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PLENARY MEETING - PRESENTATIONS' CONCLUSION - SUMMARY

Final Report 0

Conference for Practitioners A: Quality assurance and market production

Section 1 "Future challenges for organic agriculture?"

1. Winfried Schäfer (MTT Agrifood Research, Vihti, Finland): Food and agroenergy production in organic farming - undesirable or sustainable options?

The presentation clearly stated that foodstuffs are so valuable that they should not be burned. This means that organic farming should not focus on energy crop production but produce high quality food in an environment-friendly way.
Moreover, production of energy from biomass is not competitive compared to other techniques – solar technology being the most effective. Therefore two options were given as a method of sustainable use of energy: using solar energy and economizing on the use of energy in general.

2. Hans Marten Paulsen (Institute of Organic Farming in the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute (vTI), Westerau, Germany): How ecological are different agro-energy concepts? Mixed crops and energy utilisation

The presentation summarised various possibilities of increasing so-called climate efficiency in organic production. Interesting results were obtained from trials growing mixed crops (oil crops and others) which increased the efficiency of organic agriculture – the relative yield was higher and weed resistance was better.
The conclusion emphasised that organic cultivation of energy crops need not be in competition with food production, but their combination can improve the overall efficiency of organic agriculture. Thus, only mixed crop concepts, integrating both organic food and energy production, will be able to meet the demands put on organic farming in the future.

DISCUSSION:

A:  There is certainly potential in conventional farming but we have no data on this situation – no trials have been carried out so far.

A:  It is definitely good to diversify energy sources. To study and explore all possible versions of energy production including those which cannot be implemented now but may be realistic in the future. To involve other sectors – engineering… and farmers themselves – for their practical advice and experience.

3. Andrea Hrabalová (Institute of Agricultural Economics and Information, Kotlářská 53, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic): Organic farming policy instruments in Central and East European countries: possibilities and barriers
The presentation included basic statistical data on organic farming (OF) development in 8 Central and East European countries (CEECs) and dealt in detail with 3 policy instruments: acreage payments, other OF-supporting measures within the framework of the new Rural Development Plans and Action Plans for OF.
The conclusion is that the main and often only, tool for OF development is acreage payments. CEECs are lagging behind in implementing other supportive measures and we lack a unified concept of OF support. Moreover there is imbalance between measures oriented towards supply and demand. To stimulate further OF development it will be necessary to: adjust acreage payments to motivate farmers towards commercial production of organic food; implement other policy instruments emphasising the demand; ensure supportive activities (advisory services, training etc.) – all integrated into one unified action plan.

DISCUSSION:

A:  No, there are independent programmes, but not relating to OF support.

Section 2 „New EU Regulation EC 834/2007 - implications for quality assurance and market production“

4. Maria Fladl (organic farming policy officers, DG AGRI, Brussels, Belgium): EU Regulation (EC) 834/2007 and its implementation rules for organic production, labelling and control - what will change?
The presentation summarised the reasons for the revision and the main changes in the content of the Regulation including the DG AGRI work plan for the forthcoming period. The new EU Regulation 834/2007 will come into force on 1.1.2009. The first package of implementation rules relating to production, labelling and inspection will be published in October 2008.
Among others, the tasks include: completion of the second package of implementation rules for import of goods, elaboration of implementation rules for entirely new fields (yeast, wine…), discussion and solutions to comments and requirements from individual member countries, an information campaign on the new Regulation and a public competition for proposals for a new EU logo etc.

DISCUSSION:

A: The implementation rules are complete and are being translated. The Czech version should be ready by now but all language versions will be published together.

A: Yes, the EU logo will be obligatory from 1.7.2010 and other, private logos will be allowed in addition, on condition that their size and visibility are comparable.

5. Brigitte Dierkes (GfRS  Gesellschaft für Ressourcenschutz mbH, Göttingen, Germany):
Revised EU Regulation (EC) 834/2007 on organic production: Implications for inspection and certification
The presentation introduced some of the important changes in the rules for OF inspection and certification as a result of the revision. Generally, inspection will remain the same but new instruments will be added, such as: introduction of inspection according to areas of risk, introduction of “organic critical points (OCP)” for processors and manufacturers (not for importers and traders), harmonization of certificates, extension of the period between inspections for traders of packed products or the reduction of situations where authorization is required from an inspection body prior to certain activities.

DISCUSSION:

A: Yes, it would, but this doesn’t work in all cases. A certificate for a certain crop limits farmers if they intend to change the planned crop. Inspection organisations focus on checking the farm as a whole and it is up to the farmer to put the right labels on the final products.   

A:  The implementation rules for import have not been published yet (expected in two months) but a unified design of certificates is recommended to simplify checking.

A:  We do not know yet – see the previous answer.

6. Otto Schmid (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Frick, Switzerland): Quality assurance: how to avoid residues on farm level and in the organic food chain
The presentation dealt with the question: “How can legal regulations or rules determining limits for contamination in organic food be set?” and also: “How can residues be avoided at farm level?”
It is not easy to assess infringement of the rules, due to various sources and causes of contamination. There are different methods of approach:   setting a threshold limit for residues (Italy, Austria), action levels (BNN, Germany) or evaluating each case individually (Switzerland).

DISCUSSION:

A: Personally, I am not sure whether setting certain limits is favourable. Moreover the level of detection in individual laboratories differs. Detailed overall analysis is recommended.

A: Yes, it is difficult. A “hybrid” approach is recommended: set limits and carry out detailed analysis including further criteria of the specific case.

A: The reason for transferring some competencies to governments was excessive variation in interpretations by inspection authorities. Even with one unified Regulation, some things will still be interpreted differently. It is certainly a serious issue and therefore we will try to prepare instructions for member countries on how to carry out inspection.

 
7. Dirk Vollertsen (Bioland, Augsburg, Germany): Securing quality, tracking and tracing of organic produce from production to trade - food supply chain management and market perspectives for organic foodstuffs
The presentation described the main activities of the Bioland Association. Considering the increasing international organic trade, transparency of product origin and authenticity of certificates has become a very important factor. Bioland has a supply system which tracks and traces the quality and origin of products from the farmer to the consumer. This system includes the farmers’ organisation and advisory services as well as optimization of transport and storage, communication with processors and services for traders.

DISCUSSION:

A: Everything depends on the international cooperation of the market. Usually Bioland people check the farm, and then it doesn’t matter who does the inspections.
2.  Which institutions can provide certification according to Bioland standards?
A: There are only a limited number of organizations who have a contract with Bioland and are therefore allowed to certificate farms according to Bioland standards.

8. František Chlad (PRODEJ-BIO s.r.o., Šumperk, Czech Republic): The future outlook for marketing organic products in CZ – the establishment of the marketing company PRODEJ-BIO s.r.o.
The presentation introduced PRODEJ-BIO s.r.o. – a new joint marketing company, its aims and the advantage of membership for both suppliers and buyers. The presentation concluded with a summary of the main issues in organic sales which negatively affect this newly founded organization. These problems include e.g.: non-transparency and market spontaneity in organic trade, considerable fluctuation in prices, Czech farmers’ lack of trust in marketing companies, unwillingness of farmers to accept and fulfil obligations , lack of understanding, ignorance of  the advantages of silent partnership.

DISCUSSION:

A: With regard to the recent establishment of the company we currently offer cereals and legumes. From the point of view of sales, rye is considered to be a stable crop. Spelt wheat is in demand this year but the same situation may not apply next year. Peas are also in demand, as well as field pea and buckwheat but these depend on the farmer’s ability to grow them.
A: From Bioland’s point of view, if there is a functional sales company, selling any crops should not be a problem. The important thing is to make a collective decision in advance, about what will be grown.

9. Josef Škeřík / Daniel Nerad (Union of Oilseeds growers and Processors, Prague, CZ) Cultivation technology of Winter Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) within organic agriculture
The presentation focused on the assessment of the possibilities for organic cultivation of winter oilseed rape. The trials carried out proved that in optimal conditions the yield of organic oilseed rape can be comparable to that of the conventionally grown variety. It is important to use a suitable preceding crop, choose an appropriate rape variety, sow a higher amount of seed and grow the rape in wide rows.
The conclusion was that winter oilseed rape is a prospective crop for organic farming with a wide range of use and existing demand, but the economic aspect of its cultivation still remains a barrier.

DISCUSSION:

A:  We sowed it between 15th and 30th August. In conventional farming oilseed rape is sown every 3 years but that is with the help of fungicides. In organic farming the cycle is 5-6 years, or 4 years if the field is left fallow for one year.

A:  Not yet, but Bioland has a demand for approximately 3000 tons of organic rapeseed. However, so far there is a difference between the purchasing price – around 11,000 CZK/ton and the real production cost of about 14,000 CZK/ton.

A: With regard to its cultivation, rapeseed oil has a very high quality and is very healthy (also confirmed in tests by Unilever), comparable to virgin olive oil. It is a shame that it is more often used as an ingredient in organic fuels and very little is used for human consumption.
As for its future – the truth is that growing oilseed rape is complicated and expensive, otherwise it would be much more widespread. On the other hand it seems to be a suitable component in crop rotation and also good animal fodder. Therefore it certainly has great potential.

Section 3 “Market production of special crops and quality assurance”

10. Gerhard Zoubek (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Familie Zoubek, Glinzendorf, Austria):
Development of the market potential for organic vegetables – the example of the “Adamah” farm in Austria
The presentation introduced ADAMAH organic farm, founded in 1997 and their experience with the sale of organic vegetables. The farm has about 70 hectares of land near Vienna and employs approximately 70 people during the main season. The farm’s turnover in 2007 was 5 million Euros and this figure is still growing.
Since 2002 they have been operating a vegetable box system. Customers can order, via telephone, post or internet, a certain type of box containing fresh, local and seasonal organic products. They started deliveries with 60 boxes, nowadays they distribute up to 4000 boxes every week, half of the produce coming directly from Adamah and the rest from neighbouring farms. The price of boxes varies, according to contents, from 13 to 22 Euros (not including delivery). Moreover, the farm builds a relationship with consumers, organizing festivals and excursions twice a year.

DISCUSSION:

A: We purchase seed. We do not want to compete with seed producers, but we are interested in cooperation and the possibility of trying different varieties and creating our own types.

11. Martin Lichtenhahn (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Frick, Switzerland): Success factors for the development of organic vegetable markets
The content of this presentation was a general summary of factors affecting success on the organic market with the focus on newly emerging markets for organic fruit and vegetables.
The main success factors are: continuity and availability of products, variety of products on offer, quality of products, presentation of products during sale, packaging of products and communication.
The last factor mentioned was the general support of companies on the market including financial support of investment and also technical support and advisory services including further assistance such as ensuring access to necessary inputs suitable for organic farming.

DISCUSSION:

A:  The presentation describes factors for successful marketing in general and therefore they also apply to conventional farming. They mainly focus on developing markets. There is probably a difference in organic farming, where more communication is needed.
                                       
12. Milan Hluchý (Biocont Laboratory, s.r.o., Brno, Czech Republic):
Innovative plant-protection technology in organic vegetable and fruit growing and in organic viticulture
The presentation described very clearly the difference in availability of various plant protection agents for organic production of special crops in selected countries: Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland. In comparison to Switzerland the availability of plant protectors permitted in organic farming is significantly poorer in the other countries, especially plant protectors for orchards and vegetables. In such conditions farmers are disadvantaged and subsidy-supported organic orchards often do not produce any fruit.
The conclusion of the presentation outlined possible directions for future development of registration of these auxiliary plant protectors: a) introducing government subsidies, thus accelerating the registration process, b) defining 3 zones within the EU and approving plant protectors according to zones, c) complicating the whole process and making it more expensive if these auxiliary agents are regarded as pesticides.

DISCUSSION:

A:  The required tests have been carried out and we have applied for approval from the Czech State Phytosanitary Administration.

A: Unified registration is not yet possible. There are 3 possible directions - see presentation. Registration itself is expensive because local testing is required as well as other documentation. This process cannot be easily cancelled, as other organisations have a financial interest in the registration process.

Final requests for further development of the organic sector:

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