SFF Project Summary
Central Canterbury Organic Growers Technology Transfer Project
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- Final Report [ 23K PDF]
- Sustainable Animal Production Seminar, Lincoln, October 2003 [ 28K PDF]
- Cover Crop Mulching, Herbicides and Organics [ 22K PDF]
- Mechanical Weed Management of Cereal and Vegetable Crops [ 29K PDF]
- Mixed Pastures For Organic Livestock and Cropping Systems [ 32K PDF]
- Newsletter: Central Canterbury Organic Growers [ 41K PDF]
- Soil Foodweb Seminar [ 26K PDF]
- Organic Updates: Information from the Technology Transfer and Risk Management Projects
Project description and problem/opportunity that the project is addressing
The purpose of the project is to improve the financial and environmental performance of existing and new organic arable and process vegetable growers and their communities by providing and sharing up-to-date technical information.
Large gaps in the availability of technical information specific to organic farmers has been identified as one of the main barriers to growth of the organic industry (Information Needs of Organic Growers, A.J. Brooker, NZ Plant Protection Symposium, August 2000).
The essence of this project is to bring together a common-interest group to access, explore and disseminate information to group members and the wider community of interest.
The target audience for the project includes existing and new organic arable and process vegetable growers in the Central Canterbury region and other interested parties.
The main activities of the group are:
1. Regular on-farm discussion groups where technical information is provided to and shared within the group. Members plan an annual programme to address identified issues. This group of farmers brings together techniques, skills and knowledge on organic practices such as weed, insect pest, disease and soil quality management. Outside expertise is sourced from agronomists, consultants, researchers and organic specialists.
Regular discussion group meetings are seen to be important by this farmer group because previously held organic field days, although successfully imparting information, have not provided the interactive environment growers are seeking. These growers require specific technical information to improve organic crop quality and yields, which will in-turn provide increased financial returns. Growers perceive huge potential for improvements on their own properties. They also see the opportunity of attracting and/or supporting new growers into organics and will welcome new members into this discussion group.
The group also provides the opportunity for growers to identify and prioritise research needs. These are referred to research institutions e.g., FAR, Lincoln University, CRI's.
Growers receive support from within the group to address the challenges they face in meeting the requirements of organic certification.
2. Newsletters specific to this discussion group will be written and distributed each spring and at the end of the project, to group members and a wider audience including other farmers. Newsletters will convey the knowledge and experience gained by the group. Communication with the wider arable and process vegetable growing communities will also be achieved by annual updates in the newsletters of the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) and Ravensdown Fertiliser.
3. An annual field trip will provide the opportunity for the group to visit and learn from farmers outside their area, organic demonstration and research sites, crop processors, sales outlets and other industry-related facilities.
4. Public field days will be held during years 2 and 3 at a group member's property or a research site to extend to the wider community up-to-date information on organic arable and process vegetable growing. Keynote speakers will be invited to address these field days. This is another opportunity for the wider community to learn and benefit from this project.
Progress to date
The discussion group comprising 16 properties has been meeting regularly since March 2001. Three additional properties have joined the group since this time and participation by members continues to be regular and enthusiastic.
Numerous specific and seasonal topics have been explored including animal health, fertilizers, cultivation and arable soil quality monitoring, weed management and weed control research, market opportunities for NZ organic seed, biodiversity, organic onion production and mixed pastures and herbal leys.
Further information is available from:
Sue Cumberworth GROUP FACILITATOR THE AGRIBUSINESS GROUP
Phone (03) 365 6807 Mobile (025) 628 6110 Fax (03) 365 6308 Email sue@agribusinessgroup.com
Andrew and Mirie Brooker PROJECT LEADERS AYLESBURY ORGANIC FARMERS
Phone (03) 318 1530 Fax (03) 318 1241 Email abrooker@xtra.co.nz
