CONTRIBUTION OF ALTERNATIVE CROPS TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN THE FUNCTION OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

In this paper the following alternative crops interesting to be cultivated in Balcan cuntries in order to enlarge the biodiversity are discussed: broomcom, grain sorghum, proso millet, smail and large headed italian millet, canarygraas, buckwheat,oil pumpkin,hemp,flax,tobacco,medicinal, aromatic and spice species as well as amaranth.Alternative crops occupy a relatively small acreage but their contribution to the diversification of field crops production is considerable. Natural biodiversity is of high relevance considering the ecosystem stability and productivity. A high level of agro-biodiversity is very important because of wider crop rotations, growing leguminous crops for the nitrogen input, and the need for specific site and system adapted species and cultivars, also when considering special marketing strategies. For the further improvement of the production of alternative crops expanded literature, selected cultivars and innovative production andprocesing technologies are neccesary. It works best if covering and integrating the whole value chain including wholesalers, retailers, and consumer