Presence of pesticides in the environment, transition into organic food, and implications for quality assurance along the European organic food chain – A review
The use of synthetic pesticides is not allowed in organic production, but traces of synthetic pesticides are regularly detected in organic food. To safeguard the integrity of organic production, organic certifiers are obliged to investigate the causes for pesticide residues on organic food, entailing high costs to the organic sector. Such residues can have various […]
FIBL: The state of knowledge about (organic) farming and biodiversity updated
FiBL biodiversity expert Lukas Pfiffner has updated the factsheet on the effects of production and cultivation systems on biological diversity. The publication is available for download free of charge in the FiBL Shop. To promote species diversity is one of the principles of organic farming. Do scientific studies on actual farms bear out that the […]
Direct regulation of the black cherry aphid in organic table cherry production
A BioFruitNet practice abstract. The black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) is the main pest in modern organic table cherry production. In orchards with installed rain protection and insect nets, robust aphid populations can build up, leading to significant yield losses and tree damage. The black cherry aphid can be indirectly and directly regulated. This practice […]
Drosophila suzukii control: Preventive measures in organic stone fruit orchards
A BioFruitNet practice abstract. The spotted wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest attacking soft fruit species (berries, cherries, plums, grapes), as well as many wild berry plants. D. suzukii female adultslay eggs into the fruits from which larvae develop. The control strategy of D. suzukii includes preventive measures1 such as orchard management, field […]
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 […]
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 […]
