Current practices and economic performances of organic kiwifruit production in comparison with conventional one in Korea

Organic production practices varied among producers. Generally, organic producers were relying on imported input materials such as organic compost and liquid fertilizer even more than conventional producers. Very few organic farmers had composting facilities or sites for the own supply of compost in need. The productivity of organic kiwifruit orchard (92%) was not as low as that of conventional while the net income (243%) was more than double that of conventional. This was mainly attributed to high farm gate price of organic fruits, low paid labour use and electricity. As a consequence, organic kiwifruit production seems to become a feasible option in Korea. However, high dependence on imported farming material, fuel and labour for too frequent liquid fertilizer spray should be addressed to achieve long term sustainability of organic kiwifruit production.