Organic sugar beet production and robotics use in France
Sugar beet cultivation is chemical-intensive. In 2017, the average number of pesticide treatments received by sugar beet crops in France was between five and six — which is more than most other crops (Agreste, 2019). Sugar beets need to be protected from weeds competing for resources and diseases transmitted by aphids; for example, the beet […]
How pesticides impact human health and ecosystems in Europe
Food production systems in Europe rely on chemical pesticides to maintain crop yields. However, widespread pesticide use is a major source of pollution — contaminating water, soil and air, driving biodiversity loss, and leading to pest resistance. Human exposure to chemical pesticides is linked to chronic illnesses such as cancer, and heart, respiratory and neurological […]
Etichettatura dei prodotti biologici
La Linea Guida Operativa “Etichettatura dei prodotti biologici” è edita con il patrocinio di AIAB e dell’ITSA-Istituto Tecnico Superiore Agroalimentare. Lo scopo della pubblicazione è guidare le aziende nel percorso di certificazione. La guida è corredata di esempi pratici.
Biodiversity and climate change adaptation on ecological organic farms in the Tropics
This factsheet introduces: how organic farmers can team up with a diversity of plants, animals and micro-organisms to increase their ability to adapt to changes and reduce risks. The information is based on long-term experiments and on-farm research conducted in the scope of three projects across different countries in Africa, as well as Bolivia and […]
Profitability on ecological organic farms in the Tropics – Major factors to achieve good profits
This factsheet introduces the ways in which organic farmers can be profitable, and highlights some of the major factors from the experiences of the research related to profitability, namely: labour, organic inputs, best practices and market access. The information is based on long-term experiments and on-farm research conducted in the scope of three projects across […]
Ecological approach to soil fertility and health in the Tropics – Practices that improve the soil and meet crops needs
This factsheet introduces soil fertility and health, explains how the holistic organic farming approach improves soil fertility, provides some practices which contribute to improving soil health and help meet the nutrient requirement of crops, animals and humans. The information is based on long-term experiments and on-farm research conducted in the scope of three projects across […]
Productivity on ecological organic farms in the Tropics – Producing good yields using the ecological approach
This factsheet discusses some best organic practices for good yields in ecological organic systems, the role of diversity, and highlights some opportunities and challenges with selected crops in organic production. The information is based on long-term experiments and on-farm research conducted in the scope of three projects across different countries in Africa, as well as […]
Ecological approach to pest and disease management in the Tropics – Prevention and direct control measures
This factsheet introduces the integrated ecological approach to organic pest and disease management, how to best prevent problems and direct control methods. The information is based on long-term experiments and on-farm research conducted in the scope of three projects across different countries in Africa, as well as Bolivia and India. The products are intended for […]
Ecological approach to organic farming in the Tropics – Introducing the active system approach
This factsheet introduces the ecological approach to organic farming, changes that are necessary to implement the approach, expected benefits, and provides a few examples of recommended systems for the tropics. The information is based on long-term experiments and on-farm research conducted in the scope of three projects across different countries in Africa, as well as […]
SysCom and ProEcoAfrica/OFSA projects – Increasing knowledge on organic agriculture in the tropics
There is continued global debate on which agricultural production systems are more productive, natural resource conserving, environmentally friendly, economically viable and accepted by society. Many stakeholders have raised concerns about the long-term impact of conventional agriculture on soil productivity, yields and the ecosystem. Organic agriculture is one of the prominent alternative farming approaches, advocated for […]
