ISHS Acta Horticulturae 817: I International Symposium on Horticulture in Europe
CAPABILITIES FOR CONVERSION TO ORGANIC HORTICULTURE |
| Authors: | S. Bellon, F. Bressoud, J. Fauriel |
| Keywords: | orchards, vegetables, cropping system, soil, compost, ecological infrastructures |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.817.23 |
| Abstract:
With only 2% of the national useable agricultural area converted into organic farming development France is lagging behind many other countries. Fruit and vegetable producers are particularly concerned by this lack of dynamism. In this paper two types of results of an interdisciplinary project aiming at the identification of trajectories for conversion to organic horticulture are described. This approach combines field monitoring in an experimental station and interviews with commercial growers. First, from a technical viewpoint, experimental data in vegetable production show that soil conversion needs a longer time frame than 2 years, i.e., the formal conversion period. After 5 years of supplying organic inputs the effects on soil organic matter become tangible when significant amounts are supplied but conversely no clear effect was noticed on crops. Secondly, in fruit production endowments are also prevalent, since before conversion orchards are usually managed with a high level of inputs. It is shown that the 3 years period of formal conversion entails difficulties for 80% of the growers, due to decreases in commercial yield and problems with pests and diseases. An anticipated adoption of eligible methods in organic farming eases this transition period. The orchard pattern is usually redesigned, especially in apple production, with the abandonment of some cultivars and the introduction of adapted ones. Two groups of farmers were identified. They differ according to the protection methods used. As a whole, the production potential is usually reconsidered during conversion, although a lower commercial yield is partly compensated by processing or direct selling, which enables a stronger relationship with consumers. Results are discussed in three ways: firstly, specifications for the redesign of horticultural organic systems, secondly, consequences for the development of organic food and farming, thirdly, relevance for the sustainability of horticulture. | |
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