Frequently Asked Questions: Organic Soils & Field Crops Sections

Miscellaneous Production Questions about Organic Soils & Field Crops

• 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?

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:

• 6.2.1 - Plant varieties, seeds, seed inoculants, germ plasm, scions, rootstocks or other propagules developed through the use or incorporation of genetically engineered and/or modified organisms (GEO/GMO), or related technology, are prohibited from use under this standard.
• 6.2.2 - Selection of plant species and their respective varieties within the enterprise based on their genotypic and/or phenotypic adaptation and fitness to regional soils and climate is recommended. Selection of varieties that are resistant to the predominant disease and pests in the relevant area (i.e. bioregion) in which they will be produced should be encouraged.
• 6.2.5 - If an operator can demonstrate that seed, and/or bulbs, tubers, cuttings and other propagules, free from prohibited substances, are not readily available from within the enterprise or from other sources, then seed (or other propagules) may be obtained outside of the enterprise subject to the approval of the certifying body.

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.