Farm-based Organic Variety Trials Network

1. Background 1.1 Organic crop yields are significantly lower compared to conventional agriculture, due to the latter relying on mineral fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. 1.2 There is a need to reduce the use of inputs such as mineral fertilisers and pesticides, for both cost and environmental concerns e.g. the challenges posed by pesticide resistance in pests, diseases and weeds. Such change is a requirement of Defra's 25 Year Environment Plan and is a key objective in our Departmental Strategy. 1.3 Advancements in organic crop science aims to maximise yield by optimising ecological processes and the use of natural resources, therefore avoiding the need for inputs such…

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