Research project European Organic Farming Innovations Network "OH-FINE"

General introduction

What new knowledge does a (small-scale) conventional farmer need when switching to organic farming? This question is answered by the European OH-FINE research project. It aims to detect relevant knowledge needs and improve knowledge transfer. The EU aims for 25% organic farming by 2030. To achieve this, growth in organic agriculture needs to double. OH-FINE focuses on insights into regulatory, technical and economic aspects of the transition and supports farmers in sustainable choices. The transition from conventional to organic requires complex decisions and major adjustments to various aspects of farm management.

Research approach

OH-FINE is committed to knowledge sharing through multi-stakeholder networks and a bottom-up approach, focusing on stakeholder perspectives to contribute to more sustainable agriculture. We are establishing a pan-European learning community and bringing together experts, resources and methodologies to integrate and unlock knowledge on organic agriculture. The project assesses farmers' needs during and after conversion. In five European case studies, we collect practical knowledge and develop a multidimensional framework. We are creating knowledge-sharing regional knowledge centers, cross-visits, forums, and an ICT tool for decision-making. Workshops, exchange programs, and practice-based materials such as videos and technical documents are being developed. Innovative techniques and strategies are tested in field trials, while impact assessments evaluate how the objectives are being achieved.

Relevance/Valorization

With OH-FINE, we expect to accelerate innovation in organic farms and strengthen competitiveness. The project is a bridge to a sustainable future for crops such as cereals, oilseeds, protein crops and livestock. The desired growth of organic and of a transition to sustainable agriculture may become easier with the approach of this project.

Financing

EU Horizon Europe