Integrated Organic Systems

Module code: 4238
Module leader: Dr Nicola Cannon
Module level: 7
Module credits: 15
Prerequisites: None
Min study time: 150 hours
Contact Hrs within study time: 30 hours
Teaching period: Semester 2

Module content

This module initially focuses on regulatory, market and consumer attitudes to organic food before considering the actual and potential contribution of organic systems to food supply in both developed and emerging economies. The module also explores organic philosophies in relation to ecological, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development. Practical examples of farming systems and enterprise integration are then evaluated in relation to soil management and plant-soil relationships, animal health and nutrition, and enterprise performance and production techniques.

Module outcomes

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

Appraise organic approaches in different agro-climatic zones in relation to ecological, social and commercial integrity and as part of strategic food supply.
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.
Critically assess an organic system in relation to the above factors.

Assessment

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

Key texts

Students should be familiar with the content of at least one 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. (2014). 2014 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.
SAC (annual) Farm Management Handbook. SAC
Soil Association (various) Organic Market Report. Soil Association.
Soil Association Organic Farming Magazine and various technical publications. http://www.soilassociation.org

Supporting texts

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

DEFRA www.defra.gov.uk
HGCA www.hgca.co m
FAO www.fao.org
Soil Association www.soilassociation.org
Organic research centre www.organicresearchcentre.com/
https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk
www.ifoam.bio
EBLEX www.eblex.org.uk