Apple scab (V. inaequalis) is the main disease in organic apple production. Availability of varieties is a major problem as only a few robust varieties are available on the market.

The researchers propose a list of currently well-known robust varieties that are suitable for large scale production. Current breeding of new cultivars is crucial for the future of organic growing, stay tuned.

Yield gaps between organic and conventional agriculture raise concerns about future agricultural systems which should reduce external inputs and face an unpredictable climate. In the UK, the performance gap is especially severe for wheat that, as a result, has a small and shrinking organic acreage. In organic wheat production, most determinants of crop performance are managed at a rotation level, which leaves cultivar choice as the major decision on a seasonal basis.

Organic and low-input farming are a cornerstone of fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food systems, as recognised by the European Commission in the EU Farm to Fork Strategy1. Organic systems tend to involve smaller farms than conventional operations, to be more diversified and multifunctional and to be managed with more sustainable practices, responding to the needs and preferences of consumers on local markets. Often, a greater variety of crops is grown over smaller areas.