Miscellaneous Organic Production Questions

• Are organic yields lower than conventional yields?
• Is it necessary to use organically grown seed and propagules on certified organic farms?
• Can I be an organic producer if my neighbour is a conventional producer?
• Is there any psychological help for farmers who are experiencing a stressful time due to current pressures and low farm prices?

Are organic yields lower than conventional yields?
A common misconception is that organic yields are far inferior relative to conventional production. Research suggests that organic crop production yields are generally 90% of conventional, while organic livestock production is closer to 80% of conventional production. A recent report produced by the Organic Farming Research Foundation demonstrated that organic crops yielded 95% of high-input conventional yields, based on 154 site/years.


Is it necessary to use organically grown seed and propagules on certified organic farms?
Most certifying bodies strongly encourage the use of organic seed when available. In the European Union, after December 2003, all seed used must be organic (see article on organic plant breeding). The National Standard of Canada for Organic Agriculture (1999) outlines the limitations on seed and propagule source as follows:

• 5.3.1 - The operater shall use organic seed, bulbs, tubers, cuttings, annual seedlings, transplants and other propagules produced in accordance with this standard.
• 5.3.2.1 - A variety of non-organic untreated seed and planting stock or seed only treated with substances in accordance with this standard may be used provided that the organically produced seed or planting stock variety (a) is not commercially available from the enterprise; (b) is not commercially available, and a reasonable search involving potential, known organic suppliers has been conducted
• 5.3.2.2 - Non-organic perennial planting stock may be used provided that the organic products were harvested after such plants have been maintained in accordance with this standard for at least one year.
• 5.3.2.3 - Plant varieties, seeds, seed inoculants, germ plasm, scions, rootstocks or other propagules developed through the use of genetic engineering are prohibited.

Can I be an organic producer if my neighbour is a conventional producer?
All certifying bodies require an organic farmer to take precautions to prevent contamination. This includes buffer zones between conventional and organic fields. These isolation zones are typically increased if the neighbouring field is using genetically modified seed. Specific details are dependent on the standards of the certifying body.

Is there any psychological help for farmers who are experiencing a stressful time due to current pressures and low farm prices?
Yes, there is help for farmers squeezed by financial and personal pressures, at the following resources:

• Alberta Health Help Line 1-877-303-2642 (toll-free in AB)
  Confidential 24 hour, 7 days per week information, counseling and referral service for farm families and others
• Manitoba: Manitoba Farm and Rural Stress Line offers confidential information, support, counselling & referrals for farm and rural families. Go to their website or phone 866-367-3276
• Ontario: The Farm Line, or phone 888-451-2903
• Saskatchewan Agriculture Farm Stress Line 1-800-667-4442 (toll-free in SK) Confidential information on, and referral to, many services for farm people/rural residents, livestock care service to assist producers with at-risk livestock, short-term counseling and support for farm and rural residents challenged by farm business or personal crisis
  

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