Organic farming systems are increasingly recognised throughout the world as a realistic alternative to intensive industrial agriculture. Consequently there is also an increasing amount of research activity both formal and informal linked to the study of organic farming systems. This biennial conference aims to provide a forum where approaches to, and unresolved issues arising from research in organic farming systems can be aired and new thinking enabled. In this conference, we will take as our focus the question on the lips of many policy-makers and consumers – what will organic farming deliver? and how can this be facilitated?
Organic farming systems are characterised by: crop diversity in time and/or space to assist with weed pest and disease control and the recycling of nutrients; achievement of self-sufficiency in nitrogen through the use of biological nitrogen fixation; extensive management of livestock; and the prohibition of many synthetic nutrient sources or plant treatments. Organic farming systems are very diverse with a range of crop and animal enterprises often linked together. However, strong unifying principles link them and in many countries organic farming now has a clear legislative basis and certification schemes for production and processing.
This conference seeks to be cross-cutting and, while encouraging researchers with a wide range of interests to attend, it will not separate the sessions into discipline-orientated parallel sessions. The themes identified for the main platform sessions are consequently broad; the widest possible interpretation should be made about topics suitable within each theme.
- Delivering health?
- Delivering profit?
- Delivering better environments?
Priority will be given to oral papers which offer a multidisciplinary and/or integrated approach. The conference will also include extended poster sessions which will provide a major route for scientific interaction during the conference. All offered papers should take an appropriate scientific and critical perspective with conclusions based on the careful evaluation of the available evidence.
In addition one day of the conference will be focussed on issues relating to sharing knowledge and learning pathways amongst the variety of stakeholders engaged in and with the organic farming sector in the UK. There will be an opportunity for field visits.
Conference papers will be published in the AAB’s conference proceedings, Aspects of Applied Biology.
Two alternative farm tours in the Lothians have been organised for delegates. Delegates are asked to indicate their preference on the booking form:
Tour A: Organic dairy, beef and sheep production - This tour will visit two organic units:
Hagbrae, Gorebridge, Midlothian (courtesy of Mr Andrew Lorrain Smith) is mixed dairy/cereals farm south-east of Edinburgh and Cairns, Kirknewton, West Lothian (courtesy of Mr & Mrs G Hamilton), is an upland beef & sheep farm with on-farm butchery and direct marketing.
Tour B: Organic mixed crop/dairy production - This tour will visit two organic units:
Chapel Farm, North Berwick, East Lothian (courtesy of Mr Graham Elder) has 100 ha organic land with mixed vegetables, potatoes, cereals, beans and beef and Hagbrae, Gorebridge, Midlothian (courtesy of Mr Andrew Lorrain Smith) is mixed dairy/cereals farm south-east of Edinburgh.
For details on how to get to Edinburgh by road, train or air, details are below:
RAC Route Planner - if are you driving to Edinburgh.
National Express if you are planning to travel by coach
Trainline - please note that it is often cheaper if you are booking in advance to book 2 singles rather than a return trip. Check the website before making your booking.
Flights - there are many companies flying into Edinburgh - here is a selection of the popular ones we have used previously:
Flybe; Easyjet; BMI Baby; British Airways |
