Organic Producers Identify Research Needs

by Brenda Frick, Ph.D., P.Ag.

Organic producers would like to see research on rotations, soils and weeds. These research categories ranked highest in a recent survey of Saskatchewan organic producers.

Surveys were distributed in February 2008 to over 1600 certified organic producers across Saskatchewan. Responses were received from 125 Rural Municipalities; approximately half of these were in the brown soil zone, with the remainder fairly evenly divided between the dark brown and black soil zones.

Most of the producers who responded grew field crops (95%), especially cereals, oilseeds, forages and pulses. Approximately 38% raised livestock; mainly beef, poultry, swine, and sheep. Approximately 19% grew horticultural crops, including vegetables, fruit and herbs. Many responses were from mixed farms.

Average farm size for survey respondents was 1464 acres, with 1094 of these certified organic. Most land was cultivated, with pasture and other (natural areas, wood lots, slough, perennial orchards, etc.), making up smaller percentages. The acreage of organic farms was nearly identical to the average acreage reported in the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s Agricultural Statistics Fact Sheet.

Many producers were relatively new entrants to organic agriculture; 72% had 10 or fewer years in organic farming. Despite the large number of new entrants, only 11% were younger than 40 years of age. These statistics suggest that many respondents entered organic farming later in life, either after farming conventionally or as a second career.

The top research needs in crop production were crop rotations, managing soils and managing weeds. Rotation for soil fertility and soil biology were the top concerns in soil research. Several research needs were considered a priority for weed research, including Canada thistle and wild mustard management, and cultural, mechanical and biological weed control. All aspects of crop rotation were ranked highly. Cultural controls of insects and disease, and breeding and variety testing also ranked highly. Production economics did not rank highly in general.

Few animal related issues rated highly; only parasites and breeds ranked as highly as cropping priorities. These were especially important to sheep producers.

Producers were also interested in the context in which they produce food. Food quality and environmental sustainability were seen as research priorities. Producers were especially concerned with field grain quality, soil quality, pesticide reduction, energy use and biodiversity. They also wanted to see consumer education on the benefits of organic production and organic products.

When asked about the ways in which research was managed, producers indicated that they were most interested in having research conducted on farm, with farm scale equipment. Research conducted on research stations and demonstration farms was less important.

The survey also asked about ways that producers accessed information. Respondents identified factsheets as their top priority. They also commented that online sources were important to them, both information on websites, and getting information by email.

Saskatchewan producers identified a number of barriers to the growth of organics. Producers have struggled with a number of outside forces: skeptical farmers, hostile detractors, and chemical and biotech companies. They have found regulations frustrating, and they have had a number of marketing issues primarily related to an immature infrastructure. They listed these as potential barriers to growth. Only a few identified production issues as potential barriers.

Respondents identified many opportunities for organics. These included a tremendous growth in consumer awareness and consumer demand. Some of the production and infrastructure issues are being addressed. Overall, Saskatchewan respondents were overwhelmingly optimistic about the future of organics. When asked about the opportunities in organics, many used terms like “endless”.

The Saskatchewan survey results will be combined with results from other provinces, as part of the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada’s process of organic research prioritization. The goal is to encourage funding of research projects that will meet the needs of organic farmers, and allow them to meet the potential opportunities that lie ahead.

One producer commented that “I think going organic was the smartest thing I've ever done except for getting married.” With additional research and extension support, perhaps other producers will find this to be true for them, as well.

Brenda Frick, Ph.D., P.Ag., is the Organic Research and Extension Coordinator at the University of Saskatchewan and is an affiliate of the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada. She welcomes your comments at 306-966-4975 or via email at organic@usask.ca. This article was commissioned by the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada.

 

Posted January 2009