News - Research (61 articles)
This page provides details of the latest research news for all types of organic farming. You may also like to visit The Organic Research Centre - Elm Farm and Organic Eprints, an archive of research articles relating to organic farming.
ORC OPEN DAYS
Added: 25th June 2010
Celebrating 30 years of the Organic Research Centre
The Organic Research Centre is holding two open days on the 16th & 17th of July as part of our 30th Anniversary programme.
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Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops and livestock
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops and livestock A lively discussion followed three informative and engaging presentations to a packed audience. Jo Smith (The Organic Research Centre) presented an overview of previous research in this area and Mike Townsend (The Woodland Trust) explained the many and wide-ranging benefits that agroforestry offers. These two presentations were put into context by Stephen Briggs (Abacus Organic and Bluebell Farm), who has recently converted 125 acres of his Cambridgeshire farm into an agroforestry system incorporating 4500 apple trees with combinable crops. This raised questions of the practicalities of tree and fruit management, combinable cropping and policy.
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Participatory Research
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
Participatory Research: making research relevant, practical and applicable. The session was chaired by Mark Measures and included contributions from four speakers who each contributed different experiences of participatory research. Bruce Pearce gave a perspective which showed the increasing development (by ORC) of participatory partnerships with farmers. Gareth Davies reflected on the multiple methods of interaction with farmers which were employed in the effective Weeds Management project of HDRA. Mette Vaarst showed how international experience in Farmer Field Schools could be effectively transferred to Europe in an action research and learning programme. The farmer, David Wilson related his experience with researchers over 24 years by showing increasing confidence about the importance of early and continuing farmer engagement in the process of on-farm research.
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Sustainable Food Security
Added: 1st April 2010
Discussion & presentations from the ORC Producer Conference
The discussion on “Sustainable Food Security” was lead by presentations by Niels Halberg who presented a paper titled “Is Organic Farming an unjustified luxury in a world with too many hungry people?” and Lawrence Woodward with a paper titled “Organic Farming and Food Security – A UK Perspective”. Halberg spoke of how an increasing world population and climate change will be a challenge to food security but there is a need for a new production paradigm to integrate natural resource management with food and nutritional security. He suggested that organic (both certified and non-certified) can significantly contribute to this new approach. Woodward raised the questions of why UK governments and policy makers do not see organic farming as being part of the solution and conclude that it was probably due to the focus on yields rather than total productivity. He concluded that organic farming does have a role to play in food security but that the real challenge is shifting the policy debate from more food at any cost. We need to embrace food sovereignty and this will allow us to call for and make fundamental change.
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ORC Producer Conference 2010 proceedings now available online
Added: 1st April 2010
Session summaries & presentations from this years conference
We are pleased to be able to offer content from the 2010 Organic Research Centre's Producer Conference online.
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Stabilising wheat yields
Added: 21st October 2009
Can genetic diversity increase reliability of wheat crops?
Employing high genetic diversity within a crop is one way in which arable production can buffer against increased variability of weather patterns due to climate change. The potential of this approach to combat variability has been demonstrated, by the Organic Research Centre, in field trials where genetically diverse wheat populations have shown high ield stability across years.
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PhD Studentship offer from ORC and the University of Reading
Added: 16th October 2009
Multiple biodiversity benefits from legume based mixtures
The Organic Research Centre and Reading University are currently offering the oppurtunity for a PhD Studentship entitled - Multiple biodiversity benefits from diverse legume based mixtures
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2010 ORGANIC PRODUCERS’ CONFERENCE
Added: 24th September 2009
CALL FOR PAPERS AND WORKSHOP PROPOSALS
CALL FOR PAPERS AND WORKSHOP PROPOSALS
7th and 8th January 2010 Harper Adams University, Shropshire, TF10 8NB
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€18 Million EU research confirms organic claims
Added: 8th June 2009
QLIF shows benefits but more work needed
The five-year, €18 million research programme, part-funded by the EU, on the quality of organic and low input foods has come to a close with a conference in Turkey in April 2009 and the publication of summaries of the main results. A huge number of projects completed over 5 years have confirmed much of what organic supporters have been saying about organic food and farming systems but has not been able to supply the definitive answer on health claims that many had hoped for. Some new insights have been gained however and interesting perspectives on how the organic system might be further developed have emerged.
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EU Organic Farming Policy Uncovered
Added: 28th May 2009
EU organic farming policies and regulations analysed.
In a special issue of the academic journal Food Policy, several leading researchers examine the development of organic farming policy in Europe, including the regulation defining organic farming, financial support through agri-environmental and rural development programmes, action plans for organic farming as well as different perspectives on stakeholder engagement.
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Lupin Research
Added: 26th March 2009
Defra LINK project Lupins in Sustainable Agriculture (LISA)
Results of 5-year project presented to stakeholders.
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Organic Movement or Market?
Added: 16th January 2009
Organic farmers and producers in hot debate
Lively discussions at the recent Organic Research Centre Producer Conference.
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Facing the future
Added: 5th November 2008
Report from the Welsh Organic Producer’s conference
Thursday 23 October 2008, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells
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Welsh organic gathering
Added: 3rd October 2008
Welsh Organic Prod Conference Oct 2008
This year's Organic Centre Wales conference is entitled 'Preparing for a challenging future'
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Winter wheat varieties: Buzzer
Added: 9th June 2008
New winter wheat variety Buzzer may be good for breadmaking
HGCA's review of new varieties shows Buzzer to have breadmaking potential.
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The Louis Bolk Institute (LBI) and Agro Eco merge
Added: 3rd June 2008
The LBI and Agro Eco to merge
The two organisations will be merging, combining research and advice and improving the transfer of knowledge.
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Making more use of research
Added: 2nd June 2008
Research information more accessible for farmers & growers
Mark Measures, Director of the Institute of Organic Training and Advice summarises the improved access to research information for farmers and advisers.
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Organic strawberries stop cancer cells
Added: 30th May 2008
Organically grown strawberries inhibit cancer cell division
New research finds that organically grown strawberries inhibit cancer cell division more effectively than conventionally grown ones.
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New study finds reason for organic milk benefits
Added: 27th May 2008
Cows grazing on organic farms produce better quality milk
Research from Newcastle University demonstrates that grazing cows on organic farms produce better quality milk.
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Oregano oil: a natural insecticide alternative?
Added: 22nd May 2008
Research shows oregano oil works as synthetic insecticide
New research further suggests oregano oil has none of the associated environmental side effects with synthetic insecticides.
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Potential of ponds to bury carbon
Added: 9th May 2008
Scientists suggest that ponds and lakes could absorb carbon
Scientists suggest that ponds and lakes across the globe could absorb as much carbon as the world’s oceans.
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Could GM complement organic?
Added: 8th May 2008
Leading US rice scientist suggests combining GM and organic
A leading US rice scientist suggests genetic engineering combined with organic farming may be the best future for the environment.
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Biodiversity key to ecosystem productivity
Added: 29th April 2008
Research on increased plant diversity
Scientists at Brown University, USA have shown that increased plant diversity significantly enhances an ecosystem’s productivity.
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Brave new world of sustainable cereals
Added: 21st April 2008
Closing workshop of a 4 year project
Debating the future of European sustainable cereal production.
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Diversity for adversity
Added: 21st April 2008
Researchers discuss composite cross populations in wheat
The future of research and practical application of composite cross populations in wheat is discussed.
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Report outlines failures of industrial farming
Added: 17th April 2008
A fundamental change to farming is called for.
The report of the first international Agriculture Assessment was approved by 54 governments, and calls for a fundamental change to farming.
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GM crops yield no more than non-GM
Added: 16th April 2008
Soil Association report on the GM crop yields over 10 years
The Soil Association has published a report on the latest available research on GM crop yields over the last ten years.
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Management and supply of nitrogen
Added: 14th April 2008
PACARes research review
The Review summarises key aspects of nitrogen accumulation, management and utilisation in organic farming systems.
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Organic dairy cow nutrition
Added: 14th April 2008
Latest thinking on dairy cow nutrition.
The PACARes research review pulls together latest results on dairy cow nutrition, addressing issues on sustainability vs optimum production.
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Use of compost in organic farming
Added: 14th April 2008
PACARes research review
The Review explores the variations in compost and its use in improving plant health and quality.
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UK combinable protein crop production
Added: 14th April 2008
PACARes research review
The Review summarises knowledge and observational experience of combinable protein crop production in organic farming systems.
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Non-inversion organic arable cropping
Added: 14th April 2008
PACARes research looks at non-inversion tillage
This PACARes research review aims to ascertain the likely benefits and possible challenges in moving away from inversion tillage.
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Organic Farming could reduce GHG emissions
Added: 14th April 2008
Organic farming: can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases
Organic farming: has “considerable potential for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases” according to a recent International Trade Centre report.
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Challenges of stockless organic systems
Added: 11th April 2008
PACARes research review
The Review addresses the issues and main problems faced by producers of stockless organic arable and horticultural systems.
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Organic Food and Farming Research Agenda 2025
Added: 11th April 2008
Consultation to comment on 2nd draft of 'Vision' paper
Stakeholder consultation to comment on a draft of a Vision for an Organic Food and Farming Research Agenda 2025.
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Nutritional benefits of organic food reviewed
Added: 3rd April 2008
Review of published scientific literature on organic food
The Organic Centre has released its first major review since 2003 of published scientific literature on the nutritional benefits of organic food.
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GM seeds found in soil after 10 years
Added: 2nd April 2008
Scientists find that GM seeds can survive 10 years in soil
Scientists have discovered that seeds of some genetically modified crops can survive in soil for at least a decade.
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Productivity of organic crops vs. conventional
Added: 31st March 2008
U.S. study investigates productivity of organic systems
A new study has looked at the productivity of organically managed and low-input systems compared to conventional systems.
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New direct energy in agriculture report
Added: 25th March 2008
Report aimed at reducing fossil fuel inputs in agriculture
Warwick HRI has produced a report titled “Direct energy use in agriculture: opportunities for reducing fossil fuel inputs”.
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N2O emissions outweigh biofuel CO2 savings?
Added: 19th March 2008
Research suggests that N2O emissions may outweigh CO2 saved
New research suggests that nitrous oxide emissions from growing some biofuel crops may outweigh the potential CO2 savings associated with biofuels.
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New State of Science Review is released
Added: 18th March 2008
The Organic Centre publishes its State of Science Review
The review looks at pesticide residues and risk in conventional and organic food.
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Biofuels: current research
Added: 7th March 2008
'Science for Environment Policy' on biofuel research
A recent issue of Science for Environment Policy focuses on the advances in biofuel research.
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Nitrous oxide group meeting
Added: 27th February 2008
The N2O Focus Group met to consider reduction of emissions
The Nitrous Oxide Focus Group recently met to consider how to reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas, to which agriculture contributes 76%.
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BioFach World Organic Trade Fair 2008
Added: 27th February 2008
BioFach 2008 saw the presentation of a global organic survey
BioFach 2008, Europe’s biggest organic trade show, saw the presentation of the Global Survey on Organic Agriculture 2008.
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Compost has potential to fight climate change
Added: 25th February 2008
Compost on agricultural land can reduce GHG emissions
New research suggests that applying compost can increase the absorption of carbon to soil, and therefore reduce GHG emissions.
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Organic conversion does not increase weeds
Added: 22nd February 2008
A new study finds no significant increase in weed diversity
Findings show that there is no significant increase in weed diversity and volume following organic conversion.
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Nano- technology in water purification
Added: 21st February 2008
Nanotechnology research for cheap water purificatio
New research focuses on the use of nanotechnology as a cheaper method for water purification.
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Biopesticides: alternative to chemical pesticides?
Added: 8th February 2008
New research on ways to apply biocontrol agents to seeds
The research will focus on ways to prevent effects of disease or pests on crop production by applying biocontrol agents.
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Doing it right, Doing it better - proceedings
Added: 8th February 2008
The Organic Research Centre's 2nd Producer Conference
Proceedings from the conference, hosted in collaboration with Organic Inform, are now available online.
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Defra publishes climate change critical review
Added: 7th February 2008
Effects of tillage & organics on carbon content of soil
The effects of reduced tillage practices and organic material additions on the carbon content of arable soils.
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Isotopic differences identify organic fraud
Added: 4th February 2008
Scientists can detect synthetic N fertiliser use in plants
Scientists use nitrogen isotopic discrimination in sweet pepper plants to detect whether synthetic N fertilisers were added during production.
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Results from monitoring impact of 0% set-aside
Added: 31st January 2008
Defra results from survey on impact of 0% set-aside rate
Defra has announced the first results from its Farm Business Survey (FBS) on the impact of 0 per cent set-aside rate on farmland.
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ETC Group reports on technologies
Added: 30th January 2008
ETC Group reports on impacts of nano technology and GM
With a rise in concern over nano technology and genetic modification, ETC Group has produced a number of reports on the social and economic impacts.
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Agriculture ‘major’ greenhouse gas contributor
Added: 28th January 2008
University claims agriculture is major greenhouse emitter
A new report from Aberdeen University details how the world’s agriculture provides between 17 and 32% of all human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
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Organic Inform Newsletter
Added: 25th January 2008
Monthly Organic Inform newsletter with latest news & events
Each month, Organic Inform puts together a newsletter with the latest news and events. Register to ensure you receive your copy.
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Organic: can it or can’t it?
Added: 21st January 2008
Debate over whether organic agriculture can feed the world
The debate continues with a new publication which is critical of recent positive work on the issue.
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Statistical report on organic farming development
Added: 16th January 2008
New report on development of organic farming 1997-2006
The University of Wales, Aberystwyth has produced a report detailing the development of organic farming in the EU.
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Is organic food at risk of ‘bland’ marketing?
Added: 15th January 2008
OU study warns organic food must address its distinctiveness
A new OU study warns that organic food is in danger of becoming “just another commercial brand” unless it is able to address its distinctiveness.
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QLIF: evaluation of udder health measures
Added: 15th January 2008
Research from QLIF investigates Swiss mastitis treatment
New research from QLIF investigates the alternatives for the treatment and prevention of mastitis on Swiss organic dairy farms.
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Lettuce quality & agronomic management practices
Added: 15th January 2008
New research project on comparable lettuce yields
The research demonstrates that organic methods can produce comparable lettuce yields, with low risks of enteric bacteria contamination.
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Organic Inform Focus: Organic Eprints
Added: 27th July 2007
A repository for research papers relating to organic agricul
A repository for research papers relating to organic agriculture.
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