Organic Production Systems Guidelines
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Organic Production Systems Guidelines ! Beef ! Wheat ! Grapes and Wines ! Oranges ! Carrots By S McCoy and G Parlevliet Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Organic Produce Research and Development RIRDC Publication No 00/189 ! RIRDC Project No DAW-85A © 2001 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 58220 3 ISSN 1440-6845 Organic Production Systems Guidelines Publication No. 00/189 Project No. DAW-85A (Stage Two) The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. Researcher Contact Details S. McCoy and G. Parlevliet Organic Farming Project Centre for New Industry Development Agriculture Western Australia Locked Bag No. 4 BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE WA 6983 Phone: (08) 9368 3219 Fax: (08) 9368 3946 Email: [email protected] RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 4539 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in April 2001 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Union Offset Printers ii Foreword Consumer interest in agricultural production methods regarding safety, health and the environment has increased in the highly developed affluent markets of the world. Agriculture Western Australia in conjunction with RIRDC recognise this as an opportunity to develop export markets based on ‘organic’ and ‘clean’ agricultural production systems. In order to capture a share of these expanding markets, the Australian organic agriculture industry must develop supply capability matched to market demands. Information on target markets and target products contained in the companion Stage One report ‘The Export Market Potential for Clean and Organic Agriculture’ is important to attract and focus investment in the industry. Five products; beef, wheat, wine, oranges and carrots were selected for priority development. This publication forms Stage Two of the Organic Farming Project that aims to increase the export opportunity for clean and organic agriculture. The report outlines organic production system guidelines for each of the five priority products. Details are provided of strategies and methods used by organic growers. The report aims to assist conventional growers with interest in developing agricultural production systems that can be certified organic or biodynamic in compliance with Australian ‘National Standards for Organic and Biodynamic Agriculture’ for export. This project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds which are provided by the Federal Government and is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 600 research publications. It forms part of our Organic Products R&D program, which aims to optimise the profitability of Australian organic production in domestic and overseas markets and to promote the utilisation of organic farming systems as a means of enhancing the sustainability of Australian agricultural systems. Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Peter Core Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation iii Acknowledgments The authors of this report would like to thank the many people who have provided generously of their time and knowledge. Especially Jeff Hastings, Program Manager of the New Industries Program, Agriculture Western Australia and Brian Stynes, former Program Manager, who provided the support to initiate this project. The New Industries Partnership Group who supported the direction. RIRDC for support and guidance. The contribution of the many experienced organic and biodynamic growers who generously provided practical information and guidance is greatly appreciated and reflects the general willingness among organic growers to support the development of organic and biodynamic agricultural systems. The many agency staff in Departments of Primary Industry or Agriculture in all Australian states for providing information and assistance. iv Contents Foreword............................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgments .................................................................................................................iv Executive Summary ............................................................................................................. vii 1. Introduction....................................................................................................................... 1 2. Product Distinction and Premium Markets ....................................................................... 2 3. Organic Standards and Certification ................................................................................. 5 3.1 Background - Organic/biodynamic certification and regulations in Australia............. 5 3.2 General requirements - organic certification ............................................................ 6 3.3 Step involved in obtaining organic certification......................................................... 7 4. Organic Beef Production Guidelines ................................................................................10 4.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................10 4.2 Market outlook for organic beef ..............................................................................11 4.3 General principles - organic beef production.........................................................12 4.4 Production strategies and methods - organic beef ................................................16 4.5 Whole farm planning...............................................................................................16 4.6 Soil fertility management ........................................................................................17 4.7 Areas for future research ........................................................................................33 4.8 Selected references................................................................................................34 5. Wheat - Organic Production Guidelines ...........................................................................37 5.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................37 5.2 Market outlook for organic wheat ............................................................................38 5.3 General principles - organic wheat production ......................................................39 5.4 Production strategies and methods - organic wheat..............................................41 5.5 Organic wheat production system...........................................................................52 5.6 Areas for future research ........................................................................................56 5.7 Selected references................................................................................................57 6. Grapes and Wine - Organic Production Guidelines.........................................................58 6.1 Overview ................................................................................................................58 6.2 Introduction - Australia as a source of organic wine ..............................................58 6.3 Market trends..........................................................................................................59 6.4 Organic standards, requirements and certification ..................................................61 6.5 Starting an organic vineyard ...................................................................................64 6.6 Converting existing vineyards .................................................................................64 6.7 Starting a new vineyard ..........................................................................................65 6.8 Management of an established organic vineyard ....................................................71 6.9 Making wine from organic grapes ...........................................................................85 6.10 Yields and Costs.....................................................................................................88 6.11 Research needs .....................................................................................................89 6.12 Conclusion..............................................................................................................89 6.13 References .............................................................................................................90 v 7. Oranges - A Production Guide to Growing Organic Oranges in Australia........................95 7.1 Background ............................................................................................................95