Lawrence Woodward Steps Down as Director of Organic Research Centre

It has been announced that Lawrence Woodward is stepping down as Director of Organic Research Centre (ORC), the organisation he founded 30 years ago.  Lawrence has had a significant role in the success of the organic movement in the UK over those 30 years and there are few organisations within the movement he has not, at some point been involved with.


One being Organic Arable which he helped to form in 1999 and where he continues as a Director.


Lawrence has not always been kind to the organic sector and has often been an outspoken critic of practices or approaches which he sees as contrary to the principles he holds dear.   There is little doubt that he will remain working in the organic world in some guise in his new life outside ORC and will continue to annoy us and inspire us.  And whatever the future holds for Lawrence  it will be one which challenges us and keeps us all from resting on our laurels.

Some Cracking Upcoming Events

Before the hectic harvest season starts is the time to get off the farm and meet other organic producers, update yourself on the latest research and meet up with old organic friends or make some new ones.  There are two great events coming up which Organic Arable are glad to be supporting.


On 15th June Wakelyns Agroforestry has an open day.  Not only some excellent speakers but a chance to look at the innovative trials and developments Wakelyns are involved with.  Wakelyns is always inspirational and well worth the journey to the depths of the beautiful Suffolk countryside. For more information contact Oliver Crowley on 01488 658298 or click here.


On 8th July is the National Organic Cereals Event organised by Organic Farmers & Growers.  This again looks like an excellent event and Organic Arable are happy to be supporting this year's event.  We shall also be running a Moisture Meter Clinic which is your chance to get your moisture meter calibrated and certified prior to harvest.  Such a test would normally cost £25 minimum but is included in your ticket price so what's to lose?  Look forward to seeing you there.  Click here for more information.

Organic farms do help biodiversity -Times Online

It seems as if Professor Tim Benton Study spikes organic food environment claims - Times Online made some claims about this project which aren't shared by the rest of the researchers working on the project with him. Dr Bruce Pearce is one of these and he has shown surprise at the comments made by Prof. Benton Organic farms do help biodiversity -Times Online. Thank you Bruce. It is unfortunate that the Times chose to carry the story without referring to the study itself, others involved in producing the study or any of the other research which does show the biodiversity benefits that organic farming systems deliver.

It is not just in terms of biodiversity that organic farming provides benefits but across a range of environmental factors. For more details look at Defra's own study.