Article Index
Conversion to Organic
Conversion or transition?
Substitution Phase
What are the root causes?
Changes in soil ecosystem
Speed of Conversion
Certification
Soil or product testing
Weeds
Cost of Conversion
Conversion plan
Dealing with neighbours
Find your own pace
All Pages

Many farmers have become convinced that organic-sustainable farming is the way to go in the future.

The rate of adoption of organic growing practices in Australia continues to increase, based upon the success of existing organic farms, developing export and domestic markets, advances in appropriate technology (such as steam weeders and biological controls eg Tricoderma), and the general increase in knowledge and concern about the environmental impact of agriculture.

Many farmers have become convinced that organic-sustainable farming is the way to go in the future. Most have already adjusted their conventional practices to include more sustainable practices, but are unable to decide how to progress their activities to become completely organic. For these farmers and the many in the future who will ask the question, "how do I convert to organic?", there is little available research or reliable, published advice. The intending organic farmer poses questions such as how;

• will yields be affected;
• can I supply nutrients, especially nitrogen;
• can I achieve effective weed, pest and disease control;
• much will it cost and where are the markets?

These intending organic producers may be able to meet with an experienced organic farmer and receive some helpful advice, which they hope will be translatable to their farm and their country. Access to sound information, however, depends on location, proximity of long-term organic growers, and the willingness of organic growers to assist potential competitors. While most organic growers are happy to share their advice, it may not always be useful. Undoubtedly some intending converts suffer from intentionally or accidentally poor anecdotal information, or from information that simply does not apply to the convert’s situation, enterprise, or financial circumstances.

While we can identify working, viable organic farms, a single strategy for conversion has not emerged, and this most important problem is infrequently studied. We should not expect research establishments to queue at the farm gate waiting to study the conversion process either, as researchers in agriculture do not favour very long-term processes and there are still few funding agencies with a long-term vision for organic-sustainable farming.

To find a Certifier who can certify your enterprise, based upon your turnover, type of certification (organic, biodynamic, or both), and export markets visit the Certifier Choice section of this website to help you narrow down the potential certifiers.