Innovate - make the change to Organic Farming
Adrian Saunders, Organic Development Adviser,
Greenmount Campus, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Antrim
Organic farming, by its nature, tends to lead to farmers making innovative changes to the way they farm. The need for increasing self-sufficiency and sustainability encourages producers to look at alternatives they might not have considered before conversion to organic production.
For example, spring barley has always been a traditional winter feed for cattle, but modern short-strawed varieties are not always able to compete well with weeds under organic management. Organic farmers have looked for alternatives, and one which it was thought might fit the bill is triticale. In 2006 Greenmount Campus grew an area of triticale and with its tall straw and dense stand it produced an excellent yield - 7.25 t/ha of grain and 10 t/ha of straw. Weed growth during the season was minimal, and the crop contained very little weed at harvest time.
This approach of consideration of alternative technologies is one element in CAFRE’s two day short course entitled 'Introduction to Organic Production'.
This course is aimed at farmers and growers who have little knowledge of what organic farming entails or how to go about it. The programme is delivered by the Greenmount Organic Team.
It includes information on the basic principles of organic production, the requirements for certification by an organic certification body, funding available, and access to potential markets. There are also enterprise options to suit livestock and horticultural interests.
On the second day, participants get out-and-about on a visit to the 36ha mixed livestock/arable Greenmount Organic Unit, or to an organic farm with other enterprises. The important topic of animal health is also considered, and a step-by-step guide to the process of conversion to organic production is provided.
The 2-day programme will be delivered on Wed 14 February and Wed 21 February at Greenmount Campus, Antrim.
There is no charge for the programme, but places must be booked in advance, no later than Monday 12 February, by ringing Caroline Donnelly at Greenmount Campus on 02894426773.
