BIOACADEMY 2005 – Summary

29 th June – 1 st July 2005, Lednice na Moravě

The fifth year of the European Summer Academy on Organic Farming – Bioacademy 2005 - was traditionally held at the turn of June and July in Lednice na Moravě. The base for its specialist and political programme was provided by the Horticultural Faculty of the Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry Brno. Many opportunities for non-formal discussions arisen mainly during a festive evening programme including organic food tasting at the Lednice chateau, within poster presentations, during excursions to organically orientated enterprises and at other accompanying events.

From June 29 th to July 1 st 2005, 218 participants met in Lednice, coming from eighteen European countries – Austria, Lithuania, Ukraine, Germany, Belgium, Serbia and Montenegro, Sweden, Bulgaria, Turkey, Moldavia, Switzerland, Poland, Holland, Great Britain, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The participants were welcome by Mr. Stanislav Procházka, Rector of the Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry Brno. Bioacademy 2005 was held by the PRO-BIO Association of Organic Farmers together with the Bio Austria Association and other Czech and foreign partners. The aim of Bioacademy is in meeting of people friendly to organic farming, starting or developing cooperation amongst them and exchanging opinions and experience at the international level. For the first time, this year Bioacademy was held under the auspices of the IFOAM EU Group.

Personal participation at the conference had been promised from the Czech Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Petr Zgarba, the Czech Minister of Environment, Mr. Libor Ambrozek and Slovak Minister of Agriculture Mr. Zsolt Simon. However, regarding their busyness, only representatives of the ministries took part.

The first day started by the Introductory Plenary Meeting and continued with a specialist programme. At the Introductory Plenary Meeting Mr. Jiří Trnka as a representative of the Minister of Agriculture informed about new ownership of the BIO trademark, used for products of organic farming. The original owner, KEZ o.p.s. (inspection and certification authority in organic farming) has transferred the trade mark and rules of its use onto the Czech Ministry of Agriculture, which, together with the ownership of the trade mark, also takes over activities related, e.g. nationwide promotion of organic food. “This year the Czech Ministry of Agriculture supported the Czech national display of organic farming at the International BioFach Trade Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, and further support is planned for Salima Trade Fair in Brno and other events. Together with other partners we are preparing the Month of Organic Food and Organic Farming – a big media campaign in September,“ said Jiří Trnka and also pointed out that in 2004 - 2006 up to one thousand million crowns will be used for support of marketing and processing organic food.

Mr. František Pojer, the Deputy of the Czech Minister of Environment emphasized the support from the ministry to organic agriculture in the form of science and research and cooperation with other partners. As an example he mentioned Volume Two of The Textbook of Organic Agriculture which has just been published. The Czech Ministry of Environment also cooperates with the Czech Ministry of Agriculture in a special work group for implementation of the Action Plan for the Development of Czech Organic Farming.

Next speech was made by the Slovak State Secretary, Mr. Marián Radošovský as a representative of Ministry of Agriculture of Slovakia, which was a co-organizer of Bioacademy 2005. Mr. Radošovský talked about the state of organic farming in Slovakia, where organically managed land is 4,5 % of total acreage of arable land, i.e. 213 ecologic enterprises, which shows an increase by 75% within one year. He also informed about approval of the Action Plan for Organic Farming to 2010 in Slovakia .

Austria, the EU leader in organic farming, where nowadays 14,5 % of all arable land is cultivated organically, was represented by Mr. Alois Posch from the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, the Environment and Water Management. Mr. Posch focused at the state financial support: “Within last year the government supported organic farming by 19.6 mil EUR and invested 1.2 mil EUR into research programmes.“ He mentioned important decisions of Austrian government regarding the ban on production of GM crops which at the same time affected decisions in other European countries.

Introductory speeches were also made by Mr. Jiří Urban, the PRO-BIO Vice-Chairman, Mr. Michael Piatti, a representative of BIO AUSTRIA Association, a representative of the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Prague Mrs. Eva van de Rakt, who talked about political development in Central and Eastern Europe and about the foundation's activities – copoperation at seminars and training courses related to current Europe . It supports interest in organic food, mainly in the target group of children, “consumers are interested in obtaining information, educational work is needed in the whole of Europe “ . Mr. Francis Blake, President of the Ifoam EU Group, in his speech drew attention to problem of intricacy and unintelligibility of NR 2092/91 for farmers. A new direction is being prepared which should include eg. public catering, processing organic products etc., problem of transfering authorities and power to lower levels. He said that hard times are coming for organic farming, but we can affect the development. It is vital to take care of our customers' trust. He also stressed out risks of nanotechnologies. Amongst other speakers at the introductory plenary meeting there were: Mr. Lars Neumeister, who introduced conclusions and recommendations of the workshop related to the Project of the development of organic farming in the Danube river basin, Mr. Susanne Smolka talked about risks of pesticide treatment, using a particular example of affecting a water source, Mr. Martien Lankester introduced the international Avalon foundation supporting organic farming and rural development in Central and Eastern European countries, pointed at numerous options to contribute to the Danube protection, organic farming being one of them, Mr. Marcus Schörpf focused on problems of using GMOs. Member countries should subsidize limits on GMOs, at present time all member countries have been working on it.

Specialist programmes were focused on following topics: non-chemical protection of plants – conference A, animal health in organic farming – conference B, and support and development of Organic Farming in the EU – conference C .

One part of the fifth European summer academy on organic farming was organized as a workshop which focused on preparation of the Action Plan for the Development of Organic Farming in the Danube River Basin .

Bioacademy 2005 ended with specialist excursions to organically orientated enterprises and the participants had a choice of five diferrent routes: The Slovak excursion focused on organic sheep breeding and cheese processsing, in Austria a tour of fields and a grain-growing station was prepared, German route included organic ways of crop and vegetable growing and pig farming and feeding. In the Czech Republic, the Southern Moravian route offered Moravian organic wine tasting and a visit to organic vineyards, while the Jeseníky route included a tour of a non-dairy beef farming enterprise, visit to an organic mill and a tour of organic milk processing plant.

CONFERENCE CONSLUSIONS

Conference A: NON-CHEMICAL PROTECTION OF PLANTS

Within this part of The Fifth Bioacademy, current questions related to non-chemical protection of plants were open. Lars Neumeister introduced opening lecture focused on factors affecting pesticide migration in the environment as well as possible leakage of pesticides from treated areas. Attention was paid to impacts on the environment and toxicity of selected preparations. Applications of these preparations relate to the quality of products, which of Jana Hajšlová and Věra Schulzová spoke about. They presented a series of examples refer to case studies on potatoes and contents of selected matters, wheat and influence of farming systems at Fusarium and not least on monitoring of furanocoumarins in celery and volatiles in basil.

Within preventive measures the self-regulation is very important in agri-ecosystems and landscape management for sustainable production. Bernard Kromp and Bořivoj Šarapatka lectured about the problems concerning to this theme. Attention was paid to particular preventive measures relate to increase of self-regulation in agri-ecosystems, examples of natural complex of regulations, ecological infrastructures and utilization of landscape elements, possibilities to enforce functional biodiversity of landscape. The ministries of the environment and agriculture presented, within their programmes, practical examples related to stabilization of landscape biodiversity, such as mixed plants – hosts for predators etc., and also practical examples on arable land and special cultures (orchards).

Eric Wyss + Lucius Tamm, also Stephan Kühne and Milan Hluchý presented the concrete strategies of organic plant protection. There were introduced the principles and basic approaches to plant protection in organic farming. Emphasis was put on concept of functional biodiversity involving planting species, which would increase biodiversity and at the same time satisfy demands of predators. Such functional elements must work all year round as they also serve as wintering grounds for predators. Another attention-drawing topic was experimental release of animal species usable in plant protection. Examples related to case studies on vine and potato plants were shoved in the first lecture of these three presentations. Other plant-protecting methods were presented as those of using preventive, chemical and biological measures, as well as mechanical methods from German organic farms. There is a list of approximately 275 preparations, however without exact knowledge about their effect (e.g. Trichoderma, Bacillus subtilis ). Using insecticides in orchards and vineyards was stressed out. Quite important point of the lecture was theme on usage of seeds in organic farming. Since 2004, according to the Council Regulation, priority in use must be given to organic seeds. However, problems still remain especially in the area of fungal diseases in crop plants (moulds, low and loose smuts). Ways of prevention were discussed. Examples of the latest experiments were presented in the end of lecture, e.g. application of rapeseed oil and pyrethrum against potato beetle ( Leptinotarsa decemlineata ). Effect of these substances is not as strong as in using neem oil but it is still cheaper option. Difference is not only in prices but also in using the preparation. Great deal of a block of these lectures took the presentation of biological plant protection systems in the Czech Republic. In introduction there was warned of using of biological plant protection especially in viniculture, fruit growing and vegetable growing (apple trees, greenhouse vegetable, field vegetable, also field crops). Another attention-drawing topic related to case studies on vineyards and comparing the influence of biological and chemical pest control on populations of aphids and aphidofagous invertebrates in maize.

Block of lectures was closed by speech of Miroslava Navrátilová, who reacted to topics above mentioned from point of the view of organization responsible for registration of plant protect preparations. Consequently she focused on self-process of confirmation of biological plant protection products and their legislative measures. Attention was paid to registration of biological preparations based on micro- and macro-organisms.

The lectures were accompanied by a poster presentation as a subject of participants' and representatives' discussions refer to non-chemical plant protection.

During the final “round table“ discussion the lectors, representatives of the associations, control and consultant organizations and farmers opened number of questions relate to possibilities in using non-chemical plant protection in organic farming. Registration of some preparations used in close field areas seem to be problematical and its yields from usage do not pay its registration fees. One of the possibilities solving these problems would be a zone registration. It means, if the zone registrations are approved, some companies would be able to sell their preparations both home and abroad – the market would extend. According to information from our German colleagues it is not necessary to have registration for each preparation – relate to e.g. some biological preparations, which are labelled as preparations enforcing resistance. There also exist possibilities of simplified registration of small-scale areas.

During the discussion, emphasis was put on the necessity of bringing up organic farming successors as well as there are not many people to hand over to (there is lack of education among people, etc.). Here could help various information sources, e.g. books or web sites (there was introduced one case from Germany relate to non-chemical plant protection). Discussions also aimed at practical questions of using plant-protective preparations in organic farming and possibilities of simplifying the authorization processes for preparations registered in other countries, registering of biological preparations based on micro- and macro-organisms, legislative measures and approving new preparations.

Conference B: ANIMAL HEALTH IN ORGANIC FARMING

At this conference, which focused on animal health in organic farming, emphasis was put on the importance of EU Regulation No.1804/99 which set the basic rules for animal health, breeding and treatment. Werner Hagmüller introduced the topic and discussion relate to the regulation and animal production in organic farming. The regulation is no less important from the prospective of consumer protection and prevention if synthetic medication is necessary to be used – double withdrawal time is set as a protective period. Still, this is not the final shape of the regulation, its further development is expected. Animal husbandry must comply with the needs of individual species. Council Regulation No. 2092/91 requires regular exercise and access to grazing land for all farm animals.

Professional experience and advice related to veterinary homeopathy and other natural therapies were presented. Andreas Striezel spoke about homeopathic methods which are used by 30% of veterinarians in Germany . Merit of homeopathic treatment is in friendliness to the environment, patient and consumer as well. Furthermore these methods are economically advantageous. Homeopathic remedies can be combined with allopathic or herbal ones, in certain cases it is necessary to involve also conventional methods of treatment. The use of homeopathy in treating certain types of diseases, for example parasitosis, is constricted. Good results have been achieved in the field of homeopathic therapy, e.g. remedies for sterility, diseases of the claws, metabolic diseases and calf diseases.

Elisabeth Stöger reported that conventional treatment still prevails in Austria . Although the demand for alternative methods is quite strong, they are not used by many vets. Therefore training for farmers and, even more so, for veterinarians is recommended.

General rules of swine nutrition under organic system were also discussed at Conference B. Jozef Juršík assessed the organic pork as a quite recognizable pork meat from conventional pork meat. The composition and even way of feeding plays an important role in pigs' nutrition and improvement of their immunity.

Opinions and approaches to control parasites on organic farms were also dealt with. Veronika Maurer spoke about various animal species there are various possibilities of parasite control. In the future, certain plants included in feed – especially for sheep and goats – might play an important role in parasite control.

Christine Leeb presented the extensive husbandry systems in organic (pig) farming. These systems are welfare friendly and at the same time can significantly affect the environment. In the UK 25% of breeding sows are housed outdoors which is a great contribution to their health and welfare. Extensive outdoor breeding provides conditions satisfying natural behavioural needs of animals. From the farmer's side, excellent observational skills are necessary as well as the willingness to work outside even in cold and wet weather.

Evaluation of production systems in organic sheep farming in the Czech Republic presented Věra Mátlová from report from the Research Institute of Animal Production in Prague - Uhříněves. Researches took places on farms with block of sheep from 20 up to 1 300 sheep.

Livestock breeding on organic farms is very important regarding economics and protection of the environment. In organic breeding, preventive measures should be preferred. Therefore research in the field of prevention and alternative medicine should be supported. Transfer of information from research to veterinary and farming practice is no less important.

CONFERENCE C: DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT OF ORGANIC FARMING WITHIN THE EU

Conference C dealt with current situation of organic farming in Europe and individual European countries regarding to current subsidies within supports for rural development and new possibilities from 2006 (EAFRD). The importance of organic farming in Europe has increased significantly over the past 15 years.

Rural development has become an important issue in European agricultural policy. An array of rural policies are now implemented in order to enhance integrated economic development in rural areas, with the main objective of reinforcing competitiveness and of increasing the income of rural households in general. Agri-environmental measures, from which organic farmers have mainly been able to receive support in the past, have accompanied these policies, but have not yet allowed for a mainstreaming of sustainable agricultural practice in rural regions. A new framework programme for rural development has been approved (EAFRD). In order to make it successful, the European Union, national governments and civil society should work out a new social contract. Civil society organizations, including the voluntary, commercial and private sector and organic farming organizations, in particular, should commit themselves to a more active role in information, capacity building, training and the exchange of good practice in rural development projects in order to qualify for a trustful partnership with governmental agencies and institutions. Environmental instruments under Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) need to be used in the right combination to ensure appropriate environmental management of agricultural land. However, the national implementation of rural development measures in particular will determine whether agri-environmental instruments under the CAP are employed successfully in preserving the environmental values of farmland in the New Member States.

It is obvious that organic farming also has a significant regional dimension. Organic farming and organic foodstuffs production create new business opportunities, therefore organic farming can be perceived as a way to solve the issue of decreasing rural population and of workers leaving primary agricultural production. The development of agri-tourism at organic farms can contribute to creation of new job opportunities. Agri-tourism, as one of the products of rural tourism, attracts many people not only among potential clients but especially among farmers.

From 2007 new programmes for rural development will come to validity in all EU countries, and offer remarkably wider range of measures aiming at non-agricultural activities. Only 57% EU residents live and will live in rural areas (only 2,5% farmers of them). The new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 should concern agri-environmental measures – in particular: support of organic farmers, marketing strategies, quality of foodstuffs, education, quality of rural life, subsidies of associations of organic farmers, communication with ministries and retailers, etc. National co-financing is also necessary (European Social Fund).

At present organic farming is supported by numerous programmes, there are numerous regional measures – in education, advisory on legislation, standards, modernization, company investment (also non-material investment, know-how, improvement of logistics…), marketing (support in the area of information and communication), innovation, research, processing, added value creation – finalization of products, quality of foodstuffs, certification systems.

Support of organic farming from national sources, for example in Bavaria, is poorer than that of conventional agriculture. The difficulty is that numerous farmers return back to conventional system as they are not able to sell their products (in Austria it is about 1000 farmers who return back to conventional farming). Either in the Czech Republic cooperation at the ministry level is not strong enough, in particular with the Ministry of Health, although quality of foodstuffs and health are the key themes of the future.

In Poland the poor part of the chain is in promotion, the consumers lack access to information, there are not enough advisors, processing capacities, distribution system or promotion.

Slovak organic farmers receive the highest subsidies of all farmers in Slovakia, which shows an increase within year 2005 (by 75%). Nevertheless support of marketing and promotion of organic produce is missing. There is no strategy of education and training for organic farmers and consumers.

Denmark is a good example of a very good system of education for organic farmers and advisors.

In 2003, more than 5,7 million ha of land were managed organically within the European Union which represents 3,4% of the EU's agriculturally used area. One important step was that the organic sector was able to unite its interests within Europe through the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements – the IFOAM EU Group in Brussels . Within the EU it is necessary to protect both producer and consumer by strong and complex quality standards.

Conclusion

The fifth European Summer Academy On Organic Farming has fulfilled its participants' expectations. It brought new inspiration, contributed to specialist cooperation, provided conditions for making new international contacts and strengthened the existing ones between farmers, advisors, scientists, researchers, politicians, clerks, both on the level of individuals as well as particular work places specialising in areas of science, advisory, education, coordination and others. The traditionally high professional level of lecturers and the strong interest in specialist programmes of A, B and C conferences shown in all target groups, was greatly appreciated. The Bioacademy could not be successfully organized without the contribution of numerous institutions and individuals. We thank everyone who took part in Bioacademy 2005!

Mr. Francis Blake, President of the IFOAM EU Group, under whose auspices the 5th European Summer Academy On Organic Farming was held, concluded:

“This conference has boldly focused on the challenges we face. In particular, we will be exploring how we can build positive health in both plant and animal husbandry systems, and how we can use EU measures to support and expand organic farming.

Of course these events also provide important opportunities to network and make new friends, to get inspired and to re-visit and share the spirit at the heart of the organic movement. We can then return home and face the real world with recharged batteries, new ideas and fresh enthusiasm.“