Articles
ORGANIC VERSUS CONVENTIONAL FRUIT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN CALIFORNIA: RESOURCE USE AND ASSOCIATED COSTS FOR PEARS AND RAISIN GRAPES
Article number
1001_46
Pages
395 – 402
Language
English
Abstract
It is commonly believed that organic production is more labor intensive than conventional production and that organic production does not rely heavily on pesticides.
In fact, relative labor intensity varies significantly by crop, and organic production makes critical use of pesticides allowed by the National Organic Program.
The comparison of pesticide use varies by crop.
This paper compares the farming practices used for organic and conventional fruit crops in California with respect to inputs employed (materials, fuel, and labor) and the related costs.
For each crop, the differences and similarities in production methods and the related costs for fertility, insect and mite management, disease management, and weed management are detailed.
Resource use is compared in terms of liters of fuel and hours of tractor operator and other labor.
A model of hypothetical commercial organic and conventional farms in California is developed for both organic and conventional production of raisin grapes in the San Joaquin Valley, and pears in the Sacramento Valley.
The results show that fertility and weed management costs are higher for organic production, insect and mite management costs are lower for organic raisins and higher for organic pears, and disease management is comparable to conventional production.
Labor is comparable between the systems for raisins but higher for pears due to the use of mating disruption and hand hoeing.
The study identifies circumstances under which cultural practices are insufficient for pest management using allowed pesticides in organic systems and it outlines fertility management practices.
The study illuminates the complexity of organic production and the unique challenges faced by different fruit crops.
In fact, relative labor intensity varies significantly by crop, and organic production makes critical use of pesticides allowed by the National Organic Program.
The comparison of pesticide use varies by crop.
This paper compares the farming practices used for organic and conventional fruit crops in California with respect to inputs employed (materials, fuel, and labor) and the related costs.
For each crop, the differences and similarities in production methods and the related costs for fertility, insect and mite management, disease management, and weed management are detailed.
Resource use is compared in terms of liters of fuel and hours of tractor operator and other labor.
A model of hypothetical commercial organic and conventional farms in California is developed for both organic and conventional production of raisin grapes in the San Joaquin Valley, and pears in the Sacramento Valley.
The results show that fertility and weed management costs are higher for organic production, insect and mite management costs are lower for organic raisins and higher for organic pears, and disease management is comparable to conventional production.
Labor is comparable between the systems for raisins but higher for pears due to the use of mating disruption and hand hoeing.
The study identifies circumstances under which cultural practices are insufficient for pest management using allowed pesticides in organic systems and it outlines fertility management practices.
The study illuminates the complexity of organic production and the unique challenges faced by different fruit crops.
Publication
Authors
K.M. Klonsky, C.A. Ingels
Keywords
fuel use, cost of production, pest management, pome fruit
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