Small scale technology utilization and processing of fruit orchards extensive bio

The objective of the thesis was to ascertain the development speed of extensive organic orchards in the South-Moravian region, evaluate their production's potential, legislative, economic, and environmental aspects. Research was conducted via public surveys and visits of organic orchard owners in the South-Moravian region. Other data was obtained in co-operation with BIOKONT CZ, s.r.o., a regulatory organization, and using the Ministry of Agriculture and Pro-bio association web sites. The results show there are currently 4402 environmental entities registered at the Ministry of Agriculture, including 3894 organic farmers. As of 31st March. 2014 there have been 689 organic orchard owners in the Czech Republic, of which 17% is registered in the South-Moravian region alone. 14 of the 16 interviewees do harvest their orchards' production. One orchard owner established his orchard focusing on blackcurrant enzyme extraction instead of conventional fruit production. There is a concern that one of the respondents converted their orchard to an organic system only due to potential subsidies, since they do not harvest any produce. The reason allegedly is the age of the trees and a lack of pollinators. Other farmers established their orchards convinced that fruits produced in accordance with organic farming rules is better than its conventional counterpart