Analyses the successes and failures of three alternative farming projects in the Netherlands during this period. Contents: 1. The farming systems experiment DFS. 2. Methodology for research on farming systems. 3. Nutrient supply and soil fertility at DFS. 4. Dairy cattle on the Organic Farm. 5. Crop rotation. 6. Disease and pest control. 7. Weed control. 8. The organic farm at Nagele. 9. Arable crop production. 10. Economic results of five years DFS. 11. Consumer quality of produce. 12. DFS and the needs of the agricultural extension service. 13. Looking backward and looking forward.