Nature of the research required

It will have become clear from the preceding sections that a systems approach is advocated as an essential feature of organic research. That is not to say that reductionist experiments are never required. Quite often, in order to establish a causal connection between an apparent cause, and a recognised phenomenon (the postulated effect), it is necessary to design and conduct an experiment in which only one feature is varied within a much simplified system. 

Two points have to be borne in mind, however. Firstly, the results of such experiments have to be applied within much more complex systems, and therefore have to be tested within them. Secondly, it does not always follow that because A causes B when only A is varied, that it will do so in the presence of factors C, D, and so on. Other factors may modify the effect of changes in A, in either direction. This is well illustrated in, for example, balanced diets (whether for plants, animals or people) increasing one dietary component may have no effect at all unless others are also increased. And this could be demonstrated for each component in turn increasing each would have no effect. But, of course, increasing all of them simultaneously, in the right proportions, could have quite dramatic effects. It is this awareness, that the significance of a component can only be assessed in relation to the system as a whole, that characterises a systems approach. 

Because of the complexity of organic systems, they are each more likely to be almost unique, presenting even greater problems in making comparisons and generalising from a result on one farm to others. This has always been the case for site-specific livestock systems (for example, grazing systems) compared with, say, intensive poultry or pig systems, which may be very similar wherever they are. 

It is therefore extremely difficult to carry out relevant research without the involvement of those who understand organic principles. In the UK, there are a few research centres that are solely devoted to organic research (see Table 12.1) the best known (and longest established) are the Elm Farm Research Centre (EFRC) and the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA). 

The problem for applied research is how to combine relevance to the real world with scientific rigour and control. Objectivity is even more important where values are deeply and necessarily embedded. 

---