Australia Interest in organic agriculture is increasing in many parts of the world. Settling the question of whether organic and conventional agriculture belong to the same or different paradigms is important for policy, especially in the area of research direction. However, the main focus of the paper is on differences in research requirements under the two paradigms. Topics are likely to differ under the alternative approaches, with more emphasis on soils and biological processes in organic farming.
Differences also occur in the importance of pests and diseases and in pest management methods.
However, if it is accepted that organic agriculture belongs to a different paradigm, those with research credentials in conventional farming do not necessarily have the relevant expertise in organic farming. Awareness of the difference in paradigm is essential to argue the case for the necessity not only of a considerable shift in research direction, but also in the planning, resource allocation and implementation phases of projects.