Research on rotations, soil and weeds ranked highest in a recent survey of Saskatchewan organic producers.
Surveys were distributed in February to more than 1,600 certified organic producers in Saskatchewan. Responses were received from 125 rural municipalities – approximately half were in the brown soil zone and the remainder evenly divided between the dark brown and black soil zones.
Ninety-five percent of the producers who responded grew field crops, especially cereals, oilseeds, forages and pulses. Thirty-eight percent raised livestock, mainly beef, poultry, hogs and sheep.
Nineteen percent grew horticultural crops, including vegetables, fruit and herbs. Many responses were from mixed farms.
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Average farm size for survey respondents was 1,464 acres, with 1,094 of these certified organic. Most land was cultivated, with pasture and other uses, such as natural areas, wood lots, sloughs and perennial orchards, making up smaller percentages.
The acreage of organic farms was nearly identical to the average acreage reported in the provincial agriculture ministry’s Agricultural Statistics Fact Sheet.
Many producers were relatively new to organic agriculture – 72 percent had less than10 years experience. Despite the large number of new entrants, only 11 percent were younger than 40. This suggests that many respondents entered organic farming later in life, either after farming conventionally or as a second career.
Producers identified rotation for soil fertility and soil biology as the top concerns in soil research.
Weed research priorities included Canada thistle and wild mustard management, and cultural, mechanical and biological weed control.
All aspects of crop rotation were ranked highly, as were cultural controls of insects and disease, and breeding and variety testing.
Producers put much emphasis on economics.
Few animal related issues rated highly – only parasites and breeds ranked as high as cropping priorities – but they were most important to sheep producers.
Producers were also interested in the context in which they produce food. Food quality and environmental sustainability were seen as research priorities.
Producers were especially concerned with field grain quality, soil quality, pesticide reduction, energy use and biodiversity. They also wanted to see consumer education on the benefits of organic production and organic products.
When asked about how research is managed, producers said they were most interested in on-farm research with farm scale equipment. Research conducted on research stations and demonstration farms was less important.
The survey also asked producers how they access information. Respondents said fact sheets are their top priority. On-line sources from websites and e-mail are also important.
Saskatchewan producers identified a number of barriers to the growth of organics: skeptical farmers, hostile detractors and chemical and biotech companies. They have found regulations frustrating and have had a number of marketing problems primarily related to an immature infrastructure. They listed these as potential barriers to growth. Only a few identified production issues as potential barriers.
Respondents identified many opportunities for organics, including tremendous growth in consumer awareness and consumer demand. Some of the production and infrastructure issues are being addressed. Overall, Saskatchewan respondents were overwhelmingly optimistic about the future of organics. When asked about the opportunities in organics, many used terms such as “endless.”
The Saskatchewan survey results will be combined with results from other provinces as part of the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada’s efforts to prioritize organic research. The goal is to encourage funding of research projects that will meet the needs of organic farmers and allow them to meet the potential opportunities that lie ahead.
“I think going organic was the smartest thing I’ve ever done except for getting married,” one producer said.
With additional research and extension support, perhaps other producers will also find this to be true.
Brenda Frick, senior research and extension associate for Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada at the University of Saskatchewan, welcomes comments at 306-966-4975 or organic@usask.ca. OACC articles are archived at www.oacc.info.
