This document provides an overview of organic fruit production. Some key points:
1) Organic farmers aim to feed the soil, not the plant, in order to create a balanced, biologically active soil that produces healthier plants less susceptible to pests and diseases.
2) When setting up an organic orchard, farmers must consider site selection, variety selection, ground preparation and planting, and ongoing orchard management techniques.
3) Orchard management in organic systems relies on integrated pest management, manipulation of species diversity, plant resistance, biological and mechanical controls, and weed management to control pests and diseases without synthetic chemicals.
Organic Fruit Production - New South Wales, Australia
1. JULY 2008 PRIMEFACT 805 (REPLACES AGNOTE DPI-190)
Organic fruit production
Robyn Neeson
Feed the soil, not the plant
Organic Farming Liaison Officer, Farming Systems
Research, Yanco Organic farmers aim to feed the soil, not the plant,
to create a soil that is balanced in nutrients, has
good structure, high biological activity and high
Introduction levels of organic matter. Organic growers believe
that a plant grown under these conditions is healthier
Consumers and producers of organic products and therefore less susceptible to attack by pests
understand organic agriculture as the production and diseases.
of food and fibre without the use of synthetic
chemicals. However, there is more to organic
farming than just doing away with artificial inputs.
Planning the organic orchard
There are several factors that you need to consider
Minimum reliance on artificial inputs when setting up an organic fruit orchard.
Organic farming aims to minimise inputs to create
an agricultural system that is as near as possible to Site selection
a self-perpetuating or closed system of production. To grow organic fruit successfully, you need to
However, some nutrients are removed when the crop maximise the local environmental factors in your
is harvested, so some inputs in the form of composts favour. One way of doing this is to decide which
and green manure crops are added to replace particular crop you want to grow, then select the
these nutrients. Other natural substances may also most appropriate site. For example, if stone fruit is
be added to stimulate biological activity in the soil. your choice, the orchard may be located inland to
avoid many pest and disease problems associated
High level of management with coastal production, and isolated from similar
crops to minimise the risk of pests and diseases.
Organic farmers rely on natural methods of pest
and disease control, and crop nutrition. A high level The other approach is to decide on your location,
of understanding is needed of the life cycles and then determine which crops can be successfully
interactions of crops, livestock, weeds, pests and grown there using organic techniques.
diseases. Problems that may arise need to be It is important to test the soil at your chosen site for
pre-empted (rather than reacted to). pesticide and heavy metal contamination. Excessive
This requires a high level of management, levels of either will exclude your product from being
achieved through a variety of techniques: certified and sold as organic. This is also critical
when converting established orchards. A soil test
• creating environments that encourage beneficial will also provide important information about fertility
species to keep pest populations in check and nutrient levels.
• selecting crop varieties that discourage or are Other site considerations include:
resistant to pests and diseases
• proximity to materials that can be utilised as a
• using management tools such as crop rotations fertiliser or in compost making (such as animal
and companion planting to inhibit or repel pests manures and straw)
and diseases.
• availability of transport and markets
Some naturally occurring chemicals such as derris
and pyrethrum are permitted in organic farming • availability of certified processing facilities.
systems, but their use is not encouraged and often
only permitted as a last resort.
2. Organic certification Select varieties for the available markets, not
vice versa. Contact wholesalers and retailers of
Certification means having your farm and farming
organic produce to determine the lines in which
methods inspected to confirm that they meet the
demand exceeds current supply. Your certification
certifier's standards for organic farming. The
organisation may have received requests for
certifier's standards cover all the requirements of
particular produce, so make enquiries with them
the National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic
too.
Produce. Since January 1993, exports of organic
produce have been required to meet this standard. Select varieties that are adaptable. It is an
advantage to have additional markets available for
It is essential to develop an understanding of the
second grade produce. For example, a peach has
certification process and the requirements of
potential to value-add into products such as
certifying organisations, well before your first case
preserves, pastes or dried fruit; while an orange
or tray of fruit is marketed.
can be considered for juice, marmalades or the oil
Produce may either be certified A Grade for a fully in the rind.
converted organic farm or 'in conversion' to organic
Physiological features may give some varieties an
production. Initially, the orchard will be classified 'in
advantage that allows them to resist pest and
conversion' until your farming system satisfies the
disease attack. Hairs or bristles on fruit may deter
standards of organic production.
certain insect pests. For example, some peach
Currently, there are no legal requirements to varieties are less attractive to certain pests due to
become certified. There are nevertheless, severe their hairy skin. Some fruit varieties have deep
penalties for selling non-organic produce as organic. cavities where the stalk attaches to the fruit providing
The Australia New Zealand Food Authority is perfect hiding places for pests, or environments for
reviewing domestic requirements which, if approved, disease development.
would make the labelling and certification of
Some 'old' cultivars exhibit desirable features which
domestically produced organic food compulsory.
discourage pest attack and are worth investigating.
Some varieties may have been bred for resistance
Property management planning to certain diseases. However, those produced by
A property management plan will help you decide genetic engineering or treated with ionising radiation,
the most appropriate layout and management are not permitted under organic standards.
strategies for your enterprise, given the physical When selecting varieties for your area ask your
and natural constraints of the site, your resources district horticulturist and other growers about the
and personal goals. performance and problems experienced with local
As an organic farmer you also need to consider: varieties. Forewarned is forearmed.
• creating windbreaks and retaining existing
Ground preparation and planting
vegetation to encourage predators within the
orchard Before planting it is important to build up soil
organic matter and nutrient load and to control
• incorporating buffer strips along the boundaries of
problem weeds (particularly perennials). Weed
your property to minimise the risk of pesticide spray
control is easier to achieve before orchard
drift from neighbouring farms
establishment, particularly as herbicides are not
• developing a financial plan, including a marketing permitted.
strategy, value-adding options and planning for the
possibility of income reduction during conversion to Green manure crops, containing both legume and
organic production. non-legume components, can be turned into the
soil before planting, to add nitrogen and to build up
soil organic matter. For example, an oats/vetch
Variety selection
crop may add up to 100 kg/ha of nitrogen to the
Selection of material for planting is determined by a soil.
number of factors. These include:
Use soil and leaf tests to check for other soil
• growing conditions nutrient deficiencies or structural problems before
• pest and disease resistance planting. Several organic amendments are permitted
under the standards, but their use must be recorded.
• fruit quality parameters (such as size, firmness
and keeping ability) Consider inter-row cropping between rows of fruit
• maturity dates trees or vines, particularly while they are young.
Crops could consist of herbs, flowers, vegetables,
• market requirements.
grasses or legumes (for hay, mulch or compost
production). The benefits are obvious – increased
PRIMEFACT 805, ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION 2
3. bio-diversity and income before the main crop Cultural controls
comes into production and during conversion to
Reduce the impact of pests by manipulating
organic production.
cultural practices. Some of the strategies employed
Establish a permanent mixed sod containing herbs, include the following.
legumes and grasses as the orchard planting nears
• Rotate crops when planting a new orchard – plant
maturity. Take care that the inter-row crop is not a
botanically unrelated crops. Avoid replanting old
host to pests of the main crop and that it doesn't
orchard sites with the same crop as there may be
compete with the main crop for nutrients and water.
pest or disease carryover (for example, Armillaria
Establish a windbreak before planting. A well in stone fruit and citrus orchards, or burrowing
designed windbreak shelters young plants, nematodes, Radopholus similis, in bananas).
increases bio-diversity, provides habitat for wildlife,
• Cultivate the soil to disrupt the life-cycles of soil
reduces levels of dust, and encourages predators
inhabiting pests, weeds and diseases. Minimise
and bees. Planting timber or woodlot species can
environmental damage by cultivating at the
diversify and supplement on-farm income.
appropriate time and at the correct soil moisture.
To be most beneficial, windbreaks should be at Keep the number of cultivations to a minimum and
least five rows wide with medium to low shrubs do not cultivate steep slopes.
located on the side of the prevailing winds. Wind
• Vary the harvest time. Selective harvesting
speed can be halved by placing shelter belts 250 m
periods may avoid the worst effects of pests at the
apart. Avoid locating woodlots or shelter belts along
crop's most vulnerable period. You may need to
the bottom of slopes as frost pockets may develop.
select cultivars which mature at a different time to
The design of the orchard can help in pest and the pest's peak occurrence.
disease management. For example, mixing species
• Vary crop spacing. Spacing and siting of crops
within a block can disorientate insect pests. You
may affect the relative growth rate of a plant and
can achieve this effect by planting in a semi-
the behaviour of pests in searching for food or
random layout, being careful not to make harvesting
egg laying sites. Closer plantings may favour the
difficult. Species that ripen at the same time as the
spread of beneficial species within the orchard, but
main crop, but which are more attractive to pests
may also reduce air movement, increasing levels of
such as birds, can be located elsewhere to lure
disease.
pests away.
• Prune crops. Thinning, topping and pruning of
Newly planted trees and vines need to be well
dead or diseased material from fruit trees reduces
watered-in, provided with permanent irrigation,
disease incidence and maintains productivity and
mulched, and protected from pests (such as
vigour.
insects, rabbits and kangaroos).
• Keep orchards clean. Remove pest breeding
and hibernating sites by removing, destroying or
Orchard management composting old or fallen fruit. Clean paddock
Organic systems aim to recreate natural systems. borders to reduce pest migrations and weed
Natural systems support several competing infestations. Study the insects and wildlife
species, so that no single species has a consistent inhabiting paddock borders first to avoid destroying
advantage. This is contrary to the main objective of habitats of beneficial species. If fire breaks are
modern agricultural systems where the enterprise required these areas may need to be modified.
must maintain a permanent advantage, to be
viable. Manipulation of species diversity
Several management tools are available to help Manipulation of species diversity annual cropping
organic farmers to achieve this. systems is an effective method of enhancing the
competitive advantage of the main crop. However,
few of these techniques have been evaluated in
Pest and disease management
perennial systems.
Integrated pest and disease management (IPDM)
Some of the methods used in annual cropping
is an approach to pest and disease management
systems include:
that utilises a range of techniques intended to
reduce economic damage. • strategically increasing the number of plant
species that act as a barrier to the pest, or
There are several techniques you can use to
providing an alternative preferred host (for example
manage pests and diseases.
trap cropping);
• strategically decreasing diversity to deprive pests
of alternative food and refuge sites.
PRIMEFACT 805, ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION 3
4. The method and design for varying species with organic farming principles, so frequent use of
diversity depends on details such as the life cycle chemicals is discouraged.
and habits of the species you wish to influence.
Many of these chemicals have been selected for
Plant resistance their short period of persistence in the environment,
rather than low toxicity, so take care during
Plant resistance is the ability of a plant to grow and application. Follow the directions on the label and
produce despite the presence of pests. It may be be certain the chemical is registered for both the
naturally inherited or artificially bred into plants. crop and its intended use.
Breeding for resistance aims to combine genes
from related varieties with desirable characteristics Check with your certification organisation before
into new, more resistant varieties. using any commercial product as some may
contain additives that are not acceptable under the
Many older 'non-hybrid' varieties have natural standards.
resistance to pests and diseases. Natural
resistance has been lost in many modern cultivars Whatever pest management strategies you select,
bred for yield increases. Several organisations the more information you can obtain about the
specialise in producing non-hybrid planting pest's life cycle and habits, the better.
material.
Weed management
Biological controls
Weeds teach us that we have to learn to live with
Biological controls use the natural enemies nature rather than dominate it.
(parasites, predators and disease organisms) of
pest species. These natural enemies may be Each weed occupies an ecological niche and has
introduced from external sources (mass reared and a role in that niche. For example, deep rooted
then released into the orchard), or – if they are species will ‘recycle’ nutrients from deep down in
already in the orchard – encouraged to breed the soil profile, making them available to shallow
naturally. rooted species. Other species may provide habitats
for beneficial insects.
Naturally occurring predators can be encouraged
by conserving and encouraging existing populations. A well managed organic orchard should not
Maintaining a mixture of desirable plants in the develop a significant weed problem. A major
orchard border and in ground covers will encourage objective in organic farming is to change the
predators. composition of the weed community so that the
orchard gains maximum benefit.
Some plants attract predators of pests. For
example, members of the Umberlliferae family, Sometimes, however, one species may dominate
such as carrots and parsnips, attract parasitic or a noxious weed (one that, by law, must be
wasps and are used as an understorey crop in controlled) may be present, so the weed should be
apples to help control codling moth. managed.
Weed management around young trees and vines,
Mechanical controls
is essential.
Mechanical controls can be used to trap or kill
pests, or physically prevent pests gaining access to Mulching
crops. Corrugated cardboard bands tied around Mulching helps to retain moisture, minimises weeds
trunks of apple trees help to control and monitor and improves biological activity in the soil.
codling moth. Bird netting or paper bags over fruit Inorganic and organic materials may be used for
exclude flying foxes and birds. mulching. The mulch must be applied thickly
enough to suppress the growth of weeds and
Physical environment
germination of their seeds. A layer 2–3 cm deep
Modification of the physical environment can also should be adequate.
help. Light traps and sticky traps decoy night flying
Various methods can be used to accumulate mulch
insects; bird scaring devices keep birds away; solar
under a tree or vine row. These include mowing
energy and black plastic can be used to control
(swing-arm mowers mulch under tree areas, and
weeds (solarisation); or a crop such as canola that
some orchard mulchers throw mowings into the
inhibits certain pests (biofumigation) can be used.
under-tree area), and growing a winter-active
Chemical controls under-tree sod which forms a mulch after it dies.
Chemical controls. Several chemicals for pest and Grazing
disease control are permissible under the organic
Animals in the orchard can offer good weed control
and bio-dynamic standards. However, long-term
and provide additional benefits of extra income,
reliance on these substances is not in accordance
added manure, insect control and the recycling of
PRIMEFACT 805, ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION 4
5. crop wastes. Chinese or 'weeder' geese and even Green manure crops
carefully managed sheep are some examples.
Green manure crops are grown specifically to be
However, care should be taken, particularly during
cultivated back into the soil to build up soil organic
droughts, when livestock may feed on trees or
matter and nutrients. They are especially useful
vines.
during orchard establishment.
It is a good idea to introduce stock into the orchard
The type of green manure crop and stage it is
when they are young to develop their 'taste' for
turned in determines the amount of organic matter
weeds and a grazing routine. Various systems of
or nutrients returned to the soil. For example, a
electric fencing are available to facilitate grazing.
lush, actively growing legume sward (for example
Other organisms vetch, faba beans or lupins) contains large amounts
of nitrogen that is released to the soil upon
Insects and fungi have been commercially reared cultivation. The same crop when allowed to mature,
and released to control weeds such as Paterson’s contributes more organic matter but less available
Curse and Bathurst burr. nitrogen. If a soil is low in organic matter, then a
green manure crop that increases soil organic
Mechanical methods
matter is desirable (for example oats).
These include:
• slashing (mowing, brush cutting) Permanent sods
• strategic cultivation These are planted between the rows, and are the
preferred method of inter-row management in
• forage harvesting
orchards because the orchard soil ecosystem
• brush weeding (not suitable for biennial or remains undisturbed. This favours the development
perennial weeds such as docks or thistles) of plant roots and soil biology; and helps to retain
• thermal weeding (hot air, hot water or flame). good soil structure.
When using this equipment you should fit guards to Ideally, a sod consists of a range of perennial plant
protect trees and vines. species. For example it may contain a mixture of:
Perhaps one of the most important methods of • grasses (for example ryegrass or fescue), efficient
weed control is hand weeding. Most weed problems in obtaining potassium from the soil and able to
start out as small outbreaks which are easily utilise excess organic nitrogen;
controlled with hand hoeing, if caught early.
• legumes (for example clover or lucerne), able to
add 40–140 kilograms per hectare per year of
Soil management and crop nutrition nitrogen to the soil reservoir and also 'feed' the
grasses and the crop;
Organic farming is not just about replacing artificial
fertilisers with 'organic' fertilisers and manures, it is • herbs (for example comfrey and chicory), high in
about feeding the soil ecosystem and making full essential elements with deep roots capable of
use of the resources on the farm. The overall aim is bringing up leached elements that are otherwise
to minimise nutrient inputs and losses from within unavailable to the crop.
the system.
A variety of species also attract a variety of other
Organic farmers can build up soil fertility in the organisms that may assist with pest and disease
orchard by planting cover crops, and by adding control in the orchard, but avoid planting or
crop residues, animal manures and composts, rock encouraging species that are known to host pests
dusts and special preparations that stimulate soil or diseases of the orchard crop.
biological and chemical activity. Some 'organic'
Sods should be regularly mowed and clippings
fertilisers may also be used, particularly during
collected for use in compost, directed under trees
conversion to organic farming.
or vines as mulch, or left to break down in the
Leaf and soil analysis is needed to determine the inter-row area. Keeping the sod well mown ensures
nutrient status of the crop and soil. the continual release of nutrients and also helps to
minimise the risk of frost damage to crops.
Cover crops Occasionally, the inter-row area may become
Inter-row cover crops can provide additional compacted by machinery and the soil benefits by
nutrients to the crop, increase soil organic matter being aerated and loosened without being turned
and improve orchard biodiversity. Several over. Various machines (for example Wallace Soil
techniques can be adopted. Aerator® and Agroplow®) are available to do this.
PRIMEFACT 805, ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION 5
6. Semi-permanent sods Composts are derived from the conversion of
organic ingredients into humus colloids. In organic
These consist of annuals which die down or are
farming, composts are frequently added to soils to
slashed in early summer to form a mulch in the
improve soil fertility and increase humus content.
inter-row area. Suitable species include annual
ryegrass, oats, lupins, vetch and field peas. Composted material generally provides a more
stable form of organic matter than raw wastes,
Alternatively, warm-weather crops may be planted
which is better for the long-term maintenance of
late. These die off in cold weather, allowing a mulch
soil organic matter. In addition, composts halve the
to form, and result in more soil moisture in spring
volume of organic matter, which makes spreading
than if a winter-hardy cover crop had been planted.
easier.
There is less competition from semi-permanent
Compost activators, rock phosphate and rock
sods for water and nutrients, and they require less
dusts, and bio-dynamic preparations are often
frequent mowing, but they also offer less diverse
added to compost heaps. These are claimed to
orchard fauna and flora.
speed up composting and enhance the availability
of nutrients to plant roots.
Organic fertilisers and amendments
Mineral fertilisers
The removal of nutrients in produce and through
natural processes such as leaching and Fertilisers of mineral origin are rock-based
volatilisation, means that organic inputs are materials and include rock phosphate, dolomite,
required to maintain crop quality and production. limestone and rock dusts (from silicate rocks,
Contact the certification organisation regarding the including basalt and bentonite).
use of any organic inputs as it may require the
Rock dusts may be added directly to the soil or
input to be certified before use. The use of any
added to compost heaps. Whichever method of
input should be recorded in a diary.
application is favoured, release of nutrients from
Animal manures and composts the rock dusts is accelerated by moist conditions,
high temperatures and high biological activity
These may be available on-farm or from nearby (for example during a green manure stage or
livestock enterprises. composting).
The organic standards require that manure
Other fertilisers
intended for application is composted before use.
When manure is composted, it is easier to spread, Other fertilisers are often more readily available or
and losses to the environment are minimised. are cheaper sources of nutrients. These include:
The nutrient composition of animal manures varies • waste products from fish or animal processing
significantly, so it is advisable to test each batch to (for example blood and bone, and fish meal)
determine application rates. Testing should also • seaweed or seaweed meal
indicate the presence of toxic elements such as
antibiotics and heavy metals, which are not allowed • sawdust
under organic standards. • bark and wood waste
It is easy to over-use organic manures. Excess • basic slag (after residue testing for heavy
nitrates can pollute waterways, damage the roots metals)
of young trees and cause fruit quality problems. • wood ash.
For example, over-supply of nitrogen in grapes
lowers fruit quality and increases canopy density, Commercial organic fertilisers
which reduces air circulation and increases the
Commercial organic fertilisers. These are generally
incidence of disease. Regular soil analysis is
allowed for restricted use in organic farming
essential to help monitor soil nutrient status and
systems.
to avoid problems.
To describe fertilisers, manures or other materials
Site manure or compost heaps away from water
as 100% organic means they are derived from
courses. Incorporation into the soil or slashing
animal and vegetable by-products.
ground covers over recently spread manure can
help to reduce losses and odours. However, under the Fertilisers Act, 1985
(New South Wales) commercial organic fertilisers
A cover placed over stockpiled manures minimises
are permitted to have up to 35% artificial
volatilisation before spreading. Nutrient losses are
compounds added to boost the percentage of
greater from shallow, flat heaps compared to deep
nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. These
stacks with steep sides.
blended fertilisers are not acceptable under organic
standards.
PRIMEFACT 805, ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION 6
7. When using organic fertilisers it is important to Supply and demand for organic products depend
calculate the cost per hectare based on the amount on the number of farmers supplying that line, the
of actual nutrient supplied in the product. In number of consumers prepared to pay the price for
commercially packaged products and manures the goods and the time of year. Be prepared to market
analysis may vary significantly, so it is advisable to your produce on the conventional market at some
have each batch tested. stage.
Value-adding can increase the range of products
Nutrient budgets
that you can market and provides an outlet for
Nutrient budgets allow you to identify potential blemished fruit (for example, processing into jams
nutrient losses and gains to the orchard system. and juices).
The aim of a nutrient budget is to help estimate the Various methods of marketing organic produce are
balance of soil nutrients remaining after considering available. Your choice of marketing strategy will
fertiliser applications less losses (for example, in depend on factors such as the size and proximity
removal of produce and prunings to the environment, of markets, closeness to other organic producers,
such as in leaching and atmospheric volatilisation). on-farm infrastructure (for example, processing
Rates of fertiliser or manure application should facilities), availability of transport, continuity of
be based on the results of a soil analysis and supply and the commitment to time that is involved.
recommendations for the crop’s requirements, Some selling strategies used by organic farmers
which can be obtained from district horticulture include:
officer.
• local market stalls
• road-side stalls
Marketing
• pick-your-own
Marketing requirements • wholesalers or packer/distributors
It is illegal to sell non-organic produce as organic. It • direct to retailers
is also a legal requirement to have organic produce • centralised markets/agents
destined for the export market certified. Currently,
• producer cooperatives
locally marketed organic produce does not require
certification, but this is expected to change in the • home delivery/mail order
near future. However, if your farm is certified, more • subscription farms
markets are open to you because many traders
• Internet subscription sales.
prefer certified organic produce.
Most producers at some time will market their
Organic produce must meet all relevant local, state produce through organic wholesalers in large cities.
and federal requirements, just like other produce. Some work as agents on a standard commission,
Organic farmers must comply with regulations on
others as wholesalers who buy produce for an
produce, such as fruit labelling. An inspection
agreed price. Before you deal with an agent or
certificate may be required to accompany your
wholesaler, find out what they will do for you
consignment if it is to be sold interstate and
and what the arrangements are for payment.
intrastate, particularly if that State is free of fruit
Contact the State Market Authority to determine
fly.
if the agent/wholesaler is properly set up with
indemnities.
Marketing strategies
The first rule of successful marketing is to produce Quality assurance
what consumers want. Marketing is about
Marketing organic produce requires just as much
identifying products that the consumer wants, and
attention to quality assurance as for conventional
supplying at the right price, and in the right form.
produce. Don't be tempted to market inferior
Market research provides this type of information.
products; value-add any second grade produce
At the same time you should promote your product wherever possible.
and inform the consumer about the benefits of it.
It is good practice to keep an up-to-date record of
One idea is to include a colourful brochure with each
all practices and procedures carried out in the
box or consignment describing your production
orchard, including detailed information on each
methods.
processing or packing run. This allows for problem
The market for organic produce varies significantly; batches to be easily traced and further problems
it is easy to oversupply, particularly with fresh lines. avoided.
PRIMEFACT 805, ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION 7