Reports in English

Designing and testing crop rotations for organic farming
A multifunctional crop rotation is a key component in organic farming in order to control weeds, pests and diseases and to ensure the best utilisation of nutrients in the system. On this basis a workshop on crop rotations for organic farming was organised with researchers working with different aspects of crop rotations in organic farming. Speaks and discussions regarded long-term trials, farm studies, nitrogen cycling, nutrient availability, soil fertility and crop protection.

Olesen, J.E., Eltun, R., Gooding, M.J., Jensen, E.S. and Köpke, U. (eds.) Designing and testing crop rotations for organic farming. DARCOF Report no. 1, 1999.

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Ecological Animal Husbandry in the Nordic Countries
The development of organic farming happens rapidly. Oftenly, research and practical agriculture in the Nordic countries face the same problems. Thus a seminar was held in order to present current research projects from the different countries. Presentations treated ecological animal husbandry, resource management and production of poultry, pigs and ruminants.

Hermansen, J.E., Lund, V. and Thuen, E. (eds.) Ecological Animal Husbandry in the Nordic Countries. DARCOF Report no. 2, 2000.

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Organic Scenarios for Denmark
In 1998 the Danish Government requested an assessment of the consequences of a total restructuring of Danish agriculture to organic farming. The report describes the scenarios that were elaborated in a comprehensive research effort. The consequences for agriculture, environment, health, production and economy are laid out, together with an analysis of the legal aspects. Furthermore the main parameters of the scenarios are discussed in relation to the principles and perspectives of organic farming.

Organic scenarios for Denmark (1999) Report to the Bichel Committee, Danish EPA, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. Available on-line

Action Plan II
The second Danish Action Plan for promoting organic food production in Denmark was initiated in 1998. The action plan should identify and assess the need for initiatives and action with the aim of securing continued growth within organic food production and the sale of organic foods. The title "Developments in organic farming" reflects a commitment to significant expansion of the organic sector, based partly on the expectations and needs of the consumers. But the action plan also incorporated the aim of further development of the organic form of production in order to meet the targets of environmental and social sustainability, healthy, high-quality foods and optimum animal welfare, and to safeguard confidence in organic products.

Action plan II. Developments in organic farming (1999) Danish Directorate for Development, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. English summary is availabel on-line

Midterm Evaluation of DARCOF
In 1999 an evaluation of DARCOF was performed. The tasks of the international evaluation committee were to evaluate the research activities and the methods, the strategic relevance and the scientific quality of the research. The report includes an overall assessment of DARCOF and recommendations for future development, including proposals for new research activities.

Midterm Evaluation of Danish Research in Organic Farming (1999) Danish Directorate for Development, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. Availabel on-line