Oilseed and protein crops grown in French organic farms: an overview of cultivation practices for sunflower and soybean

The development of organic agriculture in France was steady since 2010 but became stronger 2014. Like other crops, the cultivated areas soybean and sunflower doubled from 2014 to 2018. With a view better characterize cultural practices production, Terres Inovia ITAB (in collaboration with Agence Bio) conducted 2016 2017 national farmers’ survey. These surveys reveal that mainly over same types soil than conventional production were integrated more diversified rotations. main differences between systems concern sowing date weed control. Organic sown very lately compared one, which impacted yield severely. Weed controlled through ploughing, mechanical weeding crop rotation control judged as satisfying by major part producers. Concerning soybean, great difference is use irrigation almost systematic concerned only 50% area production. Contrary sunflower, short rotation, particularly when it irrigated. This demonstrated high profitability systems. for done weeding, also satisfying; nevertheless, criteria on harvest impurities are severe respect them, farmers hand complement. will be reconducted years able follow changes years.