Research approaches holistic

Good connections to stakeholders is another strength. The holistic research approach and its focus on ethical questions in organic farming make FiBL an interesting benchmark for many other institutes in and outside Switzerland. 

Over the last decade our view of chemistry has evolved substantially. Whereas individual researchers previously focused on specific areas of chemistry, such as inorganic, organic, etc. we now take a more holistic approach. Effective and efficient research projects now incorporate whatever aspects of the chemistry subdisciplines that are needed to complete the intended work. 

At the short end of the temporal decision timescale on the research map, there currently exists another area where no or very few EM techniques exist. In this region, which covers manufacturing levels between cell and enterprise, manufacturers are beginning to consider new short-term influences on their production and operations processes to improve economic and environmental performance. As part of a holistic approach, they require techniques to help them manage their energy consumption at this timescale. 

It is necessary to drive forward research on the effectiveness of the biodynamic preparations in order to provide sound practical recommendations for the frequency and timing of their use. However, discussions are required to decide whether it makes sense to assess the effect of individual biodynamic practices in isolation from the overall method, as these practices were proposed as part of a comprehensive farming system (Steiner 2004), the impulse of which is based, in particular, on a holistic understanding of agricultural processes. A complex, holistic, systemic form of science would be appropriate to biodynamic farming (Baars 2002), but has not yet been realised (Lockeretz 2000). It is unclear what would constitute holistic research. Phenomenological descriptions of the overall context are without doubt a key element that has been developed in much detail in the context of anthroposophic research over the past 80 years (Bockemtlhl 1992). However, does holistic research mean that the approach to every... 

The efforts toward more holistic approaches to research in organic agriculture can be divided into four grorrps ... 

Holistic approach All round feedback Cultural change — allows rapid response in changing world Achieves business objectives Complexity Most intensive in research and preparation Needs a no-blame culture May raise expectations that are difficult to deliver... 

Keatinge, R. and I. Rasmussen (1999). Application of a Holistic Interdisciplinary Approach to Laboratory and Field Experiments . In Research Methodologies in Organic Farming, FAO/REU Technical Series No. 58, Rome FAO, pp. 123-5. 

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