Archive Article: 2002/03/08

8 March 2002

Be cautious when it comes to organics

Tread warily. Thats the natural reaction of growers urged to go organic. Admittedly, NIAB trials make organic wheat production look attractive. But average yields mask big variations and ignore rotational support needed from less productive break crops.

Although the economics of supplying niche markets seem attractive at first, what happens when more producers want to share the benefits?

And for those with direct experience of how organic production can leave farms thoroughly weed-ridden the message is:Caution