College trials aim to ease the pain of organic conversion
College trials aim to ease the pain of organic conversion
By Charles Abel
A NEW project at the Duchy College, Cornwall aims to help farmers in the south-west bridge the gap between conventional farming and organic production.
Messages on easing the pain of conversion are already emerging. "Organic food is the growing market and here in Cornwall we have a weather niche to exploit for early and late season supplies. It is one of the potential lifelines for local farmers," says organic programmes co-ordinator Jean Burke.
"But a key concern for interested farmers is the period of conversion and the lack of income. We are looking at ways of minimising that shortfall and of maximising the fertility build-up and weed control benefits – be that for farmers entering conversion now or ready for those who come in when conversion funding restarts in 2001."
A stockless field scale veg rotation is the goal, with fertility building grass/clover mixes between brassicas, potatoes and cereals on the 25ha (63-acre) medium clay loam Coswinsawsin Farm at Cambourne. Conversion started on Jan 3 this year, so first organic plantings will be possible in spring 2001, suiting module veg plantings. Tailoring messages to the south-west, which is very different from Lincs or Cambs, is a key goal, she says. "We want to learn any mistakes ourselves. Farmers cant afford them."
The project has already identified the potential for under-sowing linseed with a Nickerson mix of Vertus lucerne, Labrador and Meribel ryegrass and Merviot red clover during conversion. "It gave us the linseed subsidy and a fertility boost." The effect on subsequent weed populations, especially docks, will be monitored closely.
Another option being evaluated is a Nickerson mix of Humboldt forage rye and Carina vetch sown after stale seedbed weed control after natural regeneration set-aside. "We believe the resulting crop residue can suppress weed germinationn for up to a month, which could be very useful for planting vegetable modules."
Grazing non-organic store lambs on conversion land is a further cash generating option. But the MAFF-stipulated 62-day limit means the farm cannot take lambs through to slaughter weight, limiting income potential, Dr Burke says.
Organic fertilisers are branded almost cost-prohibitive by farms manager Paul Harris. He is keen to import local organically approved farmyard manure to help maintain nutrient levels. A pilot in-vessel green waste composting project is also planned, with soil analyses taken regularly to monitor fertility benefits.
Farmer open days and meetings are planned, hopefully using converted buildings on the trial farm. Further funding is hoped for to create a centre of excellence and commercial hub for organic farming in the south-west.
lMain funding for the £160,000 two-year study (Arable, Oct 15) is the West Cornwall LEADER project. *
DUCHYORGANICVEG
• Key growth market.
• Suits south-west climate/farms.
• Easier conversion goal.
• Under-sown linseed potential.
• Weed suppressing mulches.
• Soil Association regulated.