Competitiveness of organically grown cereals

• Published in: Acta Universitatis Agriculturae et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis Vol. 55; no. 3; pp. 33 - 46
• Main Authors: Jánský, Jaroslav, Živělová, Iva, Křen, Jan, Valtýniová, Soňa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mendel University Press 26.11.2014
• Subjects: crop management practices; organic cereals; organic farming; profitability
• ISSN: 1211-8516; 2464-8310
• DOI: 10.11118/actaun200755030033

The contribution is aimed at the assessment of recommended crop management practices of chosen cereals for organic farming. To increase competitiveness, these practices are modified depending on soil and climatic conditions, and on a way of production use. Furthermore, impacts of the recommended crop management practices on economics of growing chosen cereals are evaluated and compared with economic results obtained under conventional farming. It is assumed that achieved results will contribute to the increase in proportion of arable crops in the Czech Republic where organic production offer does not meet current demands.When evaluating results of growing individual cereal species in a selective set of organic farms, triticale, spelt and spring barley (in this ranking) can be considered as profitable crops. Moreover, triticale and spelt have even higher gross margin under organic farming than under conventional farming (by 62 % in triticale). Oat brings losses, however, it is important for livestock production. Winter wheat seems to be also unprofitable since less grain is produced at lower imputs per hectare and only part of it is produced in quality “bio”, i.e. marketed for higher prices. Rye also brings losses under organic farming, particularly due to lower yields, similarly to the other mentioned cereals. Special cereal species that are still neglected in organic farming systems are of potential use. Durum wheat has vitreous kernels with a high content of quality gluten which is used for pasta production. It can be grown in the maize production area on fertile soils only.