Satellite Symposium 1: Optimisation
Description
Agri-environment schemes encourage organic farming in Wales. The National Assembly Government second organic action plan has a target of 10-15% land in organic production by 2010. Although forage based, many organic livestock farmers buy in concentrate feeds, which are important sources of nutrients to the farm. The current derogation allowing organic producers up to 10% approved non-organic feed ends in 2005. Many organic farmers are beginning to make management changes to comply with this. The aims of this study were to construct simple nutrient budgets on different organic livestock farms, investigate any planned system changes, look at impacts on nutrient budgets and create awareness amongst farmers of the value of nutrient budgeting, in addition to soil testing, for planning sustainable organic farming systems.
Included in
How Will Removal of the Non-Organic Feed Derogation Affect Nutrient Budgets of Organic Livestock Farms in Wales?
Agri-environment schemes encourage organic farming in Wales. The National Assembly Government second organic action plan has a target of 10-15% land in organic production by 2010. Although forage based, many organic livestock farmers buy in concentrate feeds, which are important sources of nutrients to the farm. The current derogation allowing organic producers up to 10% approved non-organic feed ends in 2005. Many organic farmers are beginning to make management changes to comply with this. The aims of this study were to construct simple nutrient budgets on different organic livestock farms, investigate any planned system changes, look at impacts on nutrient budgets and create awareness amongst farmers of the value of nutrient budgeting, in addition to soil testing, for planning sustainable organic farming systems.
