A multi-level approach to pest management: a method for analysing the experiments conducted by the Organic Farming Research Group

In accordance with the principles of organic farming, pest management is based on a holistic approach to the agrosystem in relation to the surrounding ecosystems. However, demand from producers for protection solutions that can be implemented quickly may lead researchers to prioritise the development of measures based on plant protection products. For the past 30 years, the Organic Farming Research Group (GRAB) has been conducting trials in organic crop production. It has sought to develop a framework for analysing its results in order to assess how they relate to the principles of the holistic approach to ecosystems. This analysis drew inspiration from various multi-level approaches to crop protection. It categorises the experiments into three levels according to the degree of directness of the protection against pests. The number of experiments conducted at each level was thus monitored over a nine-year period. Experiments at each level demonstrated effective results. However, the limitations encountered led to an increase in GRAB’s research focusing on the levels of the holistic systems approach. This multi-level analysis shows promise for guiding the selection of future trials at a research station or within a sector. It can help ensure a balance between levels and anticipate the new skills and partnerships required by holistic approaches.