• The technology centre has tested wheat varieties suitable for organic baking, minimising external inputs and carrying out suitable rotations.
• The results of the study were presented this morning as part of its first annual visit to the experimental organic crop trials at its headquarters in Arkaute (Álava), followed by a visit to the Eskalmendi farm.
• This work forms part of the Plan for the Promotion of Organic Production (FOPE), promoted by the Basque Government’s Department of Economic Development, Sustainability and the Environment.

 

Organic farming continues to grow in the Basque Country, both because of social demand for more sustainable production models and because of the opportunities it offers the primary sector. According to the latest data from the Basque Council for Organic Agriculture and Food (Ekolurra), in 2024 the certified surface area grew by 18%, reaching 12,677 hectares, representing 6.7% of the territory’s agricultural land.

In this context, research into varieties adapted to organic conditions is essential to consolidate this trend. This is also the aim of the European “Farm to Fork” strategy, which sets a goal of 25 % of the EU’s agricultural area being farmed organically by 2030.

In order to contribute to this objective, the NEIKER technology centre, an entity dependent on the Basque Government’s Department of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries, held its annual field visit day this morning at its headquarters in Arkaute (Álava), where it shared the results of its latest trials in organic production with professionals from the agricultural sector.

During the visit, those attending had the opportunity to tour the experimental plots of Eskalmendi, belonging to the Provincial Council of Alava, to learn about the progress of previous campaigns and to get a closer look at the research proposals underway.

 

Breadmaking wheat without external inputs

During the conference, data from trials carried out with different varieties of wheat under organic management were presented. This work has shown that some varieties have reached quality levels suitable for baking without the need to apply fertilisers or compost.

The novelty of these trials lies in the fact that this bread quality has been achieved through a rotation system. ‘We are seeing that it is possible to obtain high baking quality wheat in organic farming, without added fertilisers, through practices such as rotations with crops like leguminous plants, which help to maintain the fertility and life of the soil’, explained Roberto Ruiz de Arcaute, a technician in NEIKER’s Plant Production and Protection Department.

 

Improved profit margins

In addition to varietal selection, trials have shown that well-designed rotation systems can maintain productivity without the use of compost and foliar fertilisers. In the plots where these inputs were applied, no significant yield improvements were observed, which reinforces the technical and economic feasibility of dispensing with them.

This reduction of external inputs translates into lower costs for farms, which can improve economic margins within the organic model. However, the lack of an adequate commercial structure remains one of the main obstacles to the development of extensive organic crops, such as cereals. ‘Although trials show promising results in terms of quality and cost reduction, the absence of a solid marketing chain limits its implementation in the territory,’ concludes the researcher.

At the service of the sector

This work, which promotes organic farming at NEIKER, is part of the Plan for the Promotion of Organic Production (FOPE), promoted since 2014 by the Basque Government’s Department of Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment, and driven by Ekolurra and the technology centre itself. This strategy seeks to increase organic production and strengthen the associated processing and marketing chain.

Through field-days, NEIKER reinforces its role as a transfer agent to the sector, generating useful knowledge and practical solutions adapted to the real needs of the territory. The objective is clear: to contribute to a more sustainable, competitive agricultural model that is prepared for current and future challenges.