Farm-based Organic Variety Trials Network

1. Background 1.1 Organic crop yields are significantly lower compared to conventional agriculture, due to the latter relying on mineral fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. 1.2 There is a need to reduce the use of inputs such as mineral fertilisers and pesticides, for both cost and environmental concerns e.g. the challenges posed by pesticide resistance in pests, diseases and weeds. Such change is a requirement of Defra's 25 Year Environment Plan and is a key objective in our Departmental Strategy. 1.3 Advancements in organic crop science aims to maximise yield by optimising ecological processes and the use of natural resources, therefore avoiding the need for inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides. 1.4 In the UK wheat is the most important arable crop in terms of acreage, however in 2018 organic wheat acreage was only 0.5% of the total, and is in decline despite a growing market demand for organic wheat. This is due to low and unreliable yield/quality, making organic wheat an unattractive proposition for farmers. 1.5 Whilst the AHDB runs a significant trials programme and compiles recommended lists of wheat varieties for conventional agriculture, no comparable system exists for organic growers. This lack of information compounds the problems cited above for organic growers. 1.6 Within their trials programme the AHDB identifies the genetic potential of varieties using plots untreated with fungicide and those with robust agrochemical input (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and fertiliser to achieve the desired quality). However, to date this information has not been compiled and presented in a way that benefits organic producers. 1.7 Although some data is relevant to the organic sector, other key variables such as weed competition and performance in lower fertility rotations are not covered. There is a need for a more structured, integrated approach taking into account the following : 1.7.1 Varietal performance in organic farming does not correspond to varietal performance in conventional farming, therefore testing varieties in organic farming can give more accurate results for organic systems. 1.7.2 Organic cropping systems are characterised by greater variation than conventional systems, hence the varieties need to be tested across a range of environments. 1.7.3 Results generated through plot-scale trials are much less consistent with field-scale performance, hence greater emphasis on field-scale experimentation is required. 1.8 Testing and comparing varieties at a field scale in a network of farms can efficiently complement information on varietal 'genetic potential' with a systematic analysis of varieties 'actual performance' in real-farm conditions. 1.9 A network of organic farmers (Appendix 3) is already engaged in a field-scale variety trial started in 2017/18 within the framework of the "Liveseed" project. The second growing season of this project is currently ongoing with 10 farmers, and a third growing season

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