---
title: "Farm-based Organic Variety Trials Network"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-57587d1b-c82d-4c66-8c74-e0dc27144e29"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-57587d1b-c82d-4c66-8c74-e0dc27144e29"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-57587d1b-c82d-4c66-8c74-e0dc27144e29.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-57587d1b-c82d-4c66-8c74-e0dc27144e29.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "DEFRA NETWORK ETENDERING PORTAL"
published: "2019-09-06"
---

# Farm-based Organic Variety Trials Network

Buyer: DEFRA NETWORK ETENDERING PORTAL  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-57587d1b-c82d-4c66-8c74-e0dc27144e29

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## Summary

The procurement process titled "Farm-based Organic Variety Trials Network" is conducted by the Defra Network eTendering Portal, focusing on research services aimed at enhancing organic crop yields in the UK. The tender was initiated to address the increasing demand for organic wheat and ongoing challenges in organic farming. The procurement is currently at the award stage, with the total contract value set at £165,000. The contract is due to commence on 1st January 2020 and will run until 31st December 2021. The tender process was executed through a direct procurement method classified as a single tender action, concluding with the contract award on 22nd August 2019.

This contract presents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in agricultural research and development, particularly those specialising in organic farming practices. Companies that understand the dynamics of crop trials, varietal performance, and the specific needs of organic growers will be well-placed to compete. With the growing market for organic products, this tender could serve as a catalyst for companies aiming to expand their services to organic agricultural sectors, potentially leading to fruitful partnerships and positive impacts on sustainability in farming.

## Notice

1. Background 1.1 Organic crop yields are significantly lower compared to conventional agriculture, due to the latter relying on mineral fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. 1.2 There is a need to reduce the use of inputs such as mineral fertilisers and pesticides, for both cost and environmental concerns e.g. the challenges posed by pesticide resistance in pests, diseases and weeds. Such change is a requirement of Defra's 25 Year Environment Plan and is a key objective in our Departmental Strategy. 1.3 Advancements in organic crop science aims to maximise yield by optimising ecological processes and the use of natural resources, therefore avoiding the need for inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides. 1.4 In the UK wheat is the most important arable crop in terms of acreage, however in 2018 organic wheat acreage was only 0.5% of the total, and is in decline despite a growing market demand for organic wheat. This is due to low and unreliable yield/quality, making organic wheat an unattractive proposition for farmers. 1.5 Whilst the AHDB runs a significant trials programme and compiles recommended lists of wheat varieties for conventional agriculture, no comparable system exists for organic growers. This lack of information compounds the problems cited above for organic growers. 1.6 Within their trials programme the AHDB identifies the genetic potential of varieties using plots untreated with fungicide and those with robust agrochemical input (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and fertiliser to achieve the desired quality). However, to date this information has not been compiled and presented in a way that benefits organic producers. 1.7 Although some data is relevant to the organic sector, other key variables such as weed competition and performance in lower fertility rotations are not covered. There is a need for a more structured, integrated approach taking into account the following : 1.7.1 Varietal performance in organic farming does not correspond to varietal performance in conventional farming, therefore testing varieties in organic farming can give more accurate results for organic systems. 1.7.2 Organic cropping systems are characterised by greater variation than conventional systems, hence the varieties need to be tested across a range of environments. 1.7.3 Results generated through plot-scale trials are much less consistent with field-scale performance, hence greater emphasis on field-scale experimentation is required. 1.8 Testing and comparing varieties at a field scale in a network of farms can efficiently complement information on varietal 'genetic potential' with a systematic analysis of varieties 'actual performance' in real-farm conditions. 1.9 A network of organic farmers (Appendix 3) is already engaged in a field-scale variety trial started in 2017/18 within the framework of the "Liveseed" project. The second growing season of this project is currently ongoing with 10 farmers, and a third growing season Additional information: Please note that Defra procurement uses an E-tendering system for Procurement activities. This is currently provided by Bravo Solutions. To access appropriate tendering and contractual documents, please access the E-Tendering portal at https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk", ensuring that your registration includes "Defra". If you have any problems with this system, please contact Bravo on their telephone helpline number 0800 368 4850 or by emailing them at help@bravosolution.co.uk. "

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/bea74bd7-f11e-46ef-aa1f-311da12ff2db |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Direct |
| Procurement method details | Single tender action (below threshold) |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 6 Sep 2019 |
| Submission deadline | 22 Jul 2019 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 21 Aug 2019 |
| Contract period | 1 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2021 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £165,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £165,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DEFRA NETWORK ETENDERING PORTAL |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South West London |
| Postcode | SW1P 3JR |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | St James's |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | THE ORGANIC RESEARCH CENTRE |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73110000 - Research services

## Release History

- 6 Sep 2019 at 09:13 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/bea74bd7-f11e-46ef-aa1f-311da12ff2db

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/bea74bd7-f11e-46ef-aa1f-311da12ff2db
  6th September 2019 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- http://help@bravosolution.co.uk.
  E-tendering system - Bravo Solutions

## Notice URLs

- http://help@bravosolution.co.uk
- https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk

## Provenance

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