About the programme

The programme involves farmers across the country in developing innovative techniques and best practice, aimed at improving productivity, quality and environmental performance in organic and low-input agriculture. We want to showcase a practical approach to R&D that inspires larger research funders to take an ecological approach and give farmers a real say. More about the programme...

Research fund

Research needs to tackle the real problems faced by farmers as they grapple with improving their productivity while protecting the environment. Last year we launched a new research fund where farmers and growers set the priorities. Having heard dozens of innovative ideas from producers and had more than 70 researchers come forward to help, we are delighted to announce the first four projects selected for funding. More about the research fund...

Field labs

At the heart of the programme are field labs - events where farmers and growers test new approaches, share existing best practice and sharpen their problem-solving skills. The field labs are open to all - organic or otherwise - and happen on-farm. Find out more about the field labs or take a look at our current field labs below...

image

Soil microbes

Twin N is a formulation of microbes which utilise free atmospheric nitrogen - it claims it will improve yield, plant health and profit.
 
image

Composts & biochar

The range available to organic growers is limited, and for propagation of seeds many growers are still using peat based composts.
 
image

Antibiotic use

The aim of this lab is to improve health and welfare in dairy farming while reducing antibiotic use, and make effective use of farm records.
 
image

Liquid minerals

This study will see if strategic dosing of water with minerals can enhance dairy cow health and ultimately productivity.
 
image

Breeding ewes

It has long been felt by farmers that grazing breeding ewes on red clover swards six weeks either side of tupping will affect prolificacy.
 
image

Managing fertility

This field lab focuses on how to access and manage fertility economically in field scale vegetable and arable systems.
 
image

Seed variety

This field lab will take some of the Open Pollinated seed varieties available to non-organic growers and trials them in organic systems.
 
Latest field report

Managing fertility

28 March 2013

The day started, after short introductions from our hosts Nacton Farm and partner organisations (LEAF and the Soil Association), with a detailed presentation by David Stanley on how farming fits into... Managing fertility
Events
Farm Walk: Village Farm, Sinderby, Thirsk
04 June

Village Farm, Sinderby, Thirsk, YO7 4SD

Farm Walk: Woodlands Farm - Lincolnshire
11 June

Andrew Dennis, Woodlands Farm, Kirton House, Kirton, Near Boston, Lincolnshire, PE20 1JD

Farm Walk:Tamarisk Farm,Dorset
12 June

Adam and Ellen Simon,Tamarisk Farm,West Bexington, Dorchester, Dorset,DT2 9DF

Contact us

Please contact us on producer.support@soilassociation.org or call 0117 914 2400 if you have a query about the programme.

Supported by...

Duchy logo

Prince of Wales's Charitable Foundation