Research on organic agriculture in the Netherlands Research on organic agriculture in the Netherlands agriculture on organic Research In the Netherlands, policy makers focus on developing knowledge and markets for organic Organisation, methodology and results agriculture. The budget available for research into all aspects of organic agriculture is one of the highest in Europe. All government funded research on organic agriculture is brought together in a comprehensive research cluster in which Wageningen UR and the Louis Bolk Institute are the main partners. Research on organic agriculture in the Netherlands covers a wide range of topics. These vary from the basic production factors such as soil and seeds, to food quality, health, economic research and social topics such as animal welfare and citizens’ well-being. The organic sector in the Netherlands is, through the Bioconnect organisation, structurally and actively involved in setting the agenda for research and knowledge transfer. Sector representatives take active part in the project teams directing the research projects. Research on Organic Agriculture in the Netherlands gives you an introduction to the way the cooperation between sector, government and research organisations is structured and managed. It also provides the reader with a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the results of research and innovation in organic agriculture in the Netherlands. ISBN 978-90-8585-403-6 The innovation network of organic agricultural chains Wageningen UR & Louis Bolk Institute Research on organic agriculture in the Netherlands Organisation, methodology and results W. Sukkel & M. Hommes (editors) Financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality In the Netherlands most research on organic agriculture and food takes place within the scope of comprehensive research programmes. These programmes are mainly financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. Bioconnect, the knowledge network for organic agriculture and food, directs the research programmes. Wageningen University and Research Centre and Louis Bolk Institute carry out the majority of the research activities. All results are available to Dutch farmers and other stakeholders through the website www.biokennis.nl. Wageningen UR and Louis Bolk Institute 2 Research on organic agriculture in the Netherlands 3 Preface The Dutch agricultural sector as a whole is very innovative, but this is especially true of the organic sector. Dutch farmers are very involved in the research carried out for organic agriculture. Not only do they participate in The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality supports the development of more sustainable and setting the research agenda, they also partake in the research projects. Organic farmers are often de facto innovative agriculture and considers organic agriculture to be a prime example of how a sustainable sector can researchers, as we face many challenges whilst pioneering in this branch of agriculture. There is still much to gain be achieved. in terms of, for instance, product quality, sustainability and the economic viability of organic agriculture. We are Research is an important pillar of the current Dutch policy on organic farming because it contributes to therefore happy to cooperate with researchers to innovate our farming practice. Putting together the sustainability and generates new ideas. This research is highly cooperative, involving the agricultural sector, craftsmanship of farmers and the theoretic knowledge of researchers clearly creates an added value. The results universities, research institutes and the Ministry. The Dutch government currently allocates 10 per cent of the total and research examples you will find in this book are also farmers’ results and farmers’ research. agricultural research budget to organic farming. We would also like to draw your attention to another new initiative for sharing knowledge. The Dutch organic Closed cycles, resilience in animals and crops, animal welfare and food quality are important research topics farming sector organises an international farmers’ fair called BioVak (www.biovak.nl). The fair displays the that deal directly with producing good food while taking account of the environment and the wishes of society. developments in the organic sector to all primary producers who want to know more about sustainable production. This research also contributes to a commercially healthy sector that can compete on the international market. We would be very happy to meet our international colleagues during the next BioVak. The results of the research on these topics are not only important to the Netherlands, but can hopefully find an We hope you will enjoy reading about our experiences and perhaps take inspiration from them for your own work. international audience as well. This book can contribute to an international exchange of ideas and enhance Kees van Zelderen, Vice president Organic farmers association cooperation between researchers and their international partners, which will benefit all those involved in organic farming. Annette Wijering, Head of the Agricultural Production and Fisheries Division Department of Knowledge and Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality The Netherlands has a long tradition in research on organic agriculture. This research takes place at Wageningen University and Research centre and the Louis Bolk Institute. Each has developed its own approaches and methodologies, addressing the potential for development of the organic sector. In recent years the relationship with the organic sector, which has always been strong, was taken to an even more professional level. This was done through interaction with Bioconnect, the knowledge network for the organic sector. At the same time, all research sponsored by the government was brought together in the so-called ‘Cluster Organic Agriculture’. The financial support of the Dutch government enables a substantial, ambitious and very diverse research effort. So far, most research has focused on national issues. In the years to come we would like to gradually open up our expertise and experience to the rest of the world. This book is an important step in that process. It presents for the first time the full spectrum of research in organic agriculture in the Netherlands. We hope you will enjoy reading Research on organic agriculture in the Netherlands. Please feel free to contact us for an exchange of experience and knowledge. We look forward to talking to you! Frank Wijnands, Program manager and Research coordinator Cluster Organic Agriculture 4 Research on organic agriculture in the Netherlands 5 Introduction This book aims to present a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the results of research and innovation in organic agriculture in the Netherlands. Not only will you read about the fields of research and the research results, the researchers involved will also share their approaches and views in this book. Moving beyond scientific results, this book will present examples of how the findings are brought into practice in close cooperation with farmers and other stakeholders. Research on organic agriculture in the Netherlands also provides an introduction into the unique structure and management of the cooperation between the organic sector, government and research organisations. In the Netherlands, policy makers focus on developing knowledge and markets for organic agriculture. The budget available for research into all aspects of organic agriculture is one of the highest in Europe. All government-funded research on organic agriculture is brought together in a comprehensive research cluster in which Wageningen UR and the Louis Bolk Institute are the main partners. Research on organic agriculture in the Netherlands covers a wide range of topics. From basic production factors such as soil and seeds, to food quality, health, animal welfare and economy. The organic sector in the Netherlands is, through the Bioconnect network, actively involved in setting the agenda for research and directing scientific projects. Organic agriculture holds a myriad of possibilities for a sustainable and vibrant future. Research on organic agriculture raises questions that are relevant to all agriculture and can be a driving force for innovations. Dutch policy makers explicitly want research on organic agriculture to take a leading role. To show all agriculture a way to greener food production and a healthier living environment. We hope this book may serve as an inspiration and invitation for everyone involved in agriculture and agricultural research all over the world. If you have questions, suggestions or would like to cooperate, don’t hesitate contact us through the website www.OrganicHolland.com. For specific research topics you may also contact individual researchers whose references are mentioned in the book. Together we can achieve a sustainable and healthy future for agriculture. 6 Research on organic agriculture in the Netherlands 7 Contents Preface 2 Introduction 5 1 Organic agriculture in the Netherlands 8 2 Dutch research on organic agriculture: approaches and characteristics 14 3 Dutch knowledge infrastructure for organic agriculture 24 4 Sustainable systems 30 5 Good soil: a good start 38 6 Robust varieties and vigorous propagation material 46 7 Prevention and control of weeds, pests and diseases 58 8 Health and welfare of organic livestock 70 9 Animal production and feeding 78 10 Special branches: organic greenhouse