North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[<dmnorton@royaloakfarmorchard.com>]

Here is a excerpt from the latest Scaffolds IPM newsletter from Cornell that I though everyone might find interesting:

 

"In summary, pesticides plus application costs totaled $650/A for the standard program as compared with $1,173/A for the organic program. Total yield per acre (including fruit damaged by pests) was 209, 409, and 861 bushels per acre for the unsprayed, organic, and standard treatments, respectively. Pest control costs per bushel were $2.98 for fruit from the organic block compared with $0.76 for the standard. Results from this trial show that pest-free apples can be produced organically in New York, but organic producers will likely need at least a 400% sales premium compared with standard growers, due to the high costs and reduced yields associated with organic pest control. Further research may lead to cost reductions and improved productivity for organic systems, but farmers currently considering a switch to organic apple production should verify that their prospective buyers will be willing to pay a signifi cant premium for organic fruit."

 

To read the complete article go to  http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/scaffolds/2008/080331.html 

Dennis Norton
Royal Oak Farm Orchard
http://www.royaloakfarmorchard.com
http://www.theorchardkeeper.blogspot.com
http://www.revivalhymn.com

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