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➏ Extension | Romandy

Romandy: extension is the pivot of knowledge transfer

The value of FiBL work is greatest when the research findings can be put into practice right away. Rapid knowledge transfer is one of FiBL’s strengths. Work under way in western Switzerland exemplifies how information on organic agriculture reaches the farmers.

Research – extension – training. FiBL’s mission throughout Mixed cultures have stimulated much interest among the or- Switzerland is attracting particular interest in Romandy (the ganic farmers in Romandy. “Research, extension, and train- western, French-speaking region): Organic products are ing interconnect in this project,” explains Maurice Clerc, gaining popularity among local consumers, yet although who is counting on numerous organic farms starting to grow some farms are converting to organic production, the mixed crops over the next few years. Here too the priority number is still too low. The potential for organic arable farm- is cooperation: Agroscope Changins Wädenswil (ACW) has ing in western Switzerland is great – and the Swiss organic provided key knowledge and impetus, and is conducting its market would be reliant on it. own studies that complement the on-farm studies very effec- tively. Coordinated cooperation Maurice Clerc, FiBL coordinator in Romandy, places great There have also been positive experiences with field visits in value on cooperation. In Romandy, organic consultants work western Switzerland. Although they are organized for con- closely with cantonal extension agents. “They are already ventional farmers, special attention is nevertheless given to strongly committed to organic farming; together we will organic techniques. According to Maurice Clerc, “This type make great strides,” Clerc is convinced. FiBL, cantonal exten- of knowledge transfer breaks down prejudices and establishes sion agents, the Swiss research institutes Agroscope and the worthwhile contacts with conventional extension agents.” advisory organization Agridea are sharing their experiences Public policy for organic upswing and coordinating activities in two workgroups: one for gen- Organic agriculture is being promoted by policy-makers in eral organic farming questions, and the other for specific ar- the canton of . As a result of the revised Agriculture able issues. Part of these activities are on-farm studies, which Act, during the first five years farms in conversion to organic only a few years ago were almost exclusively conducted in the production receive financial aid in the event of large crop German-speaking region of Switzerland. shortfalls, among other benefits. The experts agree that the Success with intercropping German-speaking cantons are likely to follow this example. Some studies are devoted to mixed cultures of peas and cere- The inclusion of this article in the Agriculture Act is a testa- als. This is a hot topic, as far too few protein crops are grown ment to the tenacity and persuasiveness of FiBL, the cantonal in Switzerland to cover the national need for feed protein. organic association Bio Vaud and the organic consultants. jf More than 80 percent of the conventional protein feed is im- Contact: [email protected]; [email protected] ported, and the percentage for organic feed is even higher. Intercropping study funded by: Bio Suisse, Canton Aargau, Canton Zurich, Otto Hauenstein

➀ Practical organic research in western Switzerland: FiBL consultant Maurice Clerc (left) is co-ordinating trials in Romandy, and Josy Taramarcaz (Agridea [the Swiss Association for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas] ) is in charge of the extended trial at Mapraz Farm in Thônex, . ➁ Olivier Eberhard (La Sarraz, Vaud), ➂ André Horisberger (Chavannes-le-, Vaud) and ➃ Thomas Hauser (Chéserex, Vaud) are investigating alternatives to deep ploughing on their farms. The aim is to compare trials of reduced cultivation on different soil types. ➄ Jean- Marc Bovay (Démoret, Vaud) is testing devices for weed control in fodder- beet. ➅ René Stalder (centre) is working with FiBL to carry out trials of mixed planting on his farm at Vandoeuvres in Geneva.

Activity report | 2010 35