H2020 RELACS Project: Replacing Controversial Inputs in Organic Agriculture Systems

The overall objective of RELACS is to foster the development and facilitate the adoption of cost-effective and environmentally sound tools and technologies to phase out dependence on and use of controversial inputs in organic farming systems. RELACS will reduce the use of copper, mineral oil, and manure from conventional farms; offer alternatives to the overuse of anthelmintics in small ruminants; reduce the use of antibiotics in dairy cattle; and moderate the dependence on synthetic vitamins in livestock and poultry production.

To achieve this objective, (i) RELACS will provide an overview of the current use and a critical assessment of the need for external inputs in organic plant and animal production. We aim to (ii) commercialize alternatives to copper, mineral oils, and anthelmintics at a high level of development (TRL 6); (iii) expand the use of farmer-driven techniques to reduce antibiotic use to a larger number of EU regions; and (iv) develop and explore innovative approaches to reduce the use of synthetic vitamins and propose acceptable sources of vitamins and plant nutrients, based on a thorough systems analysis and R&D. (v)

Products and management practices will be evaluated under different soil, climate, and agricultural conditions in the EU and Mediterranean third countries. (vi) RELACS will develop implementation roadmaps by analyzing the socioeconomic conditions required for the acceptance and adoption of alternatives and will provide scientific support to relevant EU policies to develop fair, reliable, and enforceable standards. (vii) Rapid dissemination and adoption of techniques along the food value chain will be achieved through dissemination structures established in 12 European countries. RELACS builds on the results of previous research projects and develops highly advanced solutions. The multi-stakeholder approach is at the core of both the consortium and the project, as RELACS was developed by involving research actors and stakeholders, organic farmers, advisors, and industry from the outset.