Surveys on use of copper, mineral oil, fertilizers, anthelmintics, antibiotics, and synthetic vitamins in organic farming were carried out in 10-16 European countries, quantifying the current regional dependency on those inputs and the need for alternative tools and techniques.
Five copper alternatives were further developed and pilot products provided promising protection levels in a wide range of crops and pedo-climatic conditions, either as stand-alone application, or in strategies combining alternatives and low copper doses. Copper use can be reduced on the lead target crops grapevine, apple and and in greenhouse vegetables in the next decade provided that the alternatives can be authorized. However, the supply with sufficient quantities of alternatives at an economically feasible price remains an extraordinary challenge. Two mineral oil alternatives against citrus and greenhouse key pests were successfully evaluated and progress was made in the development of vibrational disruption. A substantial reduction of mineral oils by less problematic products and innovative techniques seems feasible in the near future.
The current use of and need for external nutrient inputs on organic farms in Europe was evaluated in 8 case study regions. In many areas, additional N inputs to organic agriculture are needed to increase productivity, while inputs of P and K are required to prevent soil mining. The data show that the importance of nutrient supply in organic farming has been underestimated so far. Reducing the dependence of organic farms on conventional manure and external nutrients from non-renewable sources is nevertheless possible in the medium term by recycling societal waste streams.
Two alternative strategies to reduce anthelmintic use in small ruminants were explored: a bioactive forage (heather) and a biocontrol agent (Duddingtonia flagrans). A comparative analysis of the anthelmintic activity of heather confirmed considerable efficacy against endoparasites in vitro. The biocontrol agent was successfully evaluated under various conditions, confirming the potential to reduce anthelmintic use by 30-50% in organic cattle, sheep and goat production.
Two alternative strategies to reduce antibiotic use in organic dairy cows were explored: an animal health and welfare planning protocol (AHWP) combining detailed farm specific data with Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and the use of Essential Oils (EO) to control light to moderate mastitis. Both approaches are promising for the reduction of antibiotics as no difference in (mild or moderate) clinical mastitis cure between EO and antibiotic treatment was observed nor were any negative impacts on milk quality or animal health and welfare observed.
The potential for reduction of synthetic Vitamins E and B2 supplementation in livestock diets was assessed and adapted diets were proposed and validated in dairy cows and poultry. In both cases, adapted (reduced) vitamin supply had no negative impact on animals nor on milk or meat quality. The reduction of synthetic vitamins in diets will therefore reduce the use of synthetic vitamins at farm level. The identification of a GMO-free yeast strain overproducing riboflavin opens up an option for alternative GMO-free and non-synthetic production. However, this riboflavin producing yeast wildtype has TRL4 and its economic feasibility needs to be confirmed.
The socio-economic and environmental impact assessments for the alternatives to contentious inputs were conducted and comprehensive dossiers incorporating information on environmental impact, acceptability and scalability of each of the alternatives were developed. In a series of national and European workshops, roadmaps for reduction of contentious inputs were developed taking into account various constraints and needs for supportive policy actions for implementation. Overall, the majority of alternative strategies tested are more expensive to use but also more environmentally friendly compared to currently used contentious inputs. Results of RELACS were made available to farmers, advisors, the scientific community and policy makers via established channels (i.e. practice-oriented publications, policy briefs, and peer reviewed publications) but also via specific farmer reunions, farmer field schools, videos and social media.
