SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 8
Download to read offline
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Conclusion                                              © State of New South Wales through NSW Department of
                                                        Primary Industries 2008. You may copy, distribute and
The perennial, mono-cultural nature of an orchard       otherwise freely deal with this publication for any purpose,
can create problems of pest, disease and weed           provided that you attribute NSW Department of Primary
control.                                                Industries as the owner.

However, organic fruit production can be both           ISSN 1832-6668
successful and rewarding if careful attention is paid
                                                        Replaces Agnote DPI-190
to monitoring pest and disease life cycles, and soil
fertility, and if a range of management practices are   Check for updates of this Primefact at:
utilised.                                               www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/primefacts

                                                        Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is
                                                        based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing
                                                        (July 2008). However, because of advances in knowledge,
                                                        users are reminded of the need to ensure that information
                                                        upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of
                                                        the information with the appropriate officer of New South
                                                        Wales Department of Primary Industries or the user’s
                                                        independent adviser.

                                                        Job number 8833




                                                            PRIMEFACT 805, ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION             8

More Related Content

What's hot

Weed Management in Organic Crop Production
Weed Management in Organic Crop ProductionWeed Management in Organic Crop Production
Weed Management in Organic Crop ProductionBasavaraj Patil
 
Companion Planting and Growing Outdoor Food Crops for Your Home - Australia
Companion Planting and Growing Outdoor Food Crops for Your Home - AustraliaCompanion Planting and Growing Outdoor Food Crops for Your Home - Australia
Companion Planting and Growing Outdoor Food Crops for Your Home - AustraliaMaria857qx
 
Weed Management for Organic Farmers
Weed Management for Organic FarmersWeed Management for Organic Farmers
Weed Management for Organic Farmersx3G9
 
Organic vegetables-food-power point-templates-standard
Organic vegetables-food-power point-templates-standardOrganic vegetables-food-power point-templates-standard
Organic vegetables-food-power point-templates-standardPenaflorida Roel
 
Weed management in organic agriculture
Weed management in organic agricultureWeed management in organic agriculture
Weed management in organic agricultureDr. Manjunatha GA
 
Organic weed-management
Organic weed-management Organic weed-management
Organic weed-management Tapan Adhikari
 
Ek titli.org Organic Farming Workshop
Ek titli.org Organic Farming WorkshopEk titli.org Organic Farming Workshop
Ek titli.org Organic Farming WorkshopBhavik Kaul
 
Weed mgt in_vetatables -
Weed mgt in_vetatables - Weed mgt in_vetatables -
Weed mgt in_vetatables - ATMA RAM MEENA
 
Organic Fertilizers & their impact on crop production
Organic Fertilizers & their impact on crop productionOrganic Fertilizers & their impact on crop production
Organic Fertilizers & their impact on crop productionAnas Bin Madni
 
Microbial enrichment of vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste...
Microbial enrichment of vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste...Microbial enrichment of vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste...
Microbial enrichment of vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste...SHAKTI SWARUP
 
Biofertilizers production and their applications
Biofertilizers production  and their applicationsBiofertilizers production  and their applications
Biofertilizers production and their applicationsroshni mohan
 
Weed Management in Organic Horticulture
Weed Management in Organic HorticultureWeed Management in Organic Horticulture
Weed Management in Organic HorticultureSwapnilGodase2
 
Preparation and uses of vermicompost and biofertilizers
Preparation and uses of vermicompost and biofertilizersPreparation and uses of vermicompost and biofertilizers
Preparation and uses of vermicompost and biofertilizersHaseena Shabnam
 
organic fertilizers
organic fertilizersorganic fertilizers
organic fertilizersAzura Ramle
 

What's hot (20)

Weed Management in Organic Crop Production
Weed Management in Organic Crop ProductionWeed Management in Organic Crop Production
Weed Management in Organic Crop Production
 
Organic Farming
Organic FarmingOrganic Farming
Organic Farming
 
Companion Planting and Growing Outdoor Food Crops for Your Home - Australia
Companion Planting and Growing Outdoor Food Crops for Your Home - AustraliaCompanion Planting and Growing Outdoor Food Crops for Your Home - Australia
Companion Planting and Growing Outdoor Food Crops for Your Home - Australia
 
Response of maize to biofertilizers
Response of maize to biofertilizersResponse of maize to biofertilizers
Response of maize to biofertilizers
 
Weed Management for Organic Farmers
Weed Management for Organic FarmersWeed Management for Organic Farmers
Weed Management for Organic Farmers
 
Organic vegetables-food-power point-templates-standard
Organic vegetables-food-power point-templates-standardOrganic vegetables-food-power point-templates-standard
Organic vegetables-food-power point-templates-standard
 
Weed management in organic agriculture
Weed management in organic agricultureWeed management in organic agriculture
Weed management in organic agriculture
 
Organic weed-management
Organic weed-management Organic weed-management
Organic weed-management
 
Ek titli.org Organic Farming Workshop
Ek titli.org Organic Farming WorkshopEk titli.org Organic Farming Workshop
Ek titli.org Organic Farming Workshop
 
Weed mgt in_vetatables -
Weed mgt in_vetatables - Weed mgt in_vetatables -
Weed mgt in_vetatables -
 
Organic Fertilizers & their impact on crop production
Organic Fertilizers & their impact on crop productionOrganic Fertilizers & their impact on crop production
Organic Fertilizers & their impact on crop production
 
PolySorb
PolySorbPolySorb
PolySorb
 
organic fertilizer (UC2)
organic fertilizer (UC2)organic fertilizer (UC2)
organic fertilizer (UC2)
 
Microbial enrichment of vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste...
Microbial enrichment of vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste...Microbial enrichment of vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste...
Microbial enrichment of vermicompost through earthworm for agricultural waste...
 
Biofertilizers production and their applications
Biofertilizers production  and their applicationsBiofertilizers production  and their applications
Biofertilizers production and their applications
 
Weed Management in Organic Horticulture
Weed Management in Organic HorticultureWeed Management in Organic Horticulture
Weed Management in Organic Horticulture
 
Preparation and uses of vermicompost and biofertilizers
Preparation and uses of vermicompost and biofertilizersPreparation and uses of vermicompost and biofertilizers
Preparation and uses of vermicompost and biofertilizers
 
Organic Farm Scaping
Organic Farm ScapingOrganic Farm Scaping
Organic Farm Scaping
 
organic fertilizers
organic fertilizersorganic fertilizers
organic fertilizers
 
Organic food v
Organic food vOrganic food v
Organic food v
 

Similar to Organic Fruit Production - New South Wales, Australia

Tree Fruits: Organic Production Overview
Tree Fruits: Organic Production OverviewTree Fruits: Organic Production Overview
Tree Fruits: Organic Production OverviewElisaMendelsohn
 
Tree Fruits: Organic Production Overview
Tree Fruits: Organic Production OverviewTree Fruits: Organic Production Overview
Tree Fruits: Organic Production OverviewElisaMendelsohn
 
Organic Agriculture 101 - Canada
Organic Agriculture 101 - CanadaOrganic Agriculture 101 - Canada
Organic Agriculture 101 - CanadaFaiga64c
 
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionPotting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionPotting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionPotting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Organic Food Industry part 3 of 6
Organic Food Industry part 3 of 6Organic Food Industry part 3 of 6
Organic Food Industry part 3 of 6Monika Somogyi
 
Organic certification for Horticultural Crops
Organic certification for Horticultural CropsOrganic certification for Horticultural Crops
Organic certification for Horticultural CropsOrganic Training
 
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionPotting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionGardening
 
Advantages & disadvantages of organic matter
Advantages & disadvantages of organic matterAdvantages & disadvantages of organic matter
Advantages & disadvantages of organic matterbsmukunth
 
Organic and Low-Spray Peach Production
Organic and Low-Spray Peach ProductionOrganic and Low-Spray Peach Production
Organic and Low-Spray Peach ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Organic and Low-Spray Peach Production
Organic and Low-Spray Peach ProductionOrganic and Low-Spray Peach Production
Organic and Low-Spray Peach ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Peanuts: Organic Production
Peanuts: Organic ProductionPeanuts: Organic Production
Peanuts: Organic ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
Peanuts: Organic Production
Peanuts: Organic ProductionPeanuts: Organic Production
Peanuts: Organic ProductionElisaMendelsohn
 
B4FA 2012 Uganda: GM crops in the field now and in the future - Chris Leaver
B4FA 2012 Uganda: GM crops in the field now and in the future - Chris LeaverB4FA 2012 Uganda: GM crops in the field now and in the future - Chris Leaver
B4FA 2012 Uganda: GM crops in the field now and in the future - Chris Leaverb4fa
 

Similar to Organic Fruit Production - New South Wales, Australia (20)

Tree Fruits: Organic Production Overview
Tree Fruits: Organic Production OverviewTree Fruits: Organic Production Overview
Tree Fruits: Organic Production Overview
 
Tree Fruits: Organic Production Overview
Tree Fruits: Organic Production OverviewTree Fruits: Organic Production Overview
Tree Fruits: Organic Production Overview
 
Organic Agriculture 101 - Canada
Organic Agriculture 101 - CanadaOrganic Agriculture 101 - Canada
Organic Agriculture 101 - Canada
 
Organic rice
Organic riceOrganic rice
Organic rice
 
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionPotting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
 
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionPotting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
 
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionPotting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
 
Organic Food Industry part 3 of 6
Organic Food Industry part 3 of 6Organic Food Industry part 3 of 6
Organic Food Industry part 3 of 6
 
Organic certification for Horticultural Crops
Organic certification for Horticultural CropsOrganic certification for Horticultural Crops
Organic certification for Horticultural Crops
 
Organic Farming L Tabafunda Aug25
Organic Farming L Tabafunda Aug25Organic Farming L Tabafunda Aug25
Organic Farming L Tabafunda Aug25
 
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic ProductionPotting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
Potting Mixes for Certified Organic Production
 
Advantages & disadvantages of organic matter
Advantages & disadvantages of organic matterAdvantages & disadvantages of organic matter
Advantages & disadvantages of organic matter
 
Organic Farming L Tabafunda Aug25
Organic Farming L Tabafunda Aug25Organic Farming L Tabafunda Aug25
Organic Farming L Tabafunda Aug25
 
Organic and Low-Spray Peach Production
Organic and Low-Spray Peach ProductionOrganic and Low-Spray Peach Production
Organic and Low-Spray Peach Production
 
Organic and Low-Spray Peach Production
Organic and Low-Spray Peach ProductionOrganic and Low-Spray Peach Production
Organic and Low-Spray Peach Production
 
Peanuts: Organic Production
Peanuts: Organic ProductionPeanuts: Organic Production
Peanuts: Organic Production
 
Peanuts: Organic Production
Peanuts: Organic ProductionPeanuts: Organic Production
Peanuts: Organic Production
 
organic certification
organic certificationorganic certification
organic certification
 
B4FA 2012 Uganda: GM crops in the field now and in the future - Chris Leaver
B4FA 2012 Uganda: GM crops in the field now and in the future - Chris LeaverB4FA 2012 Uganda: GM crops in the field now and in the future - Chris Leaver
B4FA 2012 Uganda: GM crops in the field now and in the future - Chris Leaver
 
Igc.Organic Production
Igc.Organic ProductionIgc.Organic Production
Igc.Organic Production
 

More from Faiga64c

Companion Planting and Creative Garden Design - Actions Towards Sustainability
Companion Planting and Creative Garden Design - Actions Towards SustainabilityCompanion Planting and Creative Garden Design - Actions Towards Sustainability
Companion Planting and Creative Garden Design - Actions Towards SustainabilityFaiga64c
 
Leaf Pots Gardening
Leaf Pots GardeningLeaf Pots Gardening
Leaf Pots GardeningFaiga64c
 
Let’s Go Food Gardening in South Africa
Let’s Go Food Gardening in South AfricaLet’s Go Food Gardening in South Africa
Let’s Go Food Gardening in South AfricaFaiga64c
 
List of Companion Plants - Belize Ag
List of Companion Plants - Belize AgList of Companion Plants - Belize Ag
List of Companion Plants - Belize AgFaiga64c
 
List of Companion Plants - Belize Ag Report
List of Companion Plants - Belize Ag ReportList of Companion Plants - Belize Ag Report
List of Companion Plants - Belize Ag ReportFaiga64c
 
List of Companion Plants - Southwood Community Garden, Tallahassee, Florida
List of Companion Plants - Southwood Community Garden, Tallahassee, Florida List of Companion Plants - Southwood Community Garden, Tallahassee, Florida
List of Companion Plants - Southwood Community Garden, Tallahassee, Florida Faiga64c
 
Managing a Garden the Natural Way - Western Australia
Managing a Garden the Natural Way - Western AustraliaManaging a Garden the Natural Way - Western Australia
Managing a Garden the Natural Way - Western AustraliaFaiga64c
 
Managing Insects in the Home Vegetable Garden - Purdue University
Managing Insects in the Home Vegetable Garden - Purdue UniversityManaging Insects in the Home Vegetable Garden - Purdue University
Managing Insects in the Home Vegetable Garden - Purdue UniversityFaiga64c
 
Managing Insects Naturally in the Vegetable Garden - Ottawa, Canada
Managing Insects Naturally in the Vegetable Garden - Ottawa, CanadaManaging Insects Naturally in the Vegetable Garden - Ottawa, Canada
Managing Insects Naturally in the Vegetable Garden - Ottawa, CanadaFaiga64c
 
Marigold as Interplant with Cowpea for the Control of Nematode Pests
Marigold as Interplant with Cowpea for the Control of Nematode PestsMarigold as Interplant with Cowpea for the Control of Nematode Pests
Marigold as Interplant with Cowpea for the Control of Nematode PestsFaiga64c
 
Methods for Attracting and Preserving Beneficial Insects
Methods for Attracting and Preserving Beneficial InsectsMethods for Attracting and Preserving Beneficial Insects
Methods for Attracting and Preserving Beneficial InsectsFaiga64c
 
Mixed Vegetable Gardening
Mixed Vegetable GardeningMixed Vegetable Gardening
Mixed Vegetable GardeningFaiga64c
 
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - Permaculture
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureMixed Vegetable Gardening - Permaculture
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureFaiga64c
 
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - Permaculturenews
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermaculturenewsMixed Vegetable Gardening - Permaculturenews
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermaculturenewsFaiga64c
 
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureUk
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureUkMixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureUk
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureUkFaiga64c
 
Mixed Vegetable Planting Record Sheet 12-Crop Plot
Mixed Vegetable Planting Record Sheet 12-Crop PlotMixed Vegetable Planting Record Sheet 12-Crop Plot
Mixed Vegetable Planting Record Sheet 12-Crop PlotFaiga64c
 
Mixed Vegetable Polyculture Trials - University of Cumbria
Mixed Vegetable Polyculture Trials - University of CumbriaMixed Vegetable Polyculture Trials - University of Cumbria
Mixed Vegetable Polyculture Trials - University of CumbriaFaiga64c
 
Modular Ecological Design: A Fruit and Vegetable Polyculture System
Modular Ecological Design: A Fruit and Vegetable Polyculture SystemModular Ecological Design: A Fruit and Vegetable Polyculture System
Modular Ecological Design: A Fruit and Vegetable Polyculture SystemFaiga64c
 
My Three Sisters - Companion Planting
My Three Sisters - Companion PlantingMy Three Sisters - Companion Planting
My Three Sisters - Companion PlantingFaiga64c
 
Natural Pest and Disease Control - Tropical Gardening, Hdra
Natural Pest and Disease Control - Tropical Gardening, HdraNatural Pest and Disease Control - Tropical Gardening, Hdra
Natural Pest and Disease Control - Tropical Gardening, HdraFaiga64c
 

More from Faiga64c (20)

Companion Planting and Creative Garden Design - Actions Towards Sustainability
Companion Planting and Creative Garden Design - Actions Towards SustainabilityCompanion Planting and Creative Garden Design - Actions Towards Sustainability
Companion Planting and Creative Garden Design - Actions Towards Sustainability
 
Leaf Pots Gardening
Leaf Pots GardeningLeaf Pots Gardening
Leaf Pots Gardening
 
Let’s Go Food Gardening in South Africa
Let’s Go Food Gardening in South AfricaLet’s Go Food Gardening in South Africa
Let’s Go Food Gardening in South Africa
 
List of Companion Plants - Belize Ag
List of Companion Plants - Belize AgList of Companion Plants - Belize Ag
List of Companion Plants - Belize Ag
 
List of Companion Plants - Belize Ag Report
List of Companion Plants - Belize Ag ReportList of Companion Plants - Belize Ag Report
List of Companion Plants - Belize Ag Report
 
List of Companion Plants - Southwood Community Garden, Tallahassee, Florida
List of Companion Plants - Southwood Community Garden, Tallahassee, Florida List of Companion Plants - Southwood Community Garden, Tallahassee, Florida
List of Companion Plants - Southwood Community Garden, Tallahassee, Florida
 
Managing a Garden the Natural Way - Western Australia
Managing a Garden the Natural Way - Western AustraliaManaging a Garden the Natural Way - Western Australia
Managing a Garden the Natural Way - Western Australia
 
Managing Insects in the Home Vegetable Garden - Purdue University
Managing Insects in the Home Vegetable Garden - Purdue UniversityManaging Insects in the Home Vegetable Garden - Purdue University
Managing Insects in the Home Vegetable Garden - Purdue University
 
Managing Insects Naturally in the Vegetable Garden - Ottawa, Canada
Managing Insects Naturally in the Vegetable Garden - Ottawa, CanadaManaging Insects Naturally in the Vegetable Garden - Ottawa, Canada
Managing Insects Naturally in the Vegetable Garden - Ottawa, Canada
 
Marigold as Interplant with Cowpea for the Control of Nematode Pests
Marigold as Interplant with Cowpea for the Control of Nematode PestsMarigold as Interplant with Cowpea for the Control of Nematode Pests
Marigold as Interplant with Cowpea for the Control of Nematode Pests
 
Methods for Attracting and Preserving Beneficial Insects
Methods for Attracting and Preserving Beneficial InsectsMethods for Attracting and Preserving Beneficial Insects
Methods for Attracting and Preserving Beneficial Insects
 
Mixed Vegetable Gardening
Mixed Vegetable GardeningMixed Vegetable Gardening
Mixed Vegetable Gardening
 
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - Permaculture
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureMixed Vegetable Gardening - Permaculture
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - Permaculture
 
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - Permaculturenews
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermaculturenewsMixed Vegetable Gardening - Permaculturenews
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - Permaculturenews
 
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureUk
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureUkMixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureUk
Mixed Vegetable Gardening - PermacultureUk
 
Mixed Vegetable Planting Record Sheet 12-Crop Plot
Mixed Vegetable Planting Record Sheet 12-Crop PlotMixed Vegetable Planting Record Sheet 12-Crop Plot
Mixed Vegetable Planting Record Sheet 12-Crop Plot
 
Mixed Vegetable Polyculture Trials - University of Cumbria
Mixed Vegetable Polyculture Trials - University of CumbriaMixed Vegetable Polyculture Trials - University of Cumbria
Mixed Vegetable Polyculture Trials - University of Cumbria
 
Modular Ecological Design: A Fruit and Vegetable Polyculture System
Modular Ecological Design: A Fruit and Vegetable Polyculture SystemModular Ecological Design: A Fruit and Vegetable Polyculture System
Modular Ecological Design: A Fruit and Vegetable Polyculture System
 
My Three Sisters - Companion Planting
My Three Sisters - Companion PlantingMy Three Sisters - Companion Planting
My Three Sisters - Companion Planting
 
Natural Pest and Disease Control - Tropical Gardening, Hdra
Natural Pest and Disease Control - Tropical Gardening, HdraNatural Pest and Disease Control - Tropical Gardening, Hdra
Natural Pest and Disease Control - Tropical Gardening, Hdra
 

Recently uploaded

Unraveling Hypertext_ Analyzing Postmodern Elements in Literature.pptx
Unraveling Hypertext_ Analyzing  Postmodern Elements in  Literature.pptxUnraveling Hypertext_ Analyzing  Postmodern Elements in  Literature.pptx
Unraveling Hypertext_ Analyzing Postmodern Elements in Literature.pptxDhatriParmar
 
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)lakshayb543
 
Grade Three -ELLNA-REVIEWER-ENGLISH.pptx
Grade Three -ELLNA-REVIEWER-ENGLISH.pptxGrade Three -ELLNA-REVIEWER-ENGLISH.pptx
Grade Three -ELLNA-REVIEWER-ENGLISH.pptxkarenfajardo43
 
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptx
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptxINTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptx
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptxHumphrey A Beña
 
Oppenheimer Film Discussion for Philosophy and Film
Oppenheimer Film Discussion for Philosophy and FilmOppenheimer Film Discussion for Philosophy and Film
Oppenheimer Film Discussion for Philosophy and FilmStan Meyer
 
Q4-PPT-Music9_Lesson-1-Romantic-Opera.pptx
Q4-PPT-Music9_Lesson-1-Romantic-Opera.pptxQ4-PPT-Music9_Lesson-1-Romantic-Opera.pptx
Q4-PPT-Music9_Lesson-1-Romantic-Opera.pptxlancelewisportillo
 
ClimART Action | eTwinning Project
ClimART Action    |    eTwinning ProjectClimART Action    |    eTwinning Project
ClimART Action | eTwinning Projectjordimapav
 
DIFFERENT BASKETRY IN THE PHILIPPINES PPT.pptx
DIFFERENT BASKETRY IN THE PHILIPPINES PPT.pptxDIFFERENT BASKETRY IN THE PHILIPPINES PPT.pptx
DIFFERENT BASKETRY IN THE PHILIPPINES PPT.pptxMichelleTuguinay1
 
Man or Manufactured_ Redefining Humanity Through Biopunk Narratives.pptx
Man or Manufactured_ Redefining Humanity Through Biopunk Narratives.pptxMan or Manufactured_ Redefining Humanity Through Biopunk Narratives.pptx
Man or Manufactured_ Redefining Humanity Through Biopunk Narratives.pptxDhatriParmar
 
BIOCHEMISTRY-CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM CHAPTER 2.pptx
BIOCHEMISTRY-CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM CHAPTER 2.pptxBIOCHEMISTRY-CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM CHAPTER 2.pptx
BIOCHEMISTRY-CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM CHAPTER 2.pptxSayali Powar
 
Mental Health Awareness - a toolkit for supporting young minds
Mental Health Awareness - a toolkit for supporting young mindsMental Health Awareness - a toolkit for supporting young minds
Mental Health Awareness - a toolkit for supporting young mindsPooky Knightsmith
 
week 1 cookery 8 fourth - quarter .pptx
week 1 cookery 8  fourth  -  quarter .pptxweek 1 cookery 8  fourth  -  quarter .pptx
week 1 cookery 8 fourth - quarter .pptxJonalynLegaspi2
 
Q-Factor HISPOL Quiz-6th April 2024, Quiz Club NITW
Q-Factor HISPOL Quiz-6th April 2024, Quiz Club NITWQ-Factor HISPOL Quiz-6th April 2024, Quiz Club NITW
Q-Factor HISPOL Quiz-6th April 2024, Quiz Club NITWQuiz Club NITW
 
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptxmary850239
 
Beauty Amidst the Bytes_ Unearthing Unexpected Advantages of the Digital Wast...
Beauty Amidst the Bytes_ Unearthing Unexpected Advantages of the Digital Wast...Beauty Amidst the Bytes_ Unearthing Unexpected Advantages of the Digital Wast...
Beauty Amidst the Bytes_ Unearthing Unexpected Advantages of the Digital Wast...DhatriParmar
 
Blowin' in the Wind of Caste_ Bob Dylan's Song as a Catalyst for Social Justi...
Blowin' in the Wind of Caste_ Bob Dylan's Song as a Catalyst for Social Justi...Blowin' in the Wind of Caste_ Bob Dylan's Song as a Catalyst for Social Justi...
Blowin' in the Wind of Caste_ Bob Dylan's Song as a Catalyst for Social Justi...DhatriParmar
 
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdf
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdfActive Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdf
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdfPatidar M
 
Mythology Quiz-4th April 2024, Quiz Club NITW
Mythology Quiz-4th April 2024, Quiz Club NITWMythology Quiz-4th April 2024, Quiz Club NITW
Mythology Quiz-4th April 2024, Quiz Club NITWQuiz Club NITW
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Unraveling Hypertext_ Analyzing Postmodern Elements in Literature.pptx
Unraveling Hypertext_ Analyzing  Postmodern Elements in  Literature.pptxUnraveling Hypertext_ Analyzing  Postmodern Elements in  Literature.pptx
Unraveling Hypertext_ Analyzing Postmodern Elements in Literature.pptx
 
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
 
Grade Three -ELLNA-REVIEWER-ENGLISH.pptx
Grade Three -ELLNA-REVIEWER-ENGLISH.pptxGrade Three -ELLNA-REVIEWER-ENGLISH.pptx
Grade Three -ELLNA-REVIEWER-ENGLISH.pptx
 
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptx
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptxINTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptx
INTRODUCTION TO CATHOLIC CHRISTOLOGY.pptx
 
Oppenheimer Film Discussion for Philosophy and Film
Oppenheimer Film Discussion for Philosophy and FilmOppenheimer Film Discussion for Philosophy and Film
Oppenheimer Film Discussion for Philosophy and Film
 
Q4-PPT-Music9_Lesson-1-Romantic-Opera.pptx
Q4-PPT-Music9_Lesson-1-Romantic-Opera.pptxQ4-PPT-Music9_Lesson-1-Romantic-Opera.pptx
Q4-PPT-Music9_Lesson-1-Romantic-Opera.pptx
 
ClimART Action | eTwinning Project
ClimART Action    |    eTwinning ProjectClimART Action    |    eTwinning Project
ClimART Action | eTwinning Project
 
DIFFERENT BASKETRY IN THE PHILIPPINES PPT.pptx
DIFFERENT BASKETRY IN THE PHILIPPINES PPT.pptxDIFFERENT BASKETRY IN THE PHILIPPINES PPT.pptx
DIFFERENT BASKETRY IN THE PHILIPPINES PPT.pptx
 
Man or Manufactured_ Redefining Humanity Through Biopunk Narratives.pptx
Man or Manufactured_ Redefining Humanity Through Biopunk Narratives.pptxMan or Manufactured_ Redefining Humanity Through Biopunk Narratives.pptx
Man or Manufactured_ Redefining Humanity Through Biopunk Narratives.pptx
 
BIOCHEMISTRY-CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM CHAPTER 2.pptx
BIOCHEMISTRY-CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM CHAPTER 2.pptxBIOCHEMISTRY-CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM CHAPTER 2.pptx
BIOCHEMISTRY-CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM CHAPTER 2.pptx
 
Paradigm shift in nursing research by RS MEHTA
Paradigm shift in nursing research by RS MEHTAParadigm shift in nursing research by RS MEHTA
Paradigm shift in nursing research by RS MEHTA
 
Mental Health Awareness - a toolkit for supporting young minds
Mental Health Awareness - a toolkit for supporting young mindsMental Health Awareness - a toolkit for supporting young minds
Mental Health Awareness - a toolkit for supporting young minds
 
week 1 cookery 8 fourth - quarter .pptx
week 1 cookery 8  fourth  -  quarter .pptxweek 1 cookery 8  fourth  -  quarter .pptx
week 1 cookery 8 fourth - quarter .pptx
 
Q-Factor HISPOL Quiz-6th April 2024, Quiz Club NITW
Q-Factor HISPOL Quiz-6th April 2024, Quiz Club NITWQ-Factor HISPOL Quiz-6th April 2024, Quiz Club NITW
Q-Factor HISPOL Quiz-6th April 2024, Quiz Club NITW
 
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx
4.16.24 Poverty and Precarity--Desmond.pptx
 
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PRACTICES FOR TEACHERS AND TRAINERS.pptx
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PRACTICES FOR TEACHERS AND TRAINERS.pptxINCLUSIVE EDUCATION PRACTICES FOR TEACHERS AND TRAINERS.pptx
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PRACTICES FOR TEACHERS AND TRAINERS.pptx
 
Beauty Amidst the Bytes_ Unearthing Unexpected Advantages of the Digital Wast...
Beauty Amidst the Bytes_ Unearthing Unexpected Advantages of the Digital Wast...Beauty Amidst the Bytes_ Unearthing Unexpected Advantages of the Digital Wast...
Beauty Amidst the Bytes_ Unearthing Unexpected Advantages of the Digital Wast...
 
Blowin' in the Wind of Caste_ Bob Dylan's Song as a Catalyst for Social Justi...
Blowin' in the Wind of Caste_ Bob Dylan's Song as a Catalyst for Social Justi...Blowin' in the Wind of Caste_ Bob Dylan's Song as a Catalyst for Social Justi...
Blowin' in the Wind of Caste_ Bob Dylan's Song as a Catalyst for Social Justi...
 
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdf
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdfActive Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdf
Active Learning Strategies (in short ALS).pdf
 
Mythology Quiz-4th April 2024, Quiz Club NITW
Mythology Quiz-4th April 2024, Quiz Club NITWMythology Quiz-4th April 2024, Quiz Club NITW
Mythology Quiz-4th April 2024, Quiz Club NITW
 

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
  • 8. Conclusion © State of New South Wales through NSW Department of Primary Industries 2008. You may copy, distribute and The perennial, mono-cultural nature of an orchard otherwise freely deal with this publication for any purpose, can create problems of pest, disease and weed provided that you attribute NSW Department of Primary control. Industries as the owner. However, organic fruit production can be both ISSN 1832-6668 successful and rewarding if careful attention is paid Replaces Agnote DPI-190 to monitoring pest and disease life cycles, and soil fertility, and if a range of management practices are Check for updates of this Primefact at: utilised. www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/primefacts Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (July 2008). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of New South Wales Department of Primary Industries or the user’s independent adviser. Job number 8833 PRIMEFACT 805, ORGANIC FRUIT PRODUCTION 8