- 2.1.3.1 Research Priorities
- 2.1.3.2. Some Common Research Topics
- 2.1.3.3 Research Processes
- 2.1.3.4 Proposed Research Funding
2.1.3 Research
2.1.3.1 Research Priorities
There were similarities between focus groups in a number of areas regarding research processes and priorities. These included the importance placed on the following;
(a) Technology Transfer
The need for the effective transfer of technology from research already completed or yet to be undertaken. For some focus groups this was the number one priority and more important than new research.
(b) Systems Research Focus
It was suggested that research projects should not ignore the inter-relationships and complexities inherent in an organic production system. Some research should look at how the whole production system operates and interrelates.
(c) Producer Involvement with Research Process
Participants highlighted their interest in and the importance of their involvement in identifying research priorities and being actively involved in the research process. It was felt this was important because;
- it will ensure research is relevant and of value to producers
- it will decrease the risk of research funding being captured by those redefining conventional research bids.
- it will improve the transfer and adoption of the resulting research results.
(d) Broad Definition for Research
The focus group discussions highlighted the wide range of research projects desired by participants and rated as important for development of the organic industry. Participants did not just want >white pegs in paddocks= type research but saw as relevant a broad range of initiatives that should be supported by any funding. Many felt that these were of a higher priority than research into specific technical issues. Such initiatives included:
- Infrastructure support i.e. funding for BIOGRO and Demeter to assist them become more professional.
- Market research and development for the local market and for products with low current demand.
- Promotion to increase consumer awareness on organic food and production promotion.
- Nutrition and health research - the comparative benefits of organic food.
(e) Limit Replication of Research
It was noted that there was probably much research that had been undertaken in New Zealand and overseas that would be useful for organic producers. It was highlighted that there was a need to ensure that research projects do not duplicate what has already been done.
(f) Financial and Other Benefit Analysis
Conventional farmer participants highlighted the need for accurate information on the financial performance of organic production in comparison to conventional production. For them to consider a change to organic production they have to have this information from credible sources. In addition a number of farmers wanted clarification on other benefits associated with organic production e.g. environmental, soil and health issues.
Other issues raised in relation to research on organic production included:
- The research needs to be undertaken by the most appropriate agency/people
- Research should have scientific credibility
- Research needs to work with BIOGRO/Demeter to ensure that the organic production standards are based on solid scientific foundations.
Generally the organic producer participants identified priorities based on factors that were limiting their production while conventional producers identified research priorities based on significant impediments to their adoption of organic farming practices. In a number of areas these described similar research needs such as biological control systems for pests, disease and weeds.
2.1.3.2. Some Common Research Topics
Production Research
- Soil - relationships within soil, the best ways of managing and protecting it.
- Non chemical pest, disease and weed management.
- Plant and animal breeding programmes for disease and pest tolerance and resistance.
- Evaluation of alternative practices e.g. the use of Biodynamic inputs.
- Economic alternatives to some conventional inputs, e.g. >Hicane= in Kiwifruit.
- Whole crop rotation - the use of cover crops.
- Waste stream analysis - ways to manage and use various waste streams.
- Postharvest technology - alternative fumigation systems that will enable continued market access for fresh organic fruit and vegetable exports.
Education
- Training of growers and others in the industry on how to structure research bids
- Training of research staff on organic production concepts.
A more detailed outline of specific technical research priorities for each focus groups is provided in Appendix 4.
2.1.3.3 Research Processes
The focus groups were asked for suggestions on appropriate processes for research into organic production. Some comments included;
- "Need information systems, e.g. field officers, organic advisor to give information and would assist in giving people confidence."
- "Need to have input from a wide cross section of growers both conventional and organic in the design and management of research projects."
- "Technology Transfer is going to be critical. Information needs to be accessible to farmers"
The focus groups were asked to identify research projects that they felt were effective. Comments and examples included;
- Monitor farm programmes such as the Meat Research and Development Councils (MRDC) monitor farm programme and others such as the Selwyn Stewardship Farm were seen as good possible examples for organic research and technology transfer. It was suggested that a range of regionally relevant organic production monitor farms be established - some on existing organic farms, others monitoring the transition of conventional farms towards organic production. Environmental, production and financial variables could be monitored, interpreted and communicated.
- The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) was suggested as a good model on how the organic industry could structure its own research.
- Past successful research programmes were suggested as being where the growers are involved and they have access to scientists.
2.1.3.4 Proposed Research Funding
Each focus groups was asked for comments on increased research funding for organic production. Generally most organic growers and many of the conventional growers supported the proposal however there were some exceptions.
Reasons why the research funding should be provided included suggestions on the following benefits contributed by organic production;
Environmental
- Organics provides solutions to a number of environmental problems such as pesticide pollution, the decline in fossil fuel and other resources.
- Organic production reduces waste through recycling.
Market
- There is a big market demand for organic food with rapid export growth
- Organics is of strategic importance to farmers. It will help overcome potential trade barriers.
- Organics provides integrity for the use of the clean/green marketing banner.
- New Zealand needs to target high quality, ethical niche markets and issues such as the BSE scare shows the risks to trade of not doing this.
Financial
- Organic production systems aim to optimise the use of inputs and are therefore, more efficient.
- Conventional farming is in economic trouble and organics provides an alternative.
Research
- Organics covers all production systems - it is an overlay across all these.
- Research for organic production has significant spin-offs for conventional production.
- Much research into organic systems needs to be funded by the state as there may not be any other stakeholder to do this e.g. compared with research into conventional inputs undertaken by chemical companies etc.
- Organic production is consistent with the current move towards sustainable production and provides a defined goal through the production standards.
Other
- Health - The better nutritional quality and decreased risks from pesticide contamination in comparison to conventional food will lead to decreased health costs.
- Organics provides tourism spin-offs.
- Organics deserves it because of a lack of recognition in the past.
- Increased employment and other social benefits.
In some focus groups, support for the research was tempered with some viewing the proposed funding cynically, that it was on again, off again, flavour of the month. In addition some participants felt that there was a need for a longer term commitment as many of the areas to be researched would take longer than the proposed three years.
Arguments against increased research funding were varied but could be broken down into the following main themes:
Market
- Some established organic farmers felt that the proposed funding would increase the number of organic farmers who would then compete for markets that they had developed.
- The funding would act as a subsidy to new organic entrants especially as existing organic growers, had to often develop organic management systems themselves over a long period of time and at a direct cost to them.
- The increase in organic production will result in an erosion of price premiums and lead to the establishment of organic commodity markets.
- The growth in organic exports had been strong without any research funding support so why was any needed now.
Research
Arguments against the funding based on research issues were provided mainly by conventional farmers. They included:
- Organic production is too narrow an area for research and it should be widened to include sustainable production and other environmental management systems.
- That the funding should not be taken from existing research priorities but should be added to the current money funded for research.
- The amount proposed was disproportionate in relation to the size of the industry.
Contact for Enquiries
Kay Brown
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0695
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0746
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