Teagasc to lead Irish field trials in European Organic Farming Innovation Project

The Teagasc Organics team will play a key role in a major European research initiative aimed at developing practical solutions for organic farmers across the continent.

Teagasc’s involvement in the Organic Farming Innovations Network Europe (OH-FINE) project will help generate new research and on-farm knowledge to support the continued development of the organic sector in Ireland and across Europe.

As part of the project, three practical field trials will take place in Ireland, addressing key challenges identified by organic farmers.

A pea:bean intercrop trial in County Wicklow will evaluate different seed ratios of peas and beans. The research will examine how varying combinations affect overall yield, protein content, crop standability and the crop’s ability to compete with weeds.

A second trial, conducted across three organic farms, will focus on low-disturbance establishment methods for multi-species swards, examining how such techniques influence soil health, biodiversity and pasture resilience.

A third study will examine forage maize production on organic tillage farms. The trial will investigate the effects of sowing depth, planting timing, variety selection and mechanical weed control strategies, with the aim of maximising crop establishment and yield under Irish organic farming conditions.

The OH-FINE project is designed to empower farmers and advisors by developing and sharing sustainable organic farming practices that respond to farmer capabilities, consumer expectations and evolving food market trends. The project brings together 18 partners from nine countries and is funded by the European Union along with the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation.

For more, visit the OH-FINE project website.

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