A new framework to design and evaluate cropping systems towards more sustainable orchards

Abstract

To meet new challenges, innovative production systems must be developed in order to balance economic, environmental and social performances. A generic approach to design and evaluate cropping systems has been gradually developed for all crop productions. This approach can be subdivided into five interdependent steps: diagnosis of the initial situation, co-design of new cropping systems, operational implementation of innovative cropping systems, evaluation of cropping systems, and dissemination, transfer and support for producers. These steps are part of an iterative process organized around a spiral of progress to produce innovative systems, resources for action and a dynamic within a group of stakeholders sharing their knowledge and skills. Here we describe the key steps of the approach and the resources that have been produced in the fruit production chain.