Our view about conversion

For some growers, the concept of ‘conversion’ to organic is an important motivational step. They need to approach conversion as if they have had the ‘Road to Damascus’ experience, and are “never going back”. For others, it is important to move slowly, gaining knowledge, experience and confidence, and stretching out the change, perhaps over many years. The term ‘transition’ is more relevant to these growers, because it implies a time frame.

At TM Organics, we think this needs to be your decision, and we are happy that you are moving towards lower and safer inputs and systems, and away from high cost, energy dense inputs. We work closely with growers from all persuasions, including growers who classify themselves as ‘biological’, ‘converting’ or ‘transitioning’, ‘organic’ and ‘biodynamic’.

There is however one particular approach that we have come to regard as ‘our strategy’, and which we have found suits many growers. That system is to bring one (or more) paddocks into the conversion program each year. During the pre-certification and conversion years, low input fodder crops and pasture, green manures and ley crops are grown. When each paddock reaches full organic status (after 36 months of organic management) the highest return crop (wheat or high value row crops) are grown.

This system allows growers to spread the cost of conversion over a longer period, learn by experience with each new parcel of land, and make the highest return from organic premiums as soon as each paddock becomes eligible.