RIRDC Completed Projects in 1999-2000 & Research in Progress as at June 2000

2.5 ORGANIC PRODUCE COMPLETED PROJECTS
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
AHM-3A	Identifying organic practices with wider significance to science or agriculture	Mr Jason Alexandra	(03) 9431 3426	Jason Alexandra & Associates
DAW-85A	Evaluate the production potential and marketing processes for potential in providing clean (organic, natural, low-input) food for export	Mr Gerry Parlevliet	(08) 9368 3333	Agriculture Western Australia
GUK-1A	Organic Links – Dairy	Mrs Fiona Chambers	(03) 5441 4821	Rendell McGuckian
KDI-20A	An information package for organic farming in Australia	Mr Garry McKenzie	(08) 9478 3343	Kondinin Group
TAR-2A	Economics of soil and environmental amelioration in intensive temperate rotations	Dr Rowland Laurence	(03) 6430 4901	University of Tasmania
UA-49A	Soil nutrient management for increased production on broadacre organic farms	Mr Chris Penfold	(08) 8303 7735	University of Adelaide


 

Project Title	Identifying organic practices with wider significance to science or agriculture
RIRDC Project No.:	AHM-3A
Researcher:	Mr. Jason Alexandra
Organisation:	Alexandra & Associates Pty Ltd 16 Homestead Rd ELTHAM VIC 3095
Phone:	(03) 9431 3426
Fax:	(03) 9431 3426
Objectives	· To identify and document organic farming practices which have wider applications in Australian  · farming systems. · To improve understanding of organic or IPM practices with good prospects for wider adoption. · To identify important R&D possibilities which could enhance clean food production generally. · To better understand the principles and practices applied in Australian organic systems. · To improve communciation between growers, researchers and industry organisations. · To identify and document organic farmers' priorities for R&D.
Background	Around the world public confidence in agricultural industries and agricultural science is possibly at all time low due to mad cows, chemical contamination scares and fears about the uncertain impacts of biotechnology. Concerns about the environmental effects of industrial agriculture have increased over the last three decades. In response there is increasing attention being devoted to the sustainability and multi-functionality of agriculture systems.  As industrial agriculture is suffering from this "crisis in confidence" community, government and market support for organic agriculture is rising. The rise in support for organic farming represents a marked change in the trajectory of modern agricultural development. The project sought to tap the understanding of people currently involved in organic agriculture because organic agriculture needs to be understood not simply in terms of another production technology, but as a fundamental shift in the relationships between markets and producers, producers and technology and producers and the environment. In virtually every primary industry there are successful examples of commercial organic production on a large commercial scale. Many organic farming practices have been developed in isolation from the mainstream of agricultural research and development, yet they could potentially provide a rich source of information on clean food production and/or insights into important R&D possibilities. This project was designed to explore this in selected industries.
Research	The project has examined the prospects, impediments and R&D needs of five major Australian primary industries (rice, vegetable, wine grapes and viticulture, sugar and the dairy) through holding one-day workshops accompanied by interviews and field trips.  Five workshops have been held in 4 States with representatives of growers, researchers, industry and agencies. Workshops explored prospects for refining farming practices in areas such as soils management, and pest and disease management, sustainable production, and IPM were discussed. Research and industry development needs and/or marketing possibilities were identified. Additional investigations into conversion, investment and business development issues have been undertaken via semi structured interviews with wholesalers, retailers, exporters, manufacturers and traders. Future arrangements for organic R&D seminar was held in Canberra to present findings of several RIRDC Organic program projects and to investigate the potential for R&D partnerships that focus on organics and ecologically based agricultural systems.
Outcomes	The project found that in five major Australian industries there is growing activity and confidence in organic production systems and markets. In each industry, both individual producers and major agri-business entities are involved in exploring, supporting and trialing organic production methods. However, for each commodity investigated there are real risks and technical impediments to adopting organic production systems. There is much scope for increasing production, processing and marketing capacity in order to fulfil growing domestic and exported demand. The Australian rural industries' capacity to supply the increasing global demand could be enhanced by further R&D investments. These need to focus on both refining production systems to reduce risk and uncertainty, and to ensuring effective links along value chains. There are several factors that account for increasing interest and confidence in organic productions systems: · strong market demand for organic product with several reporting an inability to satisfy the demand.  · increasing acceptance of QA and HACCP which makes adoption of transparent and independently verified standards seem a far less daunting task. · Australia's favourable climatic conditions, relatively clean environment and abundant land resources represent a competitive advantage to those industries wishing to expand organic production. Constraints to adopting organics include:  · an image problem - organic is perceived as fringe;  · uncertainty about markets and mixed market signals;  · risks of conversion losses and pest and disease problems;  · limited access to advice on agronomic practices; and  · phobia or "aesthetics" that determine weed and pest management practices.  Processors and exporters could do much to overcome these constraints through offering forward contracts and extending advice to growers.
Implications	The final report contains 15 recommendations that the authors regard as high priorities for the development of the organic industry. Recommendations cover improvements in labelling rules, education and training, information exchange, the need for the commmodity RDC's and other research organisations to become more involved in organics, generating economies of scale in processing, resourcing and streghtening of existing networks and future research directions and arrangements
Publications	Symbisios Unlimited - 126 pages Various media articles, radio and press reports


 
 

Project Title	Evaluate the production potential and marketing processes for potential in providing clean (organic, natural, low-input) food for export
RIRDC Project No.:	DAW-85A
Researcher:	Mr Gerry Parlevliet
Organisation:	Agriculture Western Australia Locked Bag No. 4 BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE WA 6983
Phone:	(08) 9368 3333
Fax:	(08) 9368 3946
Objectives	· To increase the export opportunity for clean product able to be produced in Australia by identifying Japanese market opportunities and by developing best-bet management packages for a selected short list of products
Background	The Japanese market for clean and organic agriculture products has been estimated at an 1996 Organic Agriculture Symposium held in Canberra as being $US 40 billion. Australian and Western Australia in particular are well located to supply part of this market. Until recently the organic industry has been fragmented resulting in small quantities and unreliable supplies being produced. The organic industry had not had a market focus and has had little support from research organisations to help develop production systems. The Symposium participants identified the need to focus more clearly on market needs.
Research	The review involved a desktop analysis of trade and market information on organic and conventional commodities to all major markets. The regulations and standards regarding organic in these markets were determined. Australian production potential was examined. Interviews with organic exporters and buyers were used to fine-tune the information. A priority list of commodities was determined in conjunction with a reference panel. Interviews with organic growers and a review of the literature of production systems were used to develop production guidelines for the selected priority commodities.
Outcomes	World trade for organic products was estimated at $US 11 billion in 1997. The main markets were USA, Japan and Europe. Currently Australia has an industry worth $200-$250 million with $30-40 million exported. The main markets have strong interest in all organic food products. The trend is for processed and convenience products. The production systems used by Australian organic producers vary from individual to individual. A report outlines guidelines for production on wheat, beef, carrots, wine and oranges. These are designed for new entrants into the organic industry.


 
 

Project Title	Organic Links - Dairy
RIRDC Project No.:	GUK-1A
Researcher:	Mrs Fiona Chambers
Organisation:	Rendell McGuckian Box 2410 Mail Centre BENDIGO VIC 3554
Phone:	(03) 5441 4821
Fax:	(03) 5441 2788
Email:	Rendmcgk@bendigo.net.au
Objectives	· Stage 1 Industry Forum for key dairy industry stakeholders · As a result of the forum activities, stakeholders will: · Acknowledge organic production as a sector within their mainstream industry · Agree that it is a priority to take advantage of untapped market opportunities · Identify priority tasks to enable the expansion of the organic dairy sector · Establish a working group to take the appropriate next steps · At the conclusion of the forum a report would be completed to summarise the key outcomes. 25 copies of the report would be bound and printed, with 2 x word format copies made available for subsequent copying
Background	World sales of organic products are estimated to be $US 11 billion (1997), with a projected trade of $US100 billion by 2006. Australia has established a good international reputation for its national organic standard and related export regulations. Australian Dairy products have been identified as one of the high priority commodities for further development into organics
Research	Six industry leaders (from Australia, UK and New Zealand) provided an overview to the global trends and opportunities for Australia Organic Dairy Productions. Following the forum, participants were divided into workshop groups to identify key issues and barriers and priority actions.
Outcomes	Nine key industry recommendations and the formation of a national dairy organics working group are direct outcomes from the forum. The working group is now developing an action plan for the expansion of the organic dairy sector within the mainstream Australian Dairy Industry.
Implications	This project has identified that the rapidly expanding international market for organic produce is providing a number of key opportunities for the Australian Diary Industry. On-farm conversions to organic practices have shown to provide substantial financial, environmental and social benefits in Britain where farmers have made strategic alliances with supermarkets and processors in a deregulated market environment.
Project Title:	Organic Farming in Australia
RIRDC Project No.:	KDI-20A
Researcher:	Pamela Horsley
Organisation:	Kondinin Group
Phone:	(02) 6921 4047
Fax:	(02) 6921 4182
Email:	Pamelah@kondinin.com.au
Objectives	To produce an information manual on organic farming that will assist both new & prospective farmers in their quest for good quality independent information that will help them make more informed decisions.
Background	Increasing global concern over the use of chemicals in agriculture is behind a growing trend of using organic methods of agricultural production. While adoption of organic practices doubled from 1990 to1995 it is believed this rate of adoption would increase if there was a greater level of understanding achieved throughout the agricultural community about the factors involved in organic farming. But the absence of a clear understanding of the issues involved with organic farming and the opportunities available continue to impede adoption of these methods by conventional producers.
Research	Through liaison with existing industry organisations and through farmer surveys and focus groups an appropriate information manual has been developed. This includes a detailed explanation of organic farming principles and conversion procedures, methods of pest and weed control, certification procedures, potential marketing strategies, industry contacts and an evaluation of the performance of organic methods of production compared to conventional farming. The project brings together existing published research and extension information with practical guidelines from established organic producers and consultants. The report has been compiled into an easy to read and understand information package which will help guide conventional farmers into the organic farming industry.
Outcomes	There has been a high level of interest in the organic industry in recent months, from both agricultural producers and consumers. Demand is even outstripping supply in some industries, in both the domestic and export markets. It is hoped the information generated by this project will be used to increase the level of organic production in Australia in a wide range of agricultural industries.
Implications	As the organic industry grows with the help of reports like this one, the benefits will be far reaching, in both economic and environmental terms with growth in the domestic and export industry, as well as the long term benefits of more sustainable agricultural production.
Publications	National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce OPAC 1998 (Second Ed). Can be bought through Australian Government Bookshops by quoting ISBN 0-646-35460-4. IFOAM 1998. Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processing. Contact the Manager AQIS Food Programs, ph: (02) 6272 4783, fax (02) 6272 3682, e-mail organic@aqis.gov.au or NASSA. Acres Australia, the national newspaper of sustainable agriculture. Hassall & Associates (1995), The Domestic Market for Australian Organic Produce. An Update. Prepared for Rural Industries and Development Corporation. RIRDC, ph: (02) 6272 4539 fax: (02) 6272 5877 email: rirdc@rirdc.gov.au Website: www.rirdc.gov.au
Project Title	Economics of soil and environmental amelioration in intensive temperate rotations
RIRDC Project No.:	TAR-2A
Researcher:	Dr Rowland Laurence
Organisation:	Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research University of Tasmania North West Centre GPO Box 447 BURNIE TAS 7320
Phone:	(03) 6430 4901
Fax:	(03) 6430 4959
Objectives	· To report on the feasibility of carrying out, in Tasmania and southern Victoria, long term replicated field research and demonstration in order to measure and demonstrate, over time, the economic costs and benefits of implementing rotations and cultural practices leading to profitable yields and sustainable improvements in environment quality
Background	Maintaining the productivity of soils and sustaining the rural environment in the face of declining farm profitability is seen as the single most important issue in many agricultural industries today. Over-supply and retail strength are placing demands for product quality on producers, and pressure on prices and rotations. Reduction in water-stable soil aggregates and packing of soil surfaces on slopes lead to soil erosion, for which the perceived cost and inconvenience of control measures have made for slow commercial uptake. More intensive cropping of sandier, inherently less-stable soils is increasing and sustainability issues are beginning to arise. Market driven reduction in the use of artificial pesticides is also increasing the demand for crop rotation to control insect pests, weeds and diseases and field comparison of rotations offers a method for practical testing of integrated management methods.
Research	The work comprised: · Contacts to raise the awareness of the project among a wide range of potential stakeholders · A review of literature relating to the role of long-term investigation in sustainable cropping · An appraisal of relevant European field studies · A workshop to determine the level of commitment among prospective stakeholders for a project proposal to measure and demonstrate the costs and benefits of implementing more environmentally sustainable cropping systems and to explore what such studies might involve.
Outcomes	The key outcomes of the study are: · While some long-term investigations have suffered through limited strategic planning and stakeholder involvement, others have provided insight and understanding otherwise impossible to achieve. It is not possible to practically measure changes in the sustainability and profitability of farming systems without long-term, well planned field investigations · To ensure success in such investigations, they must exhibit some key attributes · Research commitment in Europe to long-term investigation is increasing. As in Australia, the effects of not attending to these attributes, particularly stakeholder involvement, in the planning phase have limited outcomes but there are many successful examples · The workshop reached general agreement that a proposal should be developed and that further discussion with individual stakeholders will be necessary to ensure the successful incorporation of their objectives
Implications	This study has shown that there is broad support for long-term, large-scale field investigations to improve the environmental sustainability of intensive cropping systems and to demonstrate the magnitude and location of associated costs and benefits. There appears to be recognition that such field investigations/monitoring sites have a fundamental role in bringing about required change and providing measures for assessing the success of associated programs. It is recommended that, on acceptance of this report, discussions be renewed as soon as possible with individual prospective stakeholders.
Project Title	Soil nutrient management for increased production on broadacre organic farms
RIRDC Project No.:	UA-49A
Researcher:	Dr Chris Penfold
Organisation:	University of Adelaide Department of Agronomy and Farming Systems Roseworthy Campus ROSEWORTHY SA 5371
Phone:	(08) 8303 7735
Fax:	(08) 8303 7979
Objectives	· This project will perform a vital initial function in providing an answer to the critical question of nutrient supply for Australian broadacre organic farms. Within the scientific literature, and minds of farmers, scientists and consultants, there is expected to be a considerable body of knowledge addressing this issue, though such a compendium is not yet available. The compilation of this information into a report for the organic industry, will provide farmers with some of the answers to this vexing question, and researchers with directions for further investigation
Background	The plant availability of phosphorus has been established by long term trials, on farm trials and farmer observation to be a major limiting factor to broadacre organic grain production. Organic agricultural systems have their origins in Europe, where plentiful supplies of animal manure or compost can be applied cheaply to intrinsically fertile soils for mineralisation during their warm, moist summer growing period. Over the large areas of less fertile soil on Australian broadacre farms, with cold winter growing conditions, these systems are unsuitable. Plant available phosphorus is now likely to be a major limitation to productivity on many broadacre organic farms. The cost of fertilisers acceptable for organic certification is a major reason for this predicament. The environmental and economic benefit of redressing this situation and thereby improving the sustainability of organic broadacre farming will be substantial.
Research	This research has shown there are options available to organic farmers that are likely to maintain or improve productivity on soils which are presently non-responsive to phosphate fertiliser addition. On soils which respond to phosphorus, it may still be possible to improve production through the application of rock phosphates, but this will depend on the soil type, rainfall, form of phosphorus and the ability to apply large amounts in a single year. Other practices, such as the importance of seed P, sowing time, fertiliser application methods and rotation management will all influence phosphorus nutrition. The potential of humic acids for enhancing available P, particularly in alkaline soils, may also be worthy of further investigation.
Outcomes	The supply of adequate phosphorus for optimal production of a broad range of plant species in southern Australia using organic farming practices is very difficult. However, there are several management practices which will be applicable to some farming environments which will greatly assist in improving crop and pasture productivity.
Implications	The issues involved in phosphorus nutrition for broadacre organic farmers in southern Australia have been highlighted in this review. It is a major problem which must be investigated further, so farmers wishing to convert to organic farming for whatever reason can do so with confidence that productivity can be maintained over the long term without the use of synthetic fertilisers. For this reason, research ranging from microbiological to applied systems based work is required to help provide practitioners with the information necessary to improve their farming systems.

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