Organic farmers, consultants, academics, and small and medium-sized enterprises gathered in Hungary to discuss the challenges and solutions related to low and unstable yields in organic farming systems.
Between 4-5 March, the Hungarian Multi-Stakeholder Peer Group (MSPG) facilitated by ÖMKi gathered in Hajdúnánás and took a deep dive into the causes and consequences of low yields in organic cropping system with a particular focus on protein crops as well as the strengths and supporting factors. The discussions also focused on finding solutions and strategies resulting in tailored recommendations for different actors: decision-makers, farmers, consumers, and researchers.
During the two-day event, the participants visited two Lighthouse farms, Szentmihályi Ökoporta and Erdődi Biokertészet. Szentmihályi Ökoporta, a family-run farm in Eastern Hungary, showed the participants their newly converted organic arable crops (yellow split peas, einkorn, emmer, winter wheat, winter peas, winter lentils) and Natura 2000 grassland, explained their difficulties with apple production regarding profitability and yield stability, and shared their plans about their walnut orchard. Erdődi Biokertészet, a biodynamic farm also in Eastern Hungary, showed his regenerative practices on the fields and shared his tips on adapting horticultural production to a changing climate. He also emphasised the importance of life-long learning (new practices) and the dedication of the farmer in the process of adapting to changes.
Besides the farm visits, the MSPG had the opportunity to learn from experts and from each other. ÖMKi invited several researchers from universities, research institutes and SMEs to give a presentation about various topics such as biological plant protection, green manure crops, soil inoculation, inclusion of protein crops into crop rotation, and the economic tendencies of organic agriculture.
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Enriched with experiences, the MSPG will continue knowledge sharing within the group and visit another lighthouse farm, Csoroszlya Farm, in June. All the inputs gathered over the two days will be transformed into policy recommendations within OYUP and will be also used to further improve and strengthen ÖMKi’s On-Farm Living Lab.
