Module: Integrated Organic Systems

Module details

  • Module code

    4238

  • Module leader

    Dr Nicola Cannon

  • Module Level

    7

  • Module credits

    15

  • Min study time

    150 hours

  • Contact hrs

    44 hours

Module content

Organic enterprise analysis and organic conversion. Large and small scale organic farming. Factors effecting marketing and sales of organic products. Investigation into organic cropping and livestock option production. Organic production techniques. These topics will be addressed by lectures as well as a series of farm and site visits, tutorials and guided study.

Module outcomes

To achieve credit for this module, students must be able to:

  1. Appraise organic approaches in different agro-climatic zones in relation to ecological, social and commercial integrity and as part of strategic food supply.
  2. Evaluate consumer interest in, and regulatory/market standards for, organic produce and the impacts they have on market outlets for suppliers from developed and emerging economies.
  3. Critically assess an organic system in relation to the above factors.

Assessment

Assessment Description Weighting
Coursework Conversion report 60%
Coursework Individual peer assessed product investigation poster 40%

Assessments may differ in 2020/21 due to adjustments for Covid-19. Please check Gateway for the latest regulations.

Key texts

Students should be familiar with the content of the following:

  • Briggs, S. (2008). Organic Cereal and Pulse Production- A Complete Guide. The Crowood Press.
  • Davies, G. & Lennartsson, M. (2005).  Organic Vegetable Production, A Complete Guide.  Crowood Press.
  • Davies, G Turner & Bond (2008). Weed Management for Organic Farmers, Growers and Smallholders- A Complete Guide. The Crowood Press.
  • Lampkin, N. (1998). Organic Farming. Farming Press.
  • Lampkin, N., Measures, M. & Padel, S. (2017). 2017 Organic Farm Management Handbook.  University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
  • Nix, J. (annual) Farm Management Pocketbook. Imperial College at Wye.
  • Younie & Wilkinson (2001). Organic Livestock Farming. Chalcombe Publications.
  • Soil Association (various) Organic Market Report. Soil Association.

 

Supporting texts

Additionally, module web pages will be available and, included in these, will be links to relevant internet sites such as: