Two projects of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme are researching minimising input in organic agriculture: RELACS and Organic-PLUS. Both projects are largely complementary. They together investigate contentious inputs and (further) develop alternatives to these in countries with the same geographical scope.
‘Replacement of Contentious Inputs in Organic Farming Systems’ (RELACS) builds on results of previous research projects and takes far-advanced solutions forward. As a system approach to sustainable agriculture, organic farming aims to effectively manage ecological processes whilst lowering dependence on off-farm inputs. RELACS partners will evaluate solutions to further reduce the use of external inputs and, if needed, develop and adopt cost-efficient and environmentally safe tools and technologies to:
- Reduce the use of copper and mineral oil in plant protection,
- Identify sustainable sources for plant nutrition, and
- Provide solutions to support livestock health and welfare.
The project was developed by involving actors from research, farming, advisory services and industry from the very start hence implementing a truly multi-actor approach. RELACS also runs from May 2018-April 2022 and has 28 partners from eleven countries.
RELACS is coordinated by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) Switzerland. IFOAM EU Group is responsible for communication, dissemination and facilitation of the science-practice-policy dialogue. Please visit the project’s website, it’s Twitter and Facebook page (@RELACSeu) to learn more about it.
Please visit the project website at www.relacs-project.eu.