| Project
Title: |
Organic
Production and Training Workshops for NSW |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
DAN-188A |
| Researcher: |
Robyn
Neeson |
| Organisation: |
NSW
Agriculture
PMB, Yanco Agricultural
Institute YANCO NSW 2703 |
| Phone: |
02
6951 2735 |
| Fax: |
02
6951 2600 |
| Email: |
robyn.neeson@agric.nsw.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· To conduct three,
2-day organic training workshops for NSW Agriculture staff in conjunction
with organic industry specialists and other professional agricultural consultants
· To develop production
system packages for a number of key organic products
· To present the information
to potential organic and conventional producers during three additional
workshops, after which, producers will be surveyed to evaluate the relevance
and usefulness of each production package.
|
| Background |
Market
signals, both domestic and international, indicate significant demand for
organically produced product. By the year 2006 it is predicted that the
world trade in organic products will be US$100 billion. Australia has an
opportunity to capture a proportion of this market. However, whilst demand
for organic products is high, particularly in export markets, the rate
of farm conversion to organic agricultural systems is relatively slow.
Currently only about one per cent of Australian producers are involved
in organic production and the area devoted to such production is only about
0.8 per cent of total area farmed.
One of the major contributing
factors to the slow conversion rate is that there is limited relevant information
about how to go through the conversion process available to producers.
Existing information is largely anecdotal, undocumented, irrelevant to
Australian conditions, or not readily accessible through mainstream agriculture
extension programs. The aim of this project to determine relevant conventional
and organic production techniques for a number of key organic products,
as well as identifying what further information was required to assist
conversion in these systems. |
| Research |
Studies
by Doolan and Twyford-Jones (DPI Qld, 1998), McCoy and Parlevliet (Ag.
WA and RIRDC, 1998), Lakin and Shannon (DPI Qld, 1999), had already identified
a number of organic products as having export potential for Australia.
A review of these studies determined that 3 production systems held the
greatest potential for N.S.W. producers. These were:
· vegetables,
· rice and soybeans,
and
· rangeland livestock
production,
These systems formed the focus
of the workshops and packages prepared within this project. These systems
were firstly workshopped by NSW Agriculture technical specialists, leading
organic industry personnel and agricultural consultants and production
pathways and issues pertaining to successful conversion for each system
were identified before three conversion packages were prepared. Producers
were introduced to the packages during three additional workshops, after
which, they were asked to provide feedback (via survey) on the conversion
packages. |
| Outcomes |
This
project identified a number of key products with potential for organic
production in N.SW. Through a series of interactive workshops, key impediments
to growers undertaking successful organic production of these products
were identified and three draft conversion packages have been produced.
Feedback from producers attending the final workshops have been collated
and will be incorporated into the draft packages by their final publication
shortly after completion of this project. Of the producers who were surveyed,
86% indicated the packages were very useful, whilst 14% indicated the packages
were of moderate use in providing information to assist them towards achieving
organic conversion. |
| Implications |
This
project has developed valuable information to assist agricultural producers
to successfully make the transition from conventional to organic production
for a number of key commodities. Following this, institutional support
(research, development and extension) from mainstream providers must provide
further impetus for the development of a sustainable organic industry in
Australia. |
| Publications |
Neeson,
R. (2002) Going Organic. A Conversion Package for Organic Soybean and Rice
Production. NSW Agriculture and RIRDC. (In Draft)
Neeson, R. (2002) Going Organic.
A Conversion Package for Organic Vegetable Production. NSW Agriculture
and RIRDC. (In Draft)
Neeson, R. (2002) Going Organic.
A Conversion Package for Organic Livestock Production in the Rangelands
of Western NSW. NSW Agriculture and RIRDC. (In Draft) |
| Project
Title: |
Organic
sugar: end-user support and grower perception |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
UCQ-18A |
| Researcher: |
Janet
Grice |
| Organisation: |
School
of Social Sciences
The University of Queensland
St Lucia QLD 4700 |
| Email: |
j.grice1@uq.edu.au |
| Objectives |
· Enhanced grower
perception of end-users’ understanding of organic farming principles
· Enhanced grower
perception of end-users’ requirements
· Understanding of
supply chain stakeholders’ perceptions of end users
· Empowerment of growers
in negotiations with supply chain institutions
· Preliminary information
gained to inform a more complete analysis of both Australian and overseas
consumers of organic products
· Understanding of
price premiums available for organic sugar
· Provide market information,
including domestic and overseas demand for various types of organic sugar,
both in the retail market and by food industries.
|
| Background |
The
growing demand for organic food has resulted in the development of a large
variety of processed foods and beverages. At present demand for organic
sugar exceeds supply and organic sugar commands a premium price up to 2.5
times its conventional counterpart. While this position is expected to
continue for some years, it is necessary for the industry to have a good
grasp on the needs of the end user – both in terms of the general public
and food processors – to remain competitive. Growers are presently reliant
on other stakeholders within the supply chain to provide information on
the needs of end users. The production and development of transparent methods
of assessing the needs of consumers and reporting those needs to growers
will benefit all stakeholders within the supply chain and encourage conversion
and implementation of organic production. |
| Research |
A
desktop analysis of documents sourced from relevant organisations was conducted
to determine the nature of any previous research, both in Australia and
overseas, and to find any similarities or differences in the available
data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with some major
stakeholders within the supply chain including farmers, millers, refiners,
marketers and retailers. Focus groups of consumers were conducted.
The results were analysed to determine differences and similarities between
the various groups. |
| Outcomes |
Consumers
had a limited appreciation of organic farming and certification. In terms
of direct users of sugar, there are a number of negative perceptions that
need to be overcome before consumers will recognise organic sugar as a
valid organic product. Processors saw only limited potential for the use
of organic sugar. The majority of processors saw organic processed foods
– in terms of confectionary – as a "boutique market". With the exception
of processors, stakeholders along the supply chain had no real perceptions
of the characteristics of organic consumers. The market must always be
seen as a niche market and if premiums are to apply, output must be controlled. |
| Implications |
There
are several challenges to be met if organic sugar production is to become
viable in Australia. The negative perceptions of sugar need to be dealt
with in the first instance. Processors expect continuity of supply in the
quantity, and of the quality, they require. There is an expectation that
the organic sugar will be fully certified and not simply in-conversion.
The inability of grower leaders and those in the mill/refinery sector to
adequately assess the market for organic sugar means that growers must
find their own outlets. It is necessary to develop a single symbol that
defines organic produce. |
| Project
Title: |
Non-conventional
options for effective nematode control in ‘organic’ sheep production |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
RWO-2A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Rob Woodgate and Kylie Woodgate |
| Organisation: |
The
Write Science |
| Phone: |
(08)
9841 6920 |
| Fax: |
(08)
9841 6075 |
| Email: |
writesci@albanyis.com.au |
| Objectives |
To
collect, summarise and investigate often anecdotal evidence about non-conventional
sheep, endoparasite treatment and control methods. |
| Background |
Suitable
remedies for effective nematode control are vital to maintain livestock
production, health and welfare in organic and biodynamic sheep enterprises.
Many such remedies are discussed however most of these remain unsubstantiated
and often only supported by anecdotal advice.
Use of unproven products
carries severe risks of loss of worm control, livestock toxicity and jeopardy
of product quality and markets and industry consumer confidence. |
| Research |
An
information search of more than 200 references revealed in excess of 150
potential worm remedies, though scientific investigation was lacking for
the vast majority of these.
Field and laboratory testing
was conducted on in excess of 30 test products. Effects were assessed as
significant differences between post-treatment faecal worm egg counts of
treated and untreated control sheep or significant differences between
numbers of live larvae or percentages of dead larvae in product exposed
and non-product exposed treatment groups. |
| Outcomes |
The
efficacy of copper oxide wire pellets against Haemonchus contortus
was confirmed in agreement with other published reports. Several other
potential remedies were highlighted as worthy of further investigation
to elucidate toxicity and dosing data consistent with efficacy. |
| Implications |
If
favourable, further investigation has the potential to yield one or more
effective products that could be widely promoted to and used by organic
and biodynamic sheep producers. |
| Project
title: |
National
organic trade exhibit at BioFach Nuremberg Germany 2002 |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
OFA-2A |
| Researcher: |
Ms.
Catriona Macmillan |
| Organisation: |
Organic
Federation of Australia |
| Phone: |
(02)
9365 7668 |
| Fax: |
(02)
9365 7828 |
| Email: |
catrionamac@optusnet.com.au |
| Objectives |
· To establish a
growth in demand for, and sales of Australian organic products.
· To investigate and
validate regulations that optimise market access for both Australian exports
& imports of organic products.
· To assist International
trade/consumer respect & identify Australian product.
· To promote unrestrained
market access for Australian certified products.
· To show Australian
certified organics in a more professional light.
· To support the larger
organic farm holdings and businesses ready to expand into export; to encourage
farmers to showcase their products to an international market.
· To support producers
already exporting to EU; to study the EU market.
· To enable producers
to test interest in their products on the International Market, without
the prohibitive costs of hiring an individual trade exhibit.
|
| Background |
The
objective of this project was to establish growth in demand and sales for
Australian organic products in the European market. The EU market has been
identified as an established and steadily expanding market, with the BioFach
Trade Fair as the international trade show most suitable for the organic
industry participation. BioFach 2002 was held from the 14th - 17th of February,
in Nuremberg Germany. A number of featured events were run alongside the
trade fair, including an accompanying congress with qualified seminars,
workshops and presentations on organic themes. This is an increasingly
important forum for organic researchers and experts. BioFach 2002 had 1,921
exhibitors from 56 countries and 27,787 trade visitors from over 100 nations.
That was 11 % more visitors than 2001 and the increase of exhibitors showed
increase of the international range of organic food and natural products.
Almost every third visitor travelled from abroad. The Organic Federation
of Australia (OFA) invited Australian certifiers and their producers to
join them in an Australian National Organic trade exhibit, the first such
exhibit to promote Australian organic product at BioFach. There was considerable
interest shown in Australian product as evidenced by the number of people
who actually sought out the Australian Stand. Participation also enabled
Australian attendees to benchmark their product against European products.
Guidelines (helpful hints) on how to mount future trade displays were prepared
and it was recommended that an Australian presence at future BioFach (Nuremberg)
Trade Fairs would be very beneficial for the Australian industry. |
| Project
Title |
Increasing
sustainable production and soil fertility on broad-acre organic farms |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
DAN-195A |
| Start
Date: |
7-Jan-01 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-Dec-04 |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Jeffrey Evans |
| Organisation: |
NSW
Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Institute
PMB
WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650 |
| Phone: |
(02)
6938 1999 |
| Fax: |
(02)
6938 1822 |
| Email: |
jeffrey.evans@agric.nsw.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· Innovative management
to improve pasture production, increase gain in soil fertility and produce
higher crop yield and cropping frequency on organic broad-acre farms. Decision
support criteria for conversion of pasture to crop. An assessment of the
role of organic farming for improving the soil resource.
|
| Current
Progress |
A
survey of organic farms confirmed that soil phosphate is low; most returning
5 ppm compared with a desirable level of 15 ppm.
Soil phosphate in the trial
at Ardlethan in early 2002 has increased from 2001 levels only where soil
had been treated with rock phosphate fines and sulphur. Here, levels were
9 ppm in April 2002 compared with background (4 ppm) or soil treated only
with rock phosphate (4 ppm). Pasture management has not yet influenced
phosphate level. In 2002 plant productivity with the rock phosphate / sulphur
mix was twice that for other soil treatments.
In the trial at Cootamundra,
soil phosphate has also increased from 2001 levels, only where soil had
received rock phosphate fines and sulphur. Here, levels of phosphate were
18 ppm in April 2002 versus 9 ppm in untreated soil or soil treated either
with rock phosphate fines with no sulphur, or granulated rock phosphate
irrespective of sulphur. Plant production on the soil with rock phosphate
fines and sulphur was again twice that for other treatments.
For six organic paddocks
in 2002, nitrogen in cereals was only 44-75% of potential, because of poor
soil phosphate. The latter is looming as a critical decision support criterion
for profitable grain production. |
| Project
Title |
World
class production systems for new Australian apple varieties |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAQ-284A |
| Start
Date: |
7-Jan-01 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-May-06 |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Simon Middleton |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Primary Industries (Qld)
Queensland Horticultural
Institute
PO Box 501
STANTHORPE QLD 4380 |
| Phone: |
0746
811 255 |
| Fax: |
0745
811 769 |
| Email: |
simon.middleton@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· Comprehensive
review of the techniques used in organic apple production around the globe,
including list of approved methods and chemicals, identification of national
and international "experts", costings, problems and possible solutions.
· Identification of
World Class Organic Apple Production Systems with associated "Tree Management
Packages" aimed specifically at producing organic apples from new black
spot resistant apple varieties derived from the AAPGA/HRDC funded apple
breeding program. Most fungicide applications in apple orchards are used
to control black spot. The use of black spot resistant varieties will therefore
overcome one of the greatest hurdles to successful organic apple production
in Australia.
· Organic best management
techniques which integrate the most effective organic (and where appropriate
conventional integrated fruit production {IFP}) techniques for pest control,
tree layout, pruning, crop load regulation, weed control and plant nutrition.
The aim is to produce fruit that will comply with, and obtain the organic
accreditation logo of Australia as well as European Union countries (ie,
UK soil association/EEC 2092/21).
· Encouragement of
conventional growers to adopt organic farming techniques by demonstration
of the economic costs, benefits and practical problems (+ solutions) likely
to be encountered in Australia. Financial costs to be compared to conventional
apple production.
· Project to closely
interact with organic marketing staff at QHI and other apple growing states.
This will ensure that a combination of both "Best Practice Methods" and
a cohesive marketing strategy will be made available to growers.
|
| Current
Progress |
Trees
of a black spot resistant apple selection from the QDPI breeding program
have completed their first growing season. Sites include an organic block
on a commercial orchard, and a tree management trial comparing several
rootstocks and densities (1100 to 5000 trees/hectare).
The organic site is registered
with the Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA). The spray program of lime
sulphur, kocide and wettable sulphur (just prior to predicted rain) was
timely and effective. Insect biodiversity in the block is being monitored,
with high populations of ladybirds already evident.
Organic apple trials in
2002/03 included:
Pyrethrum to control Apple
Dimpling Bug and Queensland Fruit Fly.
Lime sulphur as a blossom
thinner for Royal Gala and Hi Early.
Organic weed control.
Comparison of organic
spray schedules for pest and disease control.
Evaluating resistance
of apple varieties to Western Flower Thrip.
An on-site field day held
at the organic apple trial block on 15 April 2003 coincided with the end
of the first growing season. It is anticipated that pest and disease problems
will increase as the organic blocks begin fruiting. The project is about
to expand, with planting of an organic block on a second commercial apple
orchard, and inclusion of a second black spot resistant apple selection
at all sites. |
| Project
Title |
Literature
review: an inventory of alternatives to copper for disease control in the
Australian organics industry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAN-208A |
| Start
Date: |
12-Jan-02 |
| Finish
Date: |
12-Jan-03 |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Lukas Van Zwieten |
| Organisation: |
NSW
Department of Agriculture
Wollongbar Agricultural
Institute
Bruxner Highway
WOLLONGBAR NSW 2478 |
| Phone: |
02
6626 1126 |
| Fax: |
02
6628 3264 |
| Email: |
Lukas.van.zwieten@agric.nsw.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· A thorough review
of existing technologies to replace/complement copper for disease control
will be produced, and this will incorporate an inventory of products available
to the Australian organics industry. A procite database of literature will
also be available on CD.
|
| Current
Progress |
A
national call for expressions of interest for the provision of information
relating to alternative products to copper-based fungicides for use in
the organics industry has been released. This expression of interest (or
summary) has been published in numerous newspapers, industry journals,
newsletters and posted on many industry web sites. Information regarding
the project was also disseminated via radio interviews in both NSW and
Qld.
Individuals and companies
have begun to provide information in regard to alternative products and
disease control strategies currently in use in Australia. A number of commercial-in-confidence
products have been identified and legal processes are being undertaken
to ensure the protection of the product and the release of information
for this project. Interviews are being arranged with relevant stakeholders
to obtain detailed information on alternative products.
International literature
searches are being undertaken and articles are being gathered from scientific
and industry sources. A procite database is under construction. A professional
officer (plant pathologist) has been employed on a casual basis to assist
on this project. |
| Project
Title |
Evaluation
of potential for chitosan to enhance plant defence |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
SAG-4A |
| Start
Date: |
11-Nov-02 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-Aug-04 |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Rachel Walker |
| Organisation: |
Serve-Ag
Pty Ltd
PO Box 690
DEVONPORT TAS 7310 |
| Phone: |
03
6423 2044 |
| Fax: |
03
6423 4876 |
| Email: |
mtrebilco@serve-ag.com.au |
| Objectives |
· Recommendations
on whether chitosan should be further developed as an organic plant defence
booster product in Australia.
· Recommendations
on whether chitosan should be used alone, or in combination with reduced
applications of copper and conventional pesticides.
· RIRDC report on
the efficacy of chitosan against specific vegetable diseases, and information
about compatibility with organic and IPM/conversion practises.
· Initiation of product
development work for a natural polymer that has potential for use in organic
agriculture. This will be valuable if product registration (and organic
certification) proceeds.
· A better understanding
of plant morphological and physiological responses to chitosan.
|
| Current
Progress |
The
project commenced with a literature review of scientific publications on
chitosan. Powdery mildew in tomatoes was identified as a promising crop/disease
combination for initial trial work, with many authors reporting significant
disease control and increased yields. Chitosan product for trial work has
been sourced from two manufacturers. An Australian chitosan has been identified,
which is certified organic by BFA. A second chitosan has been supplied
by a Chinese bioextracts company. The first crop trial was started in a
commercial tomato greenhouse with IPM production. Both chitosan formulations
were compared to an untreated control (with water sprays) and the commercial
standard program for powdery mildew control, consisting of potassium bicarbonate
and canola oil sprays. Both chitosan formulations reduced initial disease
incidence and severity, although by the final pick the entire tomato crop
(var. Cindel) was severely infected. Both chitosan formulations resulted
in a 15-20% increase in total yields, compared to the commercial program.
No crop phytotoxicity was observed. This trial report is available from
the project leader. Three more powdery mildew trials have commenced, two
in the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research glasshouse, and one
in a commercial organic tomato crop grown under plastic in northern Tasmania. |
| Project
Title |
Making
the most of naturally Victorian organics - communication, practice, conversion |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAV-199A |
| Start
Date: |
7-Jan-02 |
| Finish
Date: |
31-Jul-04 |
| Researcher: |
Ms.
Vivianne Burnett |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Natural Resources & Environment (Vic)
Agriculture Victoria - Rutherglen
Chiltern Valley Road
RMB 1145
RUTHERGLEN VIC 3685 |
| Phone: |
(02)
6030 4500 |
| Fax: |
(02)
6030 4600 |
| Email: |
viv.burnett@nre.vic.gov.au |
| Objectives |
· Four producer
workshops (two per year) conducted in Victoria at Rutherglen, Mildura,
Ballarat and Warragul.
· Workshop proceedings
published in hard copy and placed on NRE and OFA websites.
· Evaluation reports
from workshops (within one month and six months on) for assessment of practice
change.
· Increased adoption
of organic farming methods as a result of information provided.
· Increased number
of certified organic producers in Victoria.
· Increased knowledge
of best practice organic farming methods by existing organic farmers.
· Increased ability
of existing organic farmers to use organic market opportunities and extend
their production.
|
| Current
Progress |
This
project aims to deliver four producer workshops (two per year) in regional
centres throughout Victoria in order to increase the adoption of organic
farming practices amongst producers. To date, two workshops have been conducted
in north east (Rutherglen) and north west Victoria (Mildura). At both workshops
there have been comprehensive organic industry overviews, producer speakers,
training sessions for participants and visits to certified organic properties.
At the Rutherglen workshop (October 2002) over sixty producers attended
with 80% of these being conventional producers interested in organic production.
Producers cited weed, pest and disease management and differences in views
within the family unit about organic production as the most important barriers
to organic conversion. At the Mildura workshop (April 2003) there were
sixty participants with 70% being conventional producers. Producers at
this event cited a range of barriers preventing the adoption of organic
practices including weed, pest and disease management, lack of information,
higher costs, poor soil, perceptions by others, time and neighbouring farm
practices. Workshop participants will be interviewed by telephone six months
after attending each workshop to determine whether practice change has
occurred on farm as a result of the new information provided. Workshop
proceedings have been made available to producers via the Department of
Primary Industries website. |
| Project
Title |
Second
national organic conference |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
OFA-3A |
| Start
Date: |
11-Jan-02 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-Nov-03 |
| Researcher: |
Mr.
Sid Cowling |
| Organisation: |
Organic
Federation of Australia
PO Box 22
GLENHUNTLEY VIC 3163 |
| Phone: |
(03)
9571 5483 |
| Fax: |
(03)
9571 5483 |
| Email: |
cowlings@netspace.net.au |
| Objectives |
· The conference
will bring together members of the organic, scientific, business, government
and consumer communities to explore sustainability issues for development.
The issues arising are intended to generate a much broader spectrum of
consideration as the organic research agenda is driven into the next 5-50
years.
|
| Current
Progress |
The
objective of this project is to bring together members of the organic,
scientific, business, government and consumer communities to explore sustainability
issues for development. The conference will assist the definition of the
broadening role of organic agriculture in sustainable development. The
issues arising are intended to generate a much broader spectrum of consideration
as the organic research agenda is driven forward into the next 5-50 years.
The theme of the conference is Organic Futures for Australia. The
conference is to be held from 2-4 October 2003 at the University of Adelaide.
The conference is a logical development following the first Inaugural OFA
National Organic Conference held in Sydney in 2001. It is also a precursor
to the forthcoming International conference of IFOAM in Adelaide in 2005,
which will draw intense interest from a broad range of institutions both
here and abroad. Researchers from fields of agriculture, energy, ecology,
food and society will be given the opportunity to present papers and lead
discussions. Conference proceedings will be distributed to participants.
The program will include National Organic Industry Awards for Excellence
in the following categories: Best Organic Producer (more than 5 years certified
and less than five years certified); Best Organic Processor or Manufacturer;
Best Organic Independent Retailer or Food Service Business; Best Organic
marketer; Best Organic Education Project; and Best Organic Research project.
The total conference budget will be over $100,000. RIRDC is the major financial
supporter with additional funding sought from sponsorships, registrations
and in-kind contributions. |
| Project
Title |
Integrated
development of intensive organic vegetable production systems |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAT-37A |
| Start
Date: |
09-Jun-1999 |
| Finish
Date: |
30-May-2003 |
| Researcher: |
Ms
Rebecca Ashley1, Mr. Andrew Bishop1, & Dr Jason
Dennis2 |
| Organisation: |
Department
of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (Tas)
Field Fresh Tasmania |
| Phone: |
(03)
6421 7601 |
| Fax: |
(03)
6424 5142 |
| Email: |
Rebecca.Ashley@dpiwe.tas.gov.au |
| Objectives |
To
test and document organic production protocols for carrots, broccoli, swedes
and possibly onions in a balanced rotation with pasture and livestock.
These protocols will be developed from collation, adaptation and demonstration
of technical knowledge sourced from both organic and conventional IPM systems.
The final two years will focus on providing information and training in
organic production protocols for existing and prospective growers. |
| Current
Progress |
Production in the 2002 –2003
season was focussed on carrots and onions; the narrow production focus
provided for the assessment and refinement of developed protocols. The
crops were harvested in early to mid 2003 and marketed successfully. Fieldwork
for the project ceased soon after crop harvest. The 10 ha site has since
been rested with tick beans sown across each unit to provide a leguminous
ley.
Cutworm and thrips were the
only significant insect pests occurring at the site. Cutworms were mechanically
managed using brush weeding which reduced damage by apparently destroying
grubs. Due to site history, thrips were forecast as a potential pest and
improved plant nutrition was targeted pre season as a method to reduce
infestation damage and was achieved via a change in fertiliser placement.
In conjunction, natural pyrethrum sprays were used during season to suppress
the established thrip population.
Weeds were again the major
in-season challenge at the organic site, and were managed through the application
of thermal, mechanical and hand weeding treatment methods, approximate
costs of weeding will be addressed in the project final report. Soil health
monitoring at the site was conducted in 2003 and will continue beyond project
finalisation. |
