer can offer land, machinery and livestock, not to mention experience, while the new entrant can bring dynamism and new ideas to the new business. Under this type of agreement, profits can be calculated according to what each party contributes.

34 Organic Farming Winter 2011

"The opportunity to collaborate with – and learn from – the older generation in a more supportive environment can be invaluable"

FUTURE FARMING

As the sun sets for one farming career, it will rise for another

FIND OUT MORE

Kiran Ridley

The Soil Association Land Trust was established to protect the countryside by acquiring and managing farmland sustainably; and to connect the public with the stewardship of the land.

The Land Trust can provide a safe haven for retiring land owners and others looking to secure a future for their land, ensuring their life’s work is preserved. For more information call 0117 987 4601 or email rharries@soil association.org

Putting into practice The Soil Association is trialling this approach on Feldon Forest Farm, Warwickshire, with the apprentices on the Organic Apprenticeship Scheme – none of whom have any hope of inheriting a family farm. Feldon Forest Farm is pledged to the Soil Association Land Trust, which means its long-term ownership is secure; however, the owners are looking to gradually pass on its management to the next generation. Discussions have already started with a group of interested apprentices on how this might work in practice and the potential opportunities to take the business in a new direction.

Other arrangements may involve the letting of land or buildings, or joint ventures and diversification, all of which open up the potential for new enterprises that can combine skills, resources, markets and fresh ideas.

These models can be applied equally to family businesses that want to increase the potential to employ or involve the younger generation. There are countless examples of enterprise sharing or ‘land partnerships’ where farm buildings are being developed into bakeries or let to small processors, or where land is let to new horticulture businesses. Whether these new enterprises are set up by family members or new entrants, it is in all of our interests to reengage people with farming and land-based activities. We need creative, skilled and innovative people that bring new ideas and ways of working; and we need equally creative frameworks that will allow them to access land and establish diverse enterprises.

Rachel Harries is Land Trust and Organic Apprenticeship Scheme coordinator at the Soil Association. rharries@ soilassociation.org

Elfyn Davies wants to offer a farm business tenancy to the right person

A case in point Elfyn Davies owns Glancynin Farm, a 40ha dairy farm in Carmarthenshire, which produces the award-winning Sanclêr cheese – an unusual fresh cheese made from yoghurt. Elfyn’s situation illustrates the difficulty that many producers now face in finding a successor.

Having moved into farming after a long career in dairy processing, Elfyn is now hoping to pass on the dairy farm to the next generation, while he continues as a cheese-maker for a long as he is able. Elfyn is a highly principled organic farmer and whoever takes over the farm would have to share his high standards, commitment to traceability and local markets, and his desire to explain what farming is all about.

A local search for a successor has not yielded any prospective candidates. Although Elfyn was initially tempted to put some of the land up for sale, he decided against the idea after local farmers talked of removing trees and hedging from the farm, and he saw vital elements of the farm potentially destroyed.

The farm has all necessary dairy equipment and the pedigree Meuse-Rhine-Issels herd supplies milk to produce the Sanclêr cheese. Elfyn believes the farm could provide a new entrant with an ideal first step on to the farming ladder, and he is keen to arrange a long term farm business tenancy for the right candidate.

To find out more about this opportunity contact Elfyn Davies on 01994 232999. Visit www. sanclerorganic.co.uk

35 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Solar power Gary Sucharewycz provides up-to-date advice on going solar on the farm

F A PV installer at work: solar installations can cut electricity bills in half and offer significant annual returns

arms can be ideal places for solar installations.

They often have a lot of land available for groundmounted systems, while the large buildings found on some farms are ideal for roof installations.

As well as helping to reduce our overall reliance on fossil fuels, renewables can offer real business incentives. Right now, farmers who install renewable energy systems can cut electricity bills in half and get annual returns of up to 15% on their original investment. Although the Government is about to reduce its support for solar power, installations will still generate returns of up to 10%.

Solar power is booming, driven largely by the Government-backed Feed-in Tariff (FIT) which applies in England, Scotland and Wales (although not currently in Northern Ireland). This means that power companies must pay a premium for electricity generated by renewable sources. So how do the figures stack up?

Installing a 50 kilowatt (kw) system will cost around £110,000. Under the current FIT, the farm would receive payments of around £14,000 a year, thus returning around 12–15% a year. This income is guaranteed for 25 years and is index-linked to inflation. Remember that the tariff is paid for generating the electricity whether the

36 Organic Farming Winter 2011

farmer uses it or not. While there is a smaller payment for exporting surplus power it is more economical to use as much of the power as possible on the farm, which can save up to £4,000 a year on electricity bills. But the figures are about to change: the Government is planning to cut the current payment rates by 50% in mid-December.

However, even taking the cuts into account, solar power systems will still return 9–10% in the first year, and this will rise every year as the payments are inflation linked.

Rising electricity prices also mean savings made from producing your own power will continue to increase.

Which system?

Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels produce electricity from sunlight. It doesn’t have to be a sunny day for them to work; they will produce power in almost any daylight conditions. PV panels work most efficiently when south facing, but they will still provide a good return up to 45 degrees off south in either direction. When the panels are producing electricity any electrical equipment on the farm will automatically draw power from them, and surplus electricity is exported to the grid. The planning process is usually straightforward. Applications can be

FUTURE FARMING

A solar panel installation on the roof of a barn at Jack Buck Farm, Spalding, Lincolnshire

EvoEnergy

FIND OUT MORE  European Commission’s site provides data on panel performance in different parts of the UK http://re.jrc.ec.europa. eu/pvgis/apps4/pvest. php#  Ofgem has information on the Feed-in Tariff and other aspects of renewable energy www.ofgem.gov.uk  The Department of Energy and Climate Change has information on planning requirements www. decc.gov.uk/  Energy Saving Trust provide advice on generating your own energy www.energysaving trust.org.uk  Renewable Energy Installer is a specialist magazine and website www.renewable energyinstaller.co.uk

more complicated in protected areas, but even here it is usually possible to come up with an acceptable system. Farmers who wish to install solar panel systems have three main considerations: the size and output of the installation, choosing a ground-mounted or roofmounted system, and whether to pay for installation or have a free system installed. For maximum output the simple rule is the bigger the system, the better.

However, it is important to note that systems above 50kw will receive a reduced FIT payment. As a result, a 50kw system is regarded as offering the best returns. However, if your farm has power demands above 50kw it becomes commercially viable to install a larger system.

Ground-mounted systems can be installed at the perfect angle and position to make the most of available sunlight. A 50kw ground-mounted system will require about a third of an acre of land and is easy to maintain, or even move if necessary. Conversely, one of the key advantages of a roof-mounted system is that the installation is out of the way, although a 50kw system will require around 350m2. Roof-mounted installations will also require a structural survey to ensure the roof can take the weight. Be aware that installers generally don’t like working with asbestos roofs. While some installers will remove the asbestos and provide a new roof, this will add to the overall cost of the project.

In some ways the decision about whether to pay for installation or go for a free system is relatively straightforward. The high rates of return mean that if you can afford it you should pay for installation. However, ‘free-solar’ schemes are also available. In such cases, a solar power company will install the system at no cost and will take the income from the feed-in tariff, although the farm can still use any electricity generated and save on their electricity bills. Some companies will also pay rent of up to £1,000 a year, although this may change when the lower rates come into effect. The geographic location of the farm can limit the availability of free solar systems and businesses north of Yorkshire could struggle to find a company that is prepared to install for free.

Key advice Make sure your installer has a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate. Ask the installer if they have done similar systems of the same size and take a look at the technical specifications. All solar panels must also be MCS approved. Inverters convert the power from the panels from DC to AC and are an important piece of equipment, so make sure they are from a reputable manufacturer and come with a long warranty (minimum five years). Remember that installations need to be within 100 metres of a three phase grid supply point. Finally, look at the installer’s projected figures for your farm. The European Commission offers data on panel performance across the EU. Your installer should provide you with them, or you can find it on the internet.

Gary Sucharewycz is commercial sales manager at EvoEnergy. Visit www.evoenergy.co.uk

Andrew Dennis sees solar as a natural fit

Case Study Organic and biodynamic farmer, Andrew Dennis, has recently fitted one of the largest roof-mounted solar power systems in the country More than 500 solar PV panels were installed on the packing shed roof at Woodlands Farm at Kirton, near Boston. The system will produce around 118,000 kwh of electricity a year, the equivalent of the annual electricity usage for the packing and storage facility, or enough to power 48 homes. The farm will still have to draw power from the grid at night or when the panels aren’t working, but when they produce more electricity than the farm needs, the excess is sold to the grid.

Woodlands Farm is a mix of organic and biodynamic farming with arable, cattle, sheep and horticulture.

The farm also runs a box scheme, selling produce to Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, and plays an educational role in the local community, highlighting the importance of environmental issues.

Andrew is passionate about the Fenland landscape and has gone to great lengths to make sure the installation fits in. He has even painted the base and sides of the panels so that they blend in with the roof.

“To me, the system fits in perfectly with the philosophy of the farm,” says Andrew. “Organic and biodynamic farming puts a great emphasis on a farm being as self-sufficient as possible, and the size of this installation technically makes us self-sufficient in energy. It is also giving us a financial return of around 12% a year. When you consider what you would get if you put the money into a deposit account, that’s an important factor.”

37 Organic Farming Winter 2011

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BACK TO BASICS

Technical support

40 A win-win

42 Green pig production

ARABLE

Can UK pig producers reduce reliance on imported protein – and use peas and faba beans instead?

44 Horse power

Could increasing oil prices radically change the way we farm – and the value we place on non-diesel (draught) power?

46 Spring cereals Spring cereal variety choices for UK organic producers

Plus Ask the experts – we put your technical questions to our specialist panel for their advice.

Read a review of Improved Grassland Management, revised and updated for today’s livestock farmer

39 39Organic Organic Farming Farming Spring Spring 2009 2011

EXPERT ADVICE

Rob Brown, www.jillpendleton.co.uk, john bradwell

How a diverse range of legume and grass species can increase productivity

horticulture

LIVESTOCK

Find the latest research and hands on advice in our technical support section

A win-win for legume mixtures A countrywide research project demonstrates how the productivity of fertility building leys can be increased with a diverse range of legume and grass species

T

he inter-relationship between food production and biodiversity is now well established. The ecosystem services provided by the organisms within the environment include, for example, nutrient cycling, pest regulation and pollination, to name but a few. However, perhaps the greatest challenge now facing agricultural production is to find ways of enhancing these ecosystem services, while at the same time increasing food production – particularly in light of food security issues.

A range of farm and landscape management options include ‘setting aside’ land for wildlife. However, some proponents argue that such land should be used for food production. While the debate continues, there is no doubt that a large body of scientific evidence from the last three decades highlights the wildlife benefits of organic farming.

This article will describe how the Legume LINK project has identified a win-win system for biodiversity conservation and increased productivity through legume-base fertility building. Although this project has focused on organic farming systems, it is of direct relevance to non-organic production, particularly with the increasing interest in legumes across the industry.

Beyond grass clover leys Current organic rotations rely predominantly on red and white clover leys fertility building, usually mixed with ryegrasses. While these leys have a significant potential for nitrogen fixation under optimal conditions, the establishment of simple grass clover leys can be risky under

40 Organic Farming Winter 2011

dry conditions. The idea of adding more legume species with different tolerances to environmental factors such as drought, water logging and acidity therefore promises to increase the reliability of ley establishment.

At the same time, some landmark studies in ecological research show that increasing the species diversity in grasslands tends to increase overall grassland productivity, because the different plant species complement each other. Together, the mixed species make better use of the available resources such as water, light or nutrients. But can this principle be applied to agricultural production systems?

On-farm trials To test the potential of using diverse mixtures in the ley we assessed the performance of a highly diverse ley mixture on a large number of farms throughout the UK. These on-farm trials are part of the Defra-funded Legume LINK project (see right). Here we report the results from 12 organic farms and one non-organic farm in the south and east of England.

The tested mixture, called the All Species Mix, composed of 10 legume species and four grass species (see Table, opposite). In 2009, the mix was sown on each farm in a 0.5ha strip alongside a control ley. The species composition of the control ley was chosen by the participating farmer.

Both the All Species Mix and the control ley were sown at the same time and treated equally throughout the trial period. On some of the farms the leys were grazed by sheep or cattle; on others the leys were only cut.

FIND OUT MORE The project is led by the Organic Research Centre and aims to improve fertility building using green manures. Research partners are Duchy College, IBERS Aberystwyth, The Arable Group, Rothamsted Research, and the Scottish Agricultural College.

Industry partners are Abacus Organic Services, HGCA, the Institute for Organic Training and Advice, Organic Farmers & Growers, the Organic Seed Producers, the Scottish Organic Producers Association and the Soil Association. The project is funded by Defra through the Sustainable Arable LINK programme and industry partners. Thanks to participating producers and funding from BBSRC LINK for Rob Brown’s PhD project.

Legume and grass species included in the All Species Mixture of Legume LINK Group

Species

Clover

Alsike clover Crimson clover Red clover White clover

Other legumes

Birdsfoot trefoil Black medic Large birdsfoot trefoil Lucerne

Rob Brown, Oliver Crowley

Meadow pea Sainfoin Grasses

Italian ryegrass Meadow fescue Perennial ryegrass Timothy

OPPOSITE: Birdsfoot trefoil TOP: Lucerne ABOVE: Crimson clover

More benefits An ongoing PhD project at the University of Reading further indicates that the higher diversity in the All Species Mixture supports more wildlife than simpler leys. In particular, growing legume species together that have different flowering times extends the availability of nectar for key pollinator species such as bumblebees.

For example, including early flowering species such as crimson clover helps pollinators establish their colonies in the critical early spring phase.

Multi-species leys offer even more potential advantages. Once the ley is incorporated into the soil, the residues of the legumes and grasses break down and release nitrogen which can be taken up by the following crop. Normally, the timing of the nitrogen release from the ley residues does not perfectly match the nitrogen demand by the following crop, with the consequent risk of nutrient loss either through leaching or in gaseous form. However, a mixture of species that have different decomposition rates means the release of nitrogen can be spread out over time, which potentially allows a higher proportion of nitrogen to be taken up by the following crop.

Plant decomposition rates depend, for example, on lignin and phenolic contents. Mixing species with different lignin and phenolic profiles may therefore provide opportunities for improving the synchrony between nitrogen release and demand. The various legume species trialled in the Legume LINK project are currently being analysed for the chemical composition of their above and below-ground residues. Results will then be used to put together tailored species mixtures with optimal decomposition properties.

The research concludes that both productivity and the diversity in the farmed landscape can be increased by including species-rich legume-based leys in the rotation. Look out for a second article from the Legume LINK project in the next issue of Organic Farming.

Thomas Dรถring, Oliver Crowley, Helen Pearce (Organic Research Centre), Jon Storkey (Rothamsted Research), Rob Brown and Hannah Jones (University of Reading)

41 Organic Farming Winter 2011

BACK TO BASICS

Throughout the trial period we repeatedly assessed the presence and cover of the various sown plant species and weeds. In spring 2011, we took samples of both the All Species Mix and the control ley to determine its productivity, measured as dry matter (DM) yield on four sample quadrats per ley. Results from these field experiments reveal that, in the second year of the ley (2010), the number of crop species found in the mix was on average twice as large as the control ley (10 vs. 5). At the same time, the total DM yield in 2011 was 22% higher in the mixture than in the farmer-chosen control ley. The results show that the All Species Mixture was not only more diverse but also more productive than the control leys. As research at Rothamsted Research within the Legume LINK project shows, this increase in DM biomass of the ley is likely to be translated into higher yields of a following winter cereal.

A

lthough organic pig rations traditionally contain more home grown feedstuffs than non-organic pig rations, the use of imported organic soybean meal (SBM) has increased over recent years.

As a result, UK pig producers are increasingly at the mercy of the global market, with rapid fluctuations in both cost and availability of SBM. There are also wider concerns associated with SBM use. The importation of organic SBM inevitably adds to ‘feed miles’, with the associated pollution and carbon footprint. Concerns about the risk of contamination from genetically modified soya or other substances, such as the melamine-contaminated soya imported from China a few years ago, add a further dimension of risk. With ever-growing concerns about future food security and resilience, the wider use of home grown protein sources could clearly help to alleviate many of these issues.

The Green Pig project In temperate environments like the UK, peas and faba beans could provide a significant home grown protein source for pig rations. In addition to reduced transportation and the food security benefits associated with home grown crops, peas and faba beans can naturally fix nitrogen, making them an attractive addition to any rotation.

The Green Pig project was established to investigate the potential of using peas and faba beans in the diets of grower and finisher phase pigs in the UK. The project ends in late 2012 and results are expected to be of benefit for non-organic and organic farmers alike.

The Green Pig project uses multiple approaches to achieve its overall aim. The project will assess the comparative environmental benefits of pea and faba bean-based diets and SBM-based diets using life-cycle assessment modelling. A survey of compound pig feed producers and home-mixer pig producers seeks to identify the perceived constraints of using peas and faba beans in pig feed, while the amino acid profiles and digestibility of different varieties of UK grown peas and faba beans is also being assessed. Pea and faba bean-based pig rations are being used in small scale dose response performance trials, N-balance and carcass evaluation trials, and large scale on farm demonstrations. Derived project data will be used to rerun the life cycle assessment and, finally, outcomes are being disseminated as and when they become available.

Green pig production Can UK pig producers reduce reliance on imported protein – and use peas and faba beans instead? Jos Houdijk and Lesley Smith report 42 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Green Pig outcomes The life cycle assessment shows that about 70% of the environmental footprint for pig production arises from the production of feed ingredients and that transport – including that of imported ingredients such as SBM – is actually relatively unimportant at <1%. For non-organic production the environmental footprint of feed ingredient production can be markedly reduced by using pea and faba bean-based rations. Ongoing work aims to identify to what extent this also occurs in organic production systems.

The survey of compound feed producers and homemixer pig producers indicates that current use of homegrown protein sources such as peas and faba beans in the UK is low relative to traditional protein sources such as SBM or rapeseed meal (see graph, opposite). The survey also identified that the two main constraints in increasing the

Very few pigs are being fed beans

use of peas and faba beans in pig diets were availability and the relative cost of pea or faba bean based rations compared to SBM based diet. The expectation is that this would be no different for organic producers. Overall, there was good confidence in nutritional value of peas and faba beans for pig feed, although this was at an expected maximum inclusion level of around 10%. It is worth noting that this figure is considerably lower than the 30% reported in other countries such as France and Canada.

Anecdotally, we know that some on-farm mill and mix diets use peas and/or beans at a higher level than the UK accepted level of 10%, but the numbers of pigs being fed these diets is small and data on growth rates is limited or non-existent.

The team also screened SBM and selected pea and faba bean varieties from the recommended lists from 2008, 2009 and 2010 harvests for their amino acid profiles, and assessed their digestibility in a bio-assay. We observed that amino acid digestibility of peas is consistently higher than that of faba beans, but there were no useful differences between varieties of peas and faba beans in terms of both amino acid composition and digestibility. This does suggest that farmers can select a variety of peas or beans that best suits their farm, rather than having to grow specific varieties for pig feed. However, the analysis strongly confirmed that modern varieties of peas and faba beans are still relatively deficient in the essential amino acid methionine compared to SBM. Preliminary results from recently completed small scale trials and ongoing large scale feeding demonstrations with pulse inclusion levels of up to 30% in the complete absence of SBM are encouraging. In these non-organic trials the methionine imbalance was corrected with the addition of pure methionine. We expect to demonstrate that peas and faba beans have significant potential to replace SBM in non-organic pig rations. In organic systems, some degree of methionine deficiency and associated impact on growth performance may be tolerated due to the more traditional pig genotypes often being used.

Ideally, organic pea or faba bean based rations would be balanced through a greater use of methionine-rich products like prairie meal (maize gluten), potato protein and expeller sunflower, although these can be difficult to source organically. We should also not forget that free-

FIND OUT MORE Green Pig’s academic partners are SAC, University of Nottingham and NIAB, and its work is financially supported by BOCM Pauls, BPEX, EvonikDegussa, Genesis QA, Harbro, Premier Nutrition Products, PGRO, QMS, Soil Association and UNIP, with Defra matched funding through the Sustainable Livestock Production LINK programme. Contact Jos Houdijk jos.houdijk@ sac.ac.uk or Lesley Smith lesley.smith@sac.ac.uk

Dr. Jos Houdijk and Lesley Smith (SAC) contribute on behalf of the Green Pig consortium

Percentage of home mixers and compounders using listed protein sources in pig diets 100

percentage of sample that use protein source in diet

“Peas and faba beans could provide a significant home grown protein source for pigs”

Conclusion Our initial and ongoing life cycle assessments suggest that a switch to a home grown legume based diet as an alternative to a SBM diet could have environmental benefits, and would remove the risks and concerns of SBM contamination. Although home grown legumes are currently rarely used in UK pig diets, and inclusion levels are low, the survey indicates that there are opportunities to increase confidence in these home grown protein sources if we can identify ways to overcome the constraints of availability and cost of peas and faba beans.

Screening of selected pea and faba bean varieties for amino acid profiles suggest that there is little varietal difference and that selection of peas and faba beans for use in pig feed may therefore not need to be variety specific. Work is continuing to assess the impact of replacing SBM with peas and faba beans in growing and finishing pig diets in terms of growth performance, nitrogen balance and carcass characteristics. The expectation is that peas and faba beans can largely – if not completely – replace SBM in non-organic and organic pig rations, provided that the methionine imbalance in organic diets can be overcome or tolerated.

Home mixer Compounder

80

60

40

20

0 Soya

Rapeseed Sunflower

Peas

Beans

Lupins

Other

43 Organic Farming Winter 2011

LIVESTOCK

ranging pigs self-supplement protein to some extent directly from the range. However, the extent to which this occurs, and whether this helps to reduce methionine deficiency is unknown.

Horse power Ed Hamer looks at the potential role for horses in horticultural production

I

t’s not a picture you might associate with the future of farming but another economic shock or two could well see the iconic image of a horse and plough becoming a common sight in the countryside once again.

People have farmed with horses in the UK since our earliest native breeds were domesticated around 4,000 years ago. Since then we have gradually selected different characteristics for various skills and crossed our native ponies with larger draught horses from the continent and beyond. Today’s draught horses range from pedigree Shires with coveted bloodlines to scruffy crosses between any one of a number of heavy boned animals.

The mid 19th century was arguably the peak of the draught era in the UK when nearly 500,000 horses were working. However, towards the end of the 19th century larger farmers had started experimenting with steampowered ploughing machines and early tractors. By the 1920’s, the number of working horses had reduced to around 200,000. In 1942, this had fallen to 70,000.

Today, around 20 horses are regularly employed in commercial farming in the UK. The obvious reason that draught power declined was that tractors evolved to maximise efficiency on the farm while keeping running costs relatively low. But this transition would not have been possible without the exemption of duty from agricultural fuel since 1928, which today subsidises a litre of red diesel by 40%. In May,

Samson (a Dartmoor X Welsh Cob) and Annkatrin Hendry at Chagfood

44 Organic Farming Winter 2011

A matter of scale Tempting as it is to paint a bucolic picture of a renaissance of draught power, it is unrealistic to argue that horses could compete with mechanisation on anything over 20–40ha. Where horse power has demonstrated a niche, however, is on horticultural and arable units up to 20ha, where tractors are currently used in combination with hand labour and/or motorised tillage tools.

Experience is the key when starting out working with horses. It is a lot easier for a poor horseman to ruin a good horse than for a good horse to remain sound in the wrong hands. But once you have gained enough experience you should be able to work a Shire horse just as safely as a Shetland, and you will then have to decide which horse is best suited to how you farm. The right horse will depend

www.jillpendleton.co.uk

however, the European Commission proposed changes to the Energy Taxation Directive to remove the subsidy on red diesel by January 2013 to promote energy efficiency. While deeply unpopular, this would radically change the way we farm and the value we place on non-diesel power.

Case study

Brian Cavendish and his two Comtois geldings, Bill and Ben, working at Skye Grove Organics

FIND OUT MORE Chagfood offers courses in the use of working horses and the Kassine in market gardens. Our next course begins in April 2012 and costs £320 for three days, including food and camping on site. To book – or for more information – contact Ed Hamer on 07858 381539 or chagfood@ gmail.com

on a number of factors: your budget, available grazing land, how much power you need and the variety of work.

At one end of the spectrum are our native ponies like Dartmoors and Exmoors, which are cheap to buy, cheap to keep and low maintenance. But they are also small and only suitable for light tillage work. At the other extreme are the heavy horses: Shires, Suffolk’s, Clydesdales and their continental equivalents. They all have the potential for heavy ploughing and subsoiling and the stamina to match. They are, however, relatively expensive to buy and to keep in work, and limited to larger-scale farming systems by the size of their feet. Somewhere in between are the Cobs; Welsh, Gypsy or Dales which are larger and stockier than native ponies and more expensive to buy.

They are relatively hardy and will live out in most weather.

While they may lack the pure strength of the heavy horses they are excellent all-rounders and a pair would happily work five days a week ploughing or tilling the soil.

The economics of replacing a tractor with horse power will depend largely on scale. If you have 15–20ha under cultivation a pair of heavy horses, combined with a ride-on

steerage hoe, is advisable. Brian Cavendish (see above) at Skye Grove Organics has perfected this system with his two Comtois and an I&J cultivator. The Americanmade I&J works essentially the same as a Massey toolbar with different attachments for different jobs. At Chagfood we manage a 1ha market garden with a single Dartmoor X Welsh Cob horse and the lighter weight French-designed Kassine cultivator. The Kassine consists of a rigid draught frame which carries several attachments, all easily changed without unhitching the horse. The Kassine is, however, designed around a traditional continental ridging system, meaning that crops must be grown on 50–80cm ridges to use it to its full potential, which tend to be hungry on space.

When starting from scratch the biggest investment will be the time required to gain experience and feel confident working with a horse. After that a sound work horse will cost you from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on breed, age and temperament. Work harness varies enormously in quality but a full set will cost around £800 for a Cob-sized horse and should last 15 years. The Kassine cultivator costs around £800 for the basic frame with additional implements averaging around £150 each, while the I&J cultivator will set you back around £2,000.

Once established, draught horse systems naturally complement organic management practice. Horses, even heavy ones, reduce compaction compared to a tractor, helping to maintain soil structure, improving aeration and promoting a healthy living soil. The ridging system favoured by the Kassine is designed to recycle weeds and organic matter in the top few inches of the soil throughout the growing season while overwintering on ridges cuts down on cultivation in the spring. For growers interested in cutting their carbon footprint horse power speaks for itself. Apart from the embodied energy in the harness and tools, working horses are essentially carbon neutral and, if you end up with a mare, 100% recyclable.

Ed Hamer is a grower and horseman at Chagfood on Dartmoor in Devon. www.chagfood.org.uk

45 Organic Farming Winter 2011

horticulture

Skye Grove Organics is a 2ha market garden near Liskeard, Cornwall, managed by Brian Cavendish and his two Comtois geldings, Bill and Ben. Brian uses the I&J cultivator and grows nearly everything on 60-inch beds with three rows of crops. The I&J cultivator is essentially a steerage hoe on which Brian attaches spring tines or markers for making drills. He has also recently fabricated a roller attachment which lays out and beds in biodegradable mulch. The power of his horses enables Brian to use a substantial disc-harrow to chop and turn in green manures, weeds and any crops left at the end of the season. Brian is perfecting the art of tilling his soil ‘little and often’ to cut down on ploughing and to maximise the recycling of weeds for organic matter. Visit www.skyegroveorganics.co.uk

Spring cereals on trial A

Organic Seed Producers established two organic cereal trial sites for 2011: one near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, and the other at Burford, Oxfordshire

s always, this year’s cereal variety trials and field experiences produced some interesting developments when it comes to assessing spring sown cereal and variety choice for 2012.

I suspect that many growers – especially those in the East – would prefer to forget the field experiences this year.

The absence of rain from drilling to ear emergence in many areas laid waste to large stands of spring cereals. But what was even more remarkable was the recovery made by many crops after what looked like complete devastation when the rains finally arrived at the end of May. As in previous years, Organic Seed Producers established two organic cereal trial sites for the 2011 season; one close to Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, and the other at Burford, Oxfordshire. The Bury site experienced a prolonged drought, followed by sufficient rains in late May to allow some crops recovery. At the Burford site, a very dry spell was eventually broken by 25mm of rain approximately three weeks earlier than the Bury site. Looking at the results (see Table, opposite) it is interesting to note that the drought in 2010, when good early growth was followed by a drought from ear emergence through flowering to harvest, was actually much more devastating on final yields. I have included data from the 2009 trials at Bury simply to show the difference that some rainfall can make.

46 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Wheats There are a number of interesting new varieties in this species. Results indicate that Granary appears to be an improvement on Tybalt, although it lacks the quality of Paragon and remains a feed wheat as far as buyers are concerned. One year behind in trial terms, STRU 0521 from Germany produced satisfactory results, with a top yield this year at Burford, although it remains a group 2 wheat in terms of quality.

With group 1 aspirations, Amaretto caught yellow rust and had a disappointing year, following a good performance under difficult circumstances last year, and an even better performance in 2009. Another newcomer this year is Mulika, which was presented as a definite group 1 variety. Although it looked poor during this year’s drought it actually did much better than expected, with yields approaching that of Tybalt and was only beaten by feed types.

Two other newcomers particularly stood out: Willow and KWS185 (now called Alderon) were top and second, respectively, at Bury, and second and third at Burford, after STRU 0521. All of these varieties are group 2, so Paragon and Mulika remain the only real choices for a milling outlet, although Mulika will not be available commercially until 2013.

john bradwell

Roger Wyartt assesses the spring cereal variety choices for organic producers using data from two organic trial sites sown in the 2010–2011 season in Suffolk and Oxfordshire

Barley Overall, barleys were the highest yielding crops in both trials. Our predominant variety, Westminster, performed well once again, although a number of newer feed varieties did out yield it at Burford. Quench, a malting type, came out top at Burford, but didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t perform well at Bury. A newcomer to our trials, Armada, did less well on both sites.

Oats Perhaps ironically for a crop which usually prefers wetter weather, a number of new oat varieties were on trial in what turned out to be a very dry year. Our established variety, SWArgyle, performed well once again and was the highest yielding variety at Burford and joint second with Canyon at Bury, where a new variety, Gandalf, came top.

It is interesting that an oat was the highest yielding species overall at Burford (slightly ahead of barley) and yet oats were the lowest yielding species at Bury.

Recommendations When choosing a wheat, a firm decision must be made about the intended market. Paragon is the only serious choice for a milling outlet, but is definitely not recommended for home consumption or any likely sale into the feed market. Tybalt and Granary will be available in 2012 and new varieties such as Willow, Alderon and Mulika should appear in time for 2013.

Triticale is more difficult, except that all varieties are bound for a feed outlet, but with more straw there is better weed suppression. Triticale has out-yielded wheat in 2009 and 2011, although not in 2010.

Barley selection is once again dependent on the outlet.

Quench has performed sufficiently well that if it can command a malting premium it will make a good return.

Westminster remains a good all round prospect, carries a lot of straw and has a bold grain sample whilst Dandy is still popular in the West where its straw length is really appreciated. Waggon has done well again but newcomer Armada was disappointing.

The last two years have been dreadful for oats, bearing in mind that they produced the highest yield of any cereal in our 2009 trials. We have trialled the Canyon for three years and at all sites it has been close to, if not top, whatever the weather threw at it. Gandalf has the same potential but is not yet in production, while SWArgyle, an older variety, is still a good option.

Roger Wyarrt is director of Organic Seed Producers.

Call 01359 270410

Organic cereal trials spring sown Yields expressed as tonnes/ha Bury St Eds

Burford

Average

Bury St Eds

Andover

Average

Bury St Eds

2011

2011

2011

2010

2010

2010

2009

Paragon

4.5

4.7

4.6

3.5

3

3.25

6.8

Mulika

4.8

5.4

5.1

Tybalt

4.9

5.6

5.25

3.2

3.5

3.35

7.8

Granary

4.5

4.2

4.35

3.7

3.3

3.5

7.3

Ethos

4.5

3.2

3.85

3.6

3.2

3.4

STRU0521

4.5

6.3

5.4

3.6

3.3

3.45

Amaretto

4.8

5.4

5.1

3.7

2.8

3.25

Willow

5.5

6.1

5.8

5.7

5.4

Wheat

Alderon Triticale Agrano

4.4

5.3

4.85

2.9

2.4

2.65

7.7

Dublett

4.8

3.7

4.25

3.2

2.3

2.75

8

2.9

2.4

2.65

7.4

3.5

2.4

2.95

6.6

3.5

3

3.25

7.5

3.7

2.7

3.2

6.7

Nagano Trimour

4.6

6.4

5.5

Somtri

5.7

4.7

5.2

5.4

5.7

5.55

Barley Westminster Dandy Quench

5

6.8

5.9

3.9

3.1

3.5

Waggon

4.8

6.4

5.6

4.1

2.7

3.4

7.9

Publican

4.9

6.2

5.55

3.5

2.7

3.1

7.9

Armada

5.1

5.5

5.3

Husky

3.2

6.4

4.8

1.7

3.4

2.55

7.5

SWArgyle

3.7

7

5.35

1.7

3.5

2.6

7.6

Canyon

3.7

6.8

5.25

1.8

3.3

2.55

8.2

Gandalf

4.4

6.7

5.55

Firth

3.4

6.6

5

Otakar

2.1

4.7

3.4

Rozmar

3.2

6.8

5

Vok

3

6.7

4.85

Saul

2.4

6.4

4.4

ARABLE

Triticale Spring triticale has been a popular choice for a variety of reasons, not all related to drought resistance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for which a winter sowing is a better bet. Triticale has generally done better than wheat over the years, although the results remain rather inconsistent. Dublet has been reliable and high yielding for several years now, but it certainly did not enjoy 2011. A new variety to us, Somtri, did well at Bury but not so well at Burford. Our own variety, Agrano, which is suitable for both autumn and spring use, did just the opposite and was very similar to Trimour, a variety we have produced non-organically for several years.

Oats

47 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Ask the experts Our range of specialist advisers answer your questions on subjects including feather pecking, green manures and more

Q

We are looking at setting up a farmers’ market stall next year. Do you have any key advice?

A

Farmers’ markets are hard work. But if you like meeting people and have a flair for selling, they are great fun – and offer a reasonable income stream. Farmers’ markets are defined by the people who sell at them, namely farmers and artisan food producers, selling what they have grown, reared or made themselves.

Businesses must be located within the market’s definition of ‘local’ – usually 30 miles but it can vary. You, or someone directly connected with production, must also sell at the stall. The National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) certifies farmers’ markets to ensure that they operate within the criteria listed above, but each market is operated independently and the manager(s) will decide if they can accept new stallholders. But before you get anywhere near a stall you must register with your local environmental health team and trading standards as a food producer and retailer. They will probably want to visit your production premises, including your home kitchen if this is where you will work, to ensure you meet statutory requirements. So allocate time for this before planning your first market appearance. There are no exemptions for food safety and weights and measures as far as farmers’ markets go, but you do get some leeway on labelling. For advice about selling direct visit www.localfoods.org. uk. The Food Standards Agency website (www.food. gov.uk) has an excellent section called ‘Safer Food, Better Business’. Don’t forget our website: www.farma.org.uk Rita Exner

Q

I have recently taken on a glasshouse.

What advice do you have on preventing pests and diseases?

A

Research the history of the glasshouse and focus your efforts accordingly. Soil-based disease may influence the crops you can grow. I wouldn’t recommend steam sterilisation, but caliente mustard can reduce nematodes, while bacterial and fungal-based soil inoculants are highly effective. Healthy soil biology is the key to successful organic growing. Pest and disease pressures are often due to incorrect fertility. If you plan to use fertilisers do so only with sound analysis-based recommendations, otherwise stick to quality compost and crop rotation. Natural parasites and predators will keep

48 Organic Farming Winter 2011

This issue’s experts

LIVESTOCK

ARABLE

HORTICULTURE

Kate Still is animal welfare adviser at the Soil Association, working on the AssureWel project, a five year multispecies collaborative welfare project. kstill@ soilassociation.org

Ian Wilkinson is director of Cotswold Seeds and is a member of the Grass Seed Working Group, with 25 year’s experience in the seed trade. ianw@ cotswoldseeds.com

Roger Hitchings is head of advisory services at the Organic Research Centre (Elm Farm) with over 20 years experience in organic systems.

01554 810158

VETERINARY

HORTICULTURE

MARKETING

Peter Plate is a practicing farm vet in Dorset with a special interest in organic farming, and is a member of the Soil Association agriculture standards committee. peter.plate@virgin.net

Peter Dollimore grows at Hankham Organics with 0.6ha glasshouses and 1ha field crops, selling via a box scheme and also to wholesale markets. www. hankhamorganics.co.uk

Rita Exner is association secretary at the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA), dedicated to supporting the local direct sales sector. www.farma.org.uk

bugs in check, so manage for biodiversity, too. Pressure washing the structure will improve light levels and reduce over wintering pests, but may disturb valuable predators such as ladybirds. Hot water is really the only option if fungal or bacterial disease is present in the structure.

Clear any debris that might harbour slugs, caterpillars and rodents. Disinfect old pots and trays with peracetic acid or Citrox P (which must not come into contact with soil).

Keep weeds under control to avoid viruses, as aphid will transfer disease from infected weeds. Try a range of crops and resistant varieties to see what does best; identifying mildew, aphid, virus and soil-borne disease resistance will improve your chances, as will grafted rootstock.

Appropriate sowing times will avoid stress and maximise resistance. Familiarise yourself with common pests, and biological and non-biological control products available.

Consider drawing up a biological control programme with your supplier or, at the very least, monitor your crops closely and be ready to buy in the relevant bio-control.

Peter Dollimore

Write to us Got a question? Need some help? We will do our best to put it to a technical expert.

Write to: ‘Ask the expert’ Organic Farming South Plaza Marlborough Street Bristol BS1 3NX 0117 314 5000 pmundy@ soilassociation.org Always consult your your certification body if in any doubt.

Q

We’ve been offered some land but are concerned about possible contamination.

A

Q

Maximising the use of the range will help prevent feather pecking

Q A

Is it worth sowing a green manure after cereal harvest considering the costs?

COTSWOLD SEEDS

A

If soil is left bare over the winter it will lose some fertility and structure. Traditionally, farmers believed ground should be left to ‘rest and recharge’ every year or two. But modern science has shown this is incorrect and more complex crop rotations, such as the Norfolk Four Course, were developed to raise soil fertility. Today, continually growing green plants (or green manures) over winter is essential to protect fertility levels and soil structure. The main cost is organic seed, at £100–£150/ha, plus diesel, labour and so on, depending on the situation. Provided there is sufficient soil moisture, it is possible to sow a quick, late summer green manure immediately after harvest to safeguard soil nutrients and prevent weeds taking hold before an autumn cash crop is drilled. Alternatively, ground that would otherwise be left bare over the winter should be sown with quick growing westerwolds ryegrass, cereal rye and/or winter vetch. Even when sown as late as early October (in most districts), these plants will provide good, thick green cover by the onset of winter.

Green manures suppress germinating weeds, soak up and hold vital nitrates, improve soil structure and, when mulched and ploughed in, add organic matter.

Legumes will fix nitrogen, but not until the soil warms up in spring. If you intend to plant an early spring cash crop, westerwolds or rye is the better option.

Ian Wilkinson

What steps can we take to prevent the outbreak of feather pecking in our laying hens?

Winter vetch provides a good, thick green cover for winter

Several factors can cause feather pecking outbreaks, including nutritional deficiencies, stress from insufficient feeder or drinker access, or birds not using the range. Changes in feed and accommodation or sudden changes in the weather can also spur outbreaks. Focus on ensuring the diet provides optimal levels of protein and minerals, and always change diets gradually by mixing.

Maximise use of the range by increasing shelter and foraging opportunities. Maintaining dry, friable litter is important, while housing design should allow easy access to equipment. Try to match the environment between rearing and laying to minimise changes, and ensure birds are in optimum health. For more information visit www.assurewel.org Kate Still

Q

We had a problem with lice last winter in our cattle. How can we stop it from reoccurring?

A

Dark, damp conditions and high stocking rates provide ideal conditions for lice, hence the outbreaks over winter. First, make sure your cattle enter the winter in good condition. Mineral deficiencies can make cattle more prone to any type of parasite. Second, make sure it is lice, as mange and ringworm will require different treatment. You will spot the eggs, mainly along the back, and may see lice moving on the skin. A new type of mange (psoroptic mange) is spreading across the UK and is responding poorly to treatment. If you are in doubt, or if treatment is ineffective, ask your vet to take a skin scrape. Your vet should advise a synthetic pyrethoid or ivermectins/ moxidectin pour on. The long organic meat withdrawal periods may influence product choice for finishing cattle.

Peter Plate

49 Organic Farming Winter 2011

EXPERT ADVICE

One thing is clear: if you know the land is contaminated you should talk to your certifying body at the earliest opportunity.

They may decide that it cannot be converted or that an extended conversion period is required. If contamination is suspected, you’ll need analysis to identify particular materials. Various commercial companies can provide these services. Analysis and subsequent remediation will be expensive so consider the situation very carefully.

In broad terms contamination can arise from intensive agricultural management or industrial contamination.

Residues may be present from recent agrochemical applications, which can extend the conversion period.

Historic applications of persistent chemicals, such as DDT or dieldrin, can be so persistent that conversion may even be ruled out. Much will depend on the actual levels, so analysis is important. Industrial contamination can be caused by previous land use, fallout from chimney stacks, industrial accidents and so on. Heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins can be very persistent. Various remediation techniques are available, including topsoil replacement, bio-remediation using bacteria and fungi, and phyto-remediation using willow, poplar and Miscanthus (which can contribute to the removal of heavy metals).

Roger Hitchings

Useful reading To see our full range of technical, philosophical and lifestyle books visit the Soil Association’s online bookshop at www.soilassociation.org/shop – or call 0117 914 2446

bookshop

John Newman reviews this newly revised classic on effective grassland management Improved Grassland Management (New Edition) John Frame and A.S. Laidlaw (288pp, softback) Crowood Press £25 (plus p&p)

Living with Worms in Organic Sheep Production Peter Stockdale Published by Canadian Organic Growers, but still highly relevant for British producers, this book provides advice on maintaining healthy flocks without reliance on anthelmintics. £15 (plus p&p)

Organic Farm Management Handbook 2011 Nic Lampkin, Mark Measures and Susanne Padel Fully updated for 2011-12, this is a ‘must have’ publication for anyone interested in the business of organic farming and growing. £18.50 (plus p&p)

EXPERT ADVICE

E

ffective grasssland and legume management is vital to most organic systems. The ways in which we can improve the management of this valuable resource are discussed and explained in this easy to read book.

The original version has been fully updated to cover all the intricacies of grassland management in the context of the latest technical, legislative and economic changes.

Starting with the types and characteristics of grassland in the UK, the book goes on to cover plant identification and breeding, mixtures and herbage evaluation. Many technical areas are considered, such as sward establishment, soils, soil fertility, manures and weather implications, along with methods of utilising grassland through grazing, conserving forage, the setting of objectives and the management of grassland through recording and budgeting.

The impacts of single farm payment, environmental stewardship and conservation objectives on grassland biodiversity and the management required are explained. Climate change effects on grassland and grassland’s contribution to and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions are explored, as is the role of knowledge and technology transfer to enable the sharing of new grassland technologies and management skills. While specific references to organics are few, the common principles and requirements necessary for high quality grassland and legume management make this book relevant and applicable to modern organic farming. Although weed control is largely focused on chemical applications, there are some references to cultural techniques. The chapters on the utilisation of organic manures, hay making and forage legumes serve well to both refresh the memory and enlighten.

The book is written in a style which is easily understood. There are many useful techniques and practices to be gleaned from the book and there is much detailed and valuable information for the reader to digest throughout. Anyone who is seriously interested in improving their grassland management will find this book invaluable.

John Newman is farm manager at Abbey Home Farm, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire

50 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Poultry Signals Monique Bestman et al Part of the well-received Signals range, and primarily geared towards more intensive poultrty production systems, this book still serves as an excellent reference book for organic producers and captures the fundamental welfare issues to watch out for when rearing poultry. £25 (plus p&p)

Pest and Disease Management for Organic Farmers, Growers and Smallholders Gareth Davies et al A comprehensive guide to the subject, incorporating the most up-to-date thinking on organic pest and disease management in organic systems. Essential reading for all organic farmers, growers and smallholders. £23 (plus p&p)

Sharing the Harvest: A citizen’s guide to Community Supported Agriculture Elizabeth Henderson and Robyn Van En Known as the ‘CSA Bible’, this highly regarded book provides inspiration, as well as practical advice on CSA – from getting started, to retaining members, financial, crop planning – and more. £25 (plus p&p)

Growing Green: Organic techniques for a sustainable future Jenny Hall and Iain Tolhurst Although primarily written from the perspective of developing a stockfree organic system, this book is a superb reference guide.

Key chapters include soil fertility, composting and propagation, rotations and pest and disease control. £21.79 (incl p&p)

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Not a member of Organic Arable? Call us now member of Organic us now to findNot outa how we can help youArable? manageCall your find out how we can help you manage your wholetoorganic enterprise more effectively. whole organic enterprise more effectively.

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Organic Grain Merchants

preMiuM MarKets available for Milling and MaltingSERVING varieties for harvest 2008 SINCE 1986 AND PROMOTING ORGANIC FARMING

Major supplier of organic raw materials to the feed and milling industry throughout the UK storage, drying and cleaning ◆ facilities available, for quality and Premium markets available for milling and malting varieties niche MarKet coMModities ◆ Storage, dryingof andall cleaning facilities for quality suppliers types of available, organic seedand niche market commodities ◆ Suppliers of all types of organic seed FURTHER INFORMATION ON AVAILABLE PREMIUMS AND MARKETING ADVICE PLEASE CONTACT BRIAN OR TONY ON THE ORGANIC TRADING DESK 01427 421 223

Soil Association license P596

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Lazy Dog Tool Co The best conservation tools for lifting ragwort, docks and thistles are made in Yorkshire Get ahead by removing roots and rosettes during the Autumn and Spring

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azy Dog Tool Co

best conservation tools for lifting ragwort, docks and thistles are made in Yorkshire

See our case studies / report to DEFRA / website shop

Or speak to us 01751 417351

www.lazydogtools.co.uk

ur case studies / report to DEFRA / website shop QUALITY Or speak to usTOP 01751 417351 SOFT FRUIT PLANTS

TOPTOP QUALITY SOFT FRUIT Supplied direct to you from your specialist grower PLANTS QUALITY SOFT FRUIT PLANTS

Including Certified Organic Varieties Supplied direct to to youyoufrom specialist grower Supplied direct from your your specialist grower PHPS Certified: Strawberry plants, Raspberry canes Including Certified Organic Organic Varieties Including Certified Varieties Also: Black/red/white currant bushes, Gooseberry bushes and Jostaberry bushes.

Certifi ed:and Strawberry plants, Raspberry canes Certified: Strawberry plants, Raspberry canescanes Gardeners’ commercial quantities available PHPS PHPS Certified: Strawberry plants, Raspberry Also: Black/red/white Black/Red/Whitecurrant currant Visit bushes, Gooseberry bushes our website Also: bushes, Gooseberry bushesand andJostaberry Jostaberrybushes bushes.

ww.lazydogtools.co.uk

Also: Black/red/white currant bushes, Gooseberry bushes and Jostaberry bushes.

Gardeners’ and commercial quantities available

www.welshfruitstocks.co.uk Gardeners’ and commercial quantities available Visit our website - Order Online, by Phone, or by Post -

Visit our website www.welshfruitstocks.co.uk

Or for further details and mail order price list send an SAE to: Welsh Fruit Stocks,Online, Bryngwyn, HR5 3QZ - Order byKington, Phone, Powys. or by Post -

www.welshfruitstocks.co.uk 22/03/2011 17:19 Email – jess@welshfruitstocks.co.uk

Or for further details and mail order price list send an SAE to: Tel – 01497 - Order Online, by 851209 Phone, or Powys.

by Post Welsh Fruit Stocks, Bryngwyn, Kington, HR5-3QZ

Email and – jess@welshfruitstocks.co.uk Or for further details mail order price list send an SAE to: Tel – 01497 851209 Welsh Fruit Stocks, Bryngwyn, Kington, Powys. HR5 3QZ

Optimises soil pH Fast acting and long lasting Provides valuable nutrients Improves soil structure Flexible service and payment options Approved for use in Organic Systems* *consult your certification body

Helpdesk 0870 240 2314 fax 0870 240 2729 limex@britishsugar.com limex.co.uk

LimeX is a business of British Sugar plc

Email – jess@welshfruitstocks.co.uk Tel – 01497 851209

Organic Grass Seed, Maize, Gamecover & Stewardship Mixtures

High quality mixtures & the best advice For further details please contact the team at: Bright Seeds, 2-4 Manor Farm Barns, Burcombe, Salisbury, Wilts. SP2 0EJ www.brightseeds.co.uk Tel: 01722 744494

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www.organicresearchcentre.com — 01488 658298

ORGANIC LIVESTOCK MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE “building aa better better future future for for organic organic livestock livestock producers” producers” “building PROVIDES PROVIDES A NATIONAL NATIONAL A COVERAGE COVERAGE

PROVIDES PROVIDES A STRUCTURED A STRUCTURED APPROACH TO TO APPROACH MARKETING MARKETING

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FOR MARKETING MARKETING FOR INFORMATION INFORMATION PHONE: TIM LEIGH LEIGH PHONE: TIM 01763 250313 01763 250313

Always required required Always Finished beef and and lambs, store cattle, cattle, store lambs lambs and cull cull cows cows Finished beef and lambs, lambs, store cattle, cattle, store lambs lambs Finished beef lambs, store store and Finished beef and store store For general information: phone Ralph Human 01409 281365 For general information: phone Ralph Human 01409 281365 Forgeneral generalinformation: information:phone phoneRalph RalphHuman Human01409 01409281365 281365 For

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Sponsored by: by: Sponsored Discover and and debate debate the the latest latest ideas ideas for for improving improving the the technical, technical, Discover financial and and environmental environmental performance performance of of your your business business financial focusing on on using using organic/agro-ecological organic/agro-ecological approaches approaches •• focusing to sustainable sustainable food food production production to relevant to to all all producers producers and and food food businesses businesses •• relevant bringing practitioners, practitioners, consultants consultants and and researchers researchers together together •• bringing Further details: details: www.organicresearchcentre.com www.organicresearchcentre.com Further

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Feeding to deliver proďŹ t

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OSP

have the widest possible range of Organic Seed Species

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Office Tel: 01529 46 11 55 Tel: 01359 270 410 Roger Wyartt

Incorporating Roger Wyartt (Seeds) Ltd

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organic hero

Livestock champion Meet Bob Kennard, managing director of Graig Producers

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raig Producers is an independent collaborative livestock producer group working with over 400 organic livestock farmers throughout the UK to market their beef and lamb, primarily through the supermarkets. Bob Kennard established the producer group in the early 1990s. Over the last decade and a half Graig Producers has helped to identify new markets and secure predictable prices for its members.

When did you ‘go organic’?

After an agricultural degree in 1974, I joined Voluntary Service Overseas and worked in Africa for a number of years, and then as a tropical agricultural consultant. While working overseas, it was clear that UK farming was intensifying, particularly in pigs and poultry. I was also concerned about the increasing (mis)use of agrochemicals in Africa. There had to be another way. On returning to the UK my wife, Carolyn, and I sought to produce chicken humanely. We moved to mid-Wales in 1988 and set up Graig Farm Organics (GFO), with a small meat cutting plant, shop and website. We established Graig Producers initially to supply our growing business, but during the mid-1990s it became clear that the supermarket sector would move into organic meats. So I began working with Nigel Elgar to expand Graig Producers. By 2009, when we sold GFO to focus on Graig Producers, we had a staff of 20 and were selling a range of organic foods and other goods by mail order and through independent retailers.

Organic principles: why do they matter?

Without the underlying organic principles the organic sector is just another marketing exercise. Organic food production has real substance and, uniquely, it is a legally binding term. It is a fiendishly complex message to communicate, yet it has many of the answers to the challenges we face.

What’s the main benefit of being organic?

The main ones for me are the environment, the impact on human health, and safeguards on animal welfare. I simply cannot understand how chemicals designed to kill some animals or plants cannot have an impact on both ourselves and other animals which ingest these chemicals.

58 Organic Farming Winter 2011

Who are your customers?

We work across the organic red meat supply chain. Our immediate customers are the large abattoirs which supply supermarkets. There are only about 10 such plants in the UK and we regularly supply about six.

Supermarkets – good or bad?

Currently, the only route to the mass market for organic food.

The Graig Producers team (left to right): Nigel Elgar, Carolyn Kennard, Gwyn Brown, Gareth Lewis, Lesley Thomas, and Bob Kennard.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Aaron Kisebe, an agriculturalist who worked with me in Malawi. He has an approach to life based on a deep religious faith, an intimate understanding of human nature, and the ability to get things done. In a continent full of corruption and lack of moral leadership, he shines in my mind as a beacon of how it could be so much better.

What is your greatest fear?

The future of my two grandsons in a world which is not sustainable in virtually any aspect of human activity, and which is run today by people who appear to have very little interest in the world tomorrow.

find out more Graig Producers is an independent dedicated organic livestock marketing group, supplying organic beef and lamb to the multiple retail sector on behalf of over 400 organic farmers. To find out more visit www. graigproducers.co.uk

How do you plan to progress in the future?

I’d like to see more farmers marketing collaboratively and a more open supply chain where the longer-term interests of society as a whole are considered. We rush into mega farms at our peril. If a fraction of research budget into pesticides was diverted to organic farming we would soon see increased organic yields.

I’d like to be remembered for...

Making a difference.

Bob Kennard is director of Graig Producers and chair of the Organic Beef and Sheep Development Group

The Organic Grain & Raw Material Specialists Grains, Pulses, Raw Materials & Oilseeds Marketing Experts in home-grown Organic grains & Pulses.

Importers of Organic food & feed raw materials.

Dedicated to Organic only.

Norton Organic Grain Ltd, Ash Street, Boxford, Suffolk CO10 5HJ Tel: 01787 210899 Fax: 01787 211737 Email: info@nortonorganic.co.uk Website: www.nortonorganic.co.uk

PUT POWER IN YOUR SOIL Order today, Delivery tomorrow* *before 2pm. Friday orders delivered Monday.

01608 652552 www.cotswoldseeds.com