Organic Agriculture
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Organic at Cornell | Organic Organizations
| Organic Policy | Organic Certification
| Transition to Organic | Organic
Marketing | General | Organic
Dairy | Organic Livestock & Poultry | Organic
Horticulture | Organic Field Crops
Organic at Cornell
http://www.organic.cornell.edu/
Sponsored by the Cornell Organic Working Group to share information about Cornell research, teaching, and extension programs in organic production and marketing.
Contact Anu Rangarajan at (607) 255-1780 or
ar47@cornell.edu.
http://www.neon.cornell.edu/
A consortium of farmers, researchers, extension educators, and grassroots non-profits.
Contact Anusuya Rangarajan, Executive Director, at (607) 255-1780 or
ar47@cornell.edu, or Steve Gilman, Managing Director, at (518) 583-4613 or
shg7@cornell.edu.
http://www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/projects/dairy/organictransition.cfm
This project was launched in Spring 2006 as a partnership between the Small
Farms Program, NY Farm Viability Institute and Ag. Innovation Center, and Cooperative
Extension of Cortland County. It aims to provide business and technical assistance
to NY dairy producers transitioning to organic certification as a way of improving
the viability of their farm operation.
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/department/facilities/dilmun/index.html
Mission: to provide experiential learning opportunities and educational facilities for Cornell students, faculty, staff and the local community in the exploration of sustainable food and agricultural systems.
Marguerite Wells Farm Manager Phone: (607) 255-9911 E-mail:
mw38@cornell.edu
http://www.plbr.cornell.edu/psi/
The Public Seed Initiative (PSI) is a joint cooperative effort between Cornell
University Departments of Plant Breeding and Horticulture; the Northeast Organic
Farming Association of New York, Inc.; the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural
Research Service's Plant Genetic Resources Unit in Geneva, NY; and the Farmer's
Cooperative Genome Project-Oregon Tilth. PSI is working with farmers and seed
companies to develop a vegetable breeding and seed production training program
that will help improve productivity, profitability, and the viability of agriculture
in the Northeast. Contact Matt Falise, Project Manager, at (607) 254-6442 or
mf93@cornell.edu.
http://media.cce.cornell.edu/hosts/agfoodcommunity/cce-organicfarmers.pdf
Jim Ochterski, Cornell Cooperative Extension Article about how Cornell Cooperative
Extension can help organic farmers, including ways to make the CCE-organic farmer
relationship more successful. Publication is in
PDF format
Organic Organizations
http://www.nofany.org/
A not for profit organization consisting of consumers, gardeners, and farmers working to creating a sustainable regional food system which is ecologically sound and economically viable. They promote land stewardship, organic food production, and local marketing through demonstration and education. Publishes
Organic Farms, Folks, and Foods.
Mayra Richter, Office Manager NOFA-NY P.O. Box 880 Cobleskill, NY 12043-0880 Voice: (518) 734-5495 Fax: (518) 734-4641 E-mail:
office@nofany.org
http://www.ifoam.org/
IFOAM is a worldwide umbrella organization of over 750 member organizations and institutions, founded in 1972.
IFOAM Head Office c/o Okozentrum Imsbach D-66636 Tholey-Theley Germany Phone: (+49) 6853-919890 Fax: (+49) 6853-919899 E-mail:
HeadOffice@ifoam.org
http://www.soilassociation.org/
The Soil Association is the UK's leading campaigning and certification organization for organic food and farming.
Soil Association Bristol House 40-56 Victoria St. Bristol, BS1 6BY, United Kingdom Phone: 0117 929 0661 Fax: 0117 925 2504 E-mail:
info@soilassociation.org
http://www.oeffa.com/
Resources include many links for ag service providers and farmers interested in organic production practices. This site is a good starting point for anyone looking for easy-to-access resources on organic production.
Benjamin Minor Membership Coordinator P.O. Box 82234 Columbus, OH 43202 Phone: (614) 421-2022 Fax: (614) 421-2011 E-mail:
benjamin@oeffa.com
http://www.ota.com/
A national association representing the organic industry in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmer associations, brokers, consultants, distributors, and retailers working to promote organic products in the marketplace and to protect the integrity of organic standards.
Organic Trade Association P.O. Box 547 Greenfield, MA 01301 Phone: (413) 774-7511 Fax: (413) 774-6432 E-mail:
info@ota.com
http://www.ofrf.org/
A research foundation dedicated to carrying out and disseminating research on organic farming practices and trends. This site includes an outline of their funded research projects, research grants, and publications.
Organic Farming Research Foundation P.O. Box 440 Santa Cruz, CA 95061 Phone: (831) 426-6606 Fax: (831) 426-6670 E-mail:
research@ofrf.org
Organic Policy
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/
The NOP is a marketing program housed within the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service. The NOP developed national organic standards and established an organic certification program based on recommendations of the 15-member National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The NOP web site provides information for producers, consumers, and certifying agents relating to USDA's organic standards and procedures.
Contact Richard Mathews, Program Manager, at (202) 720-3252.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/farmbill/analysis/organicagriculture.htm
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
The 2002 Farm Act contains several first-time research and technical assistance provisions to assist organic crop and livestock producers with production and marketing. The Act authorizes $15 million in new funding for advanced organic production systems research and $5 million for a national cost-share program to help defray the costs of certification incurred by organic crop and livestock producers. For the first time, organic producers who produce and market only organic products will be allowed an exemption from paying conventional marketing assessments.
Organic Certification
ATTRA fact sheet on preparing for certification
Organic Certifying Organizations Serving Northeast Producers
In research conducted by Cornell's Small Farms Program in 2002, the following organizations were determined to be providing organic certification services to farmers in the Northeast region in 2002. Contact the individual organization for current information.
Aurora, NY 13026 Phone: (315) 364-5617 Fax: (315) 364-5224 |
5449 45 St. SE Medina, ND 58467 Phone: (701) 486-3578 Fax: (701) 486-3580 |
Global Organic Alliance, Inc. P.O. Box 530 Bellefontaine, OH 43311-0530 Phone: (937) 593-1232 Fax: (937) 593-9507 |
Northeast Organic Farming Association 683 River St. Winchendon, MA 01475 Phone: (978) 297-4171 |
P.O. Box 170 Unity, ME 04988 Phone/Fax: (207) 568-4142 |
Organic Certification Program P.O. Box 2042 Concord, NH 03302-2042 Phone: (603) 271-3685 Fax: (603) 271-1109 |
P.O. Box 886 Pennington, NJ 08534 Phone: (609) 737-6848 Fax: (609) 737-2366 |
840 Upper Front St. Binghamton, NY 13905 Phone: (607) 724-9851 |
1001 Y St. Ste. B Lincoln, NE 68508 Phone: (402) 477-2323 Fax: (402) 477-4325 |
470 Lancaster Dr. NE Salem, OR 97301 Phone: (503) 378-0690 Fax: (503) 378-0809 |
1919 General Potter Highway Ste. 1 Central Hall, PA 16828 Phone: (814) 364-1344 Fax: (814) 364-4431 |
Stellar Certification Britt Rd. Aurora, NY 13026 Phone: (315) 364-5617 Fax: (315) 364-5224 |
Northeast Organic Farming Association P.O. Box 697 Richmond, VT 05477 Phone: (802) 434-4122 Fax: (802) 434-4154 |
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/livestockforms.pdf
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
In order to become certified organic, livestock producers must demonstrate to an accredited certifier that their operation complies with National Organic Program regulations. The 32 forms in this package are provided as tools that livestock producers can use for documenting practices, inputs, and activities that demonstrate compliance with regulations or that assist in other aspects of farm record keeping. Publication is in
PDF format.
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/orchardforms.pdf
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
In order to become certified organic, producers must demonstrate to an accredited certifier that their farm operation complies with National Organic Program regulations. The 17 forms in this package are provided as tools that orchardists and viticulturists can use for documenting practices, inputs, and activities that demonstrate compliance with regulations or that assist in other aspects of farm record keeping. Publication is in
PDF format.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib780/
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, April 2003
U.S. farmland managed under organic systems expanded rapidly throughout the 1990s, and that pace has continued as farmers strive to meet consumer demand in both local and national markets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented national organic standards on organic production and processing in October 2002, following more than a decade of development. The new uniform standards are expected to facilitate further growth in the organic farm sector. This report updates USDA estimates of land farmed with organic practices for 2000 and 2001, and provides new estimates on the number of certified organic operations in each State.
55 pages. $27 plus $5 S&H. To order a print copy of this report, click
here [http://www.ers.usda.gov/AboutERS/Sales/index.asp?pdt=2&pid=1483]
.
Transition to Organic
http://www.sare.org/publications/organic/organic.pdf
Sustainable Agriculture Network, October 31, 2003
Opportunities in Agriculture:
Transitioning to Organic Production, a new bulletin from the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN), provides a detailed overview
of organic farming and ranching. From designing profitable rotations and building
healthy soil to controlling weeds and pests, the color bulletin lays out many
promising strategies to convert successfully, including special sections on livestock
production, and profiles of 4 diverse organic producers. The bulletin also covers
typical organic farming production practices, innovative marketing ideas, new
federal standards for certified organic crop production, and specific considerations
for transition. Publication is in
PDF forma. 32 pages.
Order free print copies by calling (301) 504-5236 or e-mailing
san_assoc@sare.org.
Please provide your name, mailing address, and telephone number. Agriculture educators
may place orders for print copies in quantity for upcoming winter conferences,
workshops, or other events.
http://www.oeffa.org/extension/fwc.html
Keith Dix, Innovative Farmers of Ohio, in cooperation with the Citizens Policy Center
The Innovative Farmers of Ohio, in cooperation with the Citizens Policy Center, has released a case study report entitled Farming Without Chemicals in Ohio. The report is organized around 12 frequently asked questions that conventional farmers pose to their organic farmer neighbors. The author relied on interviews with 6 Ohio organic farmers to develop answers to the questions. Some of the questions and answers are specific to conditions in Ohio but others apply anywhere.
Hard copies can be ordered by sending $7 to: Innovative Farmers of Ohio 3083 Liberty Rd. Delaware, OH 43015
http://cesantabarbara.ucdavis.edu/sf4200.htm
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Protect natural resources and take advantage of a growing organic market that offers price premiums for those willing to try a new system.
Organic Marketing
General
http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/organicag/rr.html
Iowa State University Agronomy Extension
A full listing of all the reports/research from Iowa State University on their work on organic agriculture.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aib770/aib770.pdf
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Certified organic farming systems were used on 1.35 million acres of cropland and pasture in 49 states in 1997, representing a doubling of organic acreage since 1992; the egg and dairy sectors grew even faster, according to the report. Publication is in
PDF format.
The Real Dirt: Farmers Tell About Organic and Low-Input Practices in the Northeast
Miranda Smith, Elizabeth Henderson, Ed., 1998
This book is a snapshot-view of the techniques and systems that organic and low-input farmers relied upon during the period 1989 to 1991. It is not a "how to" book. It cannot possibly answer all the questions organic farmers have, anymore than it can guide conventional farmers through transition to low-input or organic systems. Instead, it is hoped that a fairly accurate portrayal of organic and low-input systems at this time is given and some good ideas from one farmer in the region to another are disseminated.
Sections in this book include: soil management; managing pests; crop management; livestock and dairy management; management and marketing concerns; and transition and whole-farm design.
264 pages. $20. Click
here [http://www.nofany.org/puborderform.pdf]
for an order form. Mail payment with order form to: NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC 840 Upper Front St. Binghamton, NY 13905
http://www.nofany.org/publications.html
Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Inc.
NOFA-NY publishes several informational booklets and provides other books to help farmers, gardeners, and consumers with pertinent information about organic farming, food production, and food choices. Titles offered include:
- How to Keep Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Longer with Less Spoilage (1986), by Tracy Frisch. 24 pages. $2.75. A storage guide from farm to table.
- Sell What You Sow! (1994), by Eric Gibson. 302 pages. $28. The growers guide to succesful produce marketing.
- The Soil Biology Primer (2000), by SWCS. 48 pages. $6.25. An introduction to the living component of soil and how it contributes to agricultural productivity, and air and water quality. This book describes the soil food web and its relationship to soil health, and covers bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, arthropods, and earthworms.
All prices include postage and handling. To order, print out the
order form [http://www.nofany.org/puborderform.pdf]
and mail it with payment to: NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC 840 Upper Front St. Binghamton, NY 13905
http://www.cook.rutgers.edu/~organic/links.htm
Rutgers University
Links to sites about biodiversity and biology; composting; earthworms; environmental, agriculture, and miscellaneous topics; herbs; organic cotton; organic gardens; organic and sustainable agriculture organizations; seeds and plants for sale; weeds, insects, and pests; and non-organic topics.
http://www.ofrf.org/publications/SoS/SoS.overview.page.html
Jane Sooby, Organic Farming Research Foundation
State of the States is primarily meant to help farmers and scientists find and connect with organic systems researchers working in their state or area of interest. It represents the first comprehensive listing of organic research projects underway at the nation's 67 land grant schools, which are charged with supporting agriculture through research, education, and extension. Contact information is provided with each project listing so readers can immediately connect with people doing work of interest to them.
Print copies may be ordered by contacting the OFRF at (831) 426-6606 or
research@ofrf.org.
http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/Organic/
Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Contains ERS articles and reports, answers to frequently asked questions, recent research updates, and government links on this topic.
http://www.organicaginfo.org/
This premiere web site is where to go for current, accurate, scientifically-based, or practically validated information about organic agriculture. This international site provides links to relevant web sites and organizations throughout the world. Go there to find production information, economic information, research results, farmer anecdotes, certification information, transition strategies, etc.
For general questions about Organic Ag Info, contact Kathleen Bielek at
oac@osu.edu.
http://www.acresusa.com/
Books, magazines, and other resources for organic/sustainable farmers.
Phone: 1-800-355-5313 Fax: (512) 892-4448
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/manures.html
George Kuepper, Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas, March 2003
This publication looks at different manure handling practices for organic growers.
Organic Dairy
Organic Livestock & Poultry
Organic Livestock Research Survey
James Riddle, Endowed Chair in Agricultural Systems, University of Minnesota
In response to the growth and need for research institutions to understand the needs of the industry, a survey of organic livestock research needs was developed and conducted by Jim Riddle. 203 participants from the U.S. and Canada responded and prioritized organic livestock research topics in 10 categories, and submitted research ideas of their own. Available for download in
PDF format are the
summary [http://www.misa.umn.edu/Other/Livestock-Summary1web.pdf]
and
full report [http://www.misa.umn.edu/Other/Livestock-Survey_web.pdf]
.
http://www.kingbirdfarm.com/Layerhealthcompendium.pdf
by Karma E. Glos - This manual is a compendium of alternative health care gleaned
from current publications, old herbals, Internet web sites, and Northeast organic
poultry growers. It is intended as a workbook for the development of your own
health care practices and provides space for note taking. This manual is a work
in progress for all of us. We all, as managers of organic laying flocks, have
something to contribute to the development of progressive ways to prevent and
treat what ails the hen. Publication is in
PDF format.
For a free copy, contact: Karma Glos Kingbird Farm 9398 West Creek Rd. Berkshire,
NY 13736 Phone: (607) 657-2860 E-mail:
karma@kingbirdfarm.com
http://www.acresusa.com/books/closeup.asp?prodid=1236&catid=11&pcid=2
Paul Detloff, D.V.M.
Drawing on 36 years of veterinary practice, Dr. Paul Dettloff presents an natural, sustainable approach to ruminant health. Copiously illustrated chapters "break down" the animal into its interrelated biological systems: digestive, reproductive, respiratory, circulatory, musculoskeletal, and more. Also includes a chapter on nosodes, with vaccination programs for dairy cattle, sheep, and goats. An information-packed manual from a renowned vet and educator.
260 pages. Item #6654. $28. To order, visit the web site or call 1-800-355-5313, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm CT.
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/#livestock
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
This workbook has been created to assist organic and transitional producers with livestock or mixed crop and livestock operations in understanding the range of practices and materials allowed under the National Organic Program Regulations. Particular emphasis is placed on farming strategies and practices that promote sustainability. This workbook should be especially useful to growers contemplating conversion to organic production, and to those who are in the early years of transition. Readers will find a number of questions at the end of each section, which serve as a checklist for sustainable practices and for preserving organic integrity. These questions draw particular attention to areas that may affect eligibility for certification. Publication is in
PDF format.
Caring for Livestock Holistically
Pat Coleby
New book series: Natural Cattle Care, Goat Care, and Horse Care. A holistic approach to ranch management and animal husbandry.
- Natural Cattle Care -- 168 pages, $20
http://www.acresusa.com/books/closeup.asp?action=search&prodid=62&catid=&pcid=2
- Natural Goat Care -- 372 pages, $25
http://www.acresusa.com/books/closeup.asp?action=search&prodid=63&catid=&pcid=2
- Natural Horse Care -- 168 pages, $20
http://www.acresusa.com/books/closeup.asp?action=search&prodid=64&catid=&pcid=2
Order by clicking the links, calling 1-800-355-5313, or e-mailing
info@acresusa.com.
Alternative and Herbal Livestock Health Conference: A Scientific Review of Current Knowledge
72 pages. $15. Make checks payable to University of Connecticut. Write to: Rochelle Syme University of Connecticut Home and Garden Education Center 1380 Storrs Rd., U-4115 Storrs, CT 06269-4115
Organic Livestock Handbook
Anne Macey, Ed., Canadian Organic Growers, 2000
Management practices as they relate to animal husbandry.
179 pages. $23. Click
here [http://nofany.org/puborderform.pdf]
for an order form.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/livestocksystems/DI7736.html
B. Koehler, University of Minnesota Extension Service, May 2002
Describes how to develop swine feeding programs for organic certification. Suggests diets to use according to pig size and pasture supplementation.
BU-07736. $8. To order a hard copy, click
here [http://www.extension.umn.edu/units/dc/item.html?item=07736]
Or call (612) 624-4900 or 1-800-876-8636, or e-mail
order@extension.umn.edu.
http://www.ansci.umn.edu/poultry/links/organicproduction-links.htm
Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota
A list of publications from various sources about organic poultry production.
Organic Horticulture
Organic Vegetable Production
Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service, March 2004
Organic Vegetable Production is the proceedings of a 3-day series of meetings held at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York in January 2003. The meetings brought together both university and farmer speakers -- all experts in their fields -- to share information on the management practices that have worked well for them.
162 pages. Item NRAES-165. $28 plus S&H. Call or write to: NRAES Cooperative Extension P.O. Box 4557 Ithaca, NY 14852-4557 Phone: (607) 255-7654 Fax: (607) 254-8770 E-mail:
nraes@cornell.edu
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/department/faculty/pritts/organic.htm
Department of Horticulture, Cornell University
Information about strawberry production.
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/department/faculty/pritts/organicres.htm
Marvin Pritts, Department of Horticulture, Cornell University. An article about
the key features of organic berry crop production.
http://www.cias.wisc.edu/pdf/certorg.pdf
Karen Delahaut, Harriet Behar, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, University of Wisconsin, September 2003
The number of fresh market vegetable growers has increased steadily over the past few years and many of these growers are interested in producing a crop organically. As a result, organic production has evolved from a small, niche market to a $10 billion industry in 2002. This publication is designed to help new growers work through the steps necessary to obtain organic certification. Publication is in
PDF format.
12 pages. $3. To order a print copy, send a check made payable to UW Madison-CIAS and your name, business, and address to: Center for Integrated Ag Systems 1450 Linden Dr. Madison, WI 53706 Phone: (608) 262-5200 Fax: (608) 265-3020 E-mail:
ramcnair@facstaff.wisc.edu
Essentials of Producing Organic, Certified Seed & Raising Organic Seed: A Handbook for Growers
Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society
Essentials of Producing Organic, Certified Seed is a 30-minute video and $20.
Raising Organic Seed: A Handbook for Growers, the 60-page companion book, is $10. To order, contact: Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society 9824 79th St. SE Fullerton, ND 58441 Phone: (701) 883-4304 E-mail:
trhaigh@itctel.com
Organic Soil Fertility Recommendation Service
Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York
NOFA-NY is offering a new Organic Soil Fertility Recommendation Service for farmers and gardeners. Brian Caldwell, NOFA-NY's Farm Education Coordinator, heads this new service. Caldwell has over 25 years of organic farming experience and has advised both organic and conventional farmers since 1995. He is a recognized expert on organic soil management and other aspects of organic farming.
For more information or to receive an Organic Soil Fertility Recommendation Service brochure, call (607) 564-1060.
http://www.newfarm.org/depts/talking_shop/0403/seasonextention.shtml
Darcy Maulsby, Upper Midwest Organic Conference, Feb. 27-Mar. 1, The New Farm
We're not talking greenhouses here. We're talking row covers, temporary season extension houses, and frost irrigation, and it works. Paul and Sandy Arnold of Argyle, NY have done the math on it.
http://www.nofa.org/store/manuals/index.php
Steve Gilman
Weeds can be the organic farmer's and gardener's most daunting adversary. Lush, fertile soil brimming with organic matter is just as appealing to weeds as to your crops. In conventional gardening, weeds are the enemy, to be obliterated by whatever weapon is most effective, chemical or otherwise. After reading this book, however, you are likely to view weeds as important and informative neighbors. Author Gilman knows and utilizes the energies and characteristics of weeds to teach you to garden more efficiently, productively, and with less stress. He even does it with a great "sense of humus"! Included in this volume: changing your weedy concepts; techniques of natural farming; weed control strategies; weed eating machines.
96 pages. $7.95 plus S&H. Visit the web site to order.
http://www.nofa.org/store/manuals/index.php
Steve Gilman
Soil is a living organism that loves to cooperate with farmers and gardeners. A green thumb will appear on those who align themselves with its health and requirements. This book discusses: soil habitat; sustaining soil fertility; the soil foodweb; nutrient availability and deficiency.
96 pages. $7.95 plus S&H. Visit the web site to order.
http://www.chelseagreen.com/1989/items/neworganicgrower
Eliot Coleman
"A Master's Manual of Tools and Techniques for the Home and Market Gardener." Some of the topics this book discusses include: land, scale and capital, planning, soil fertility, direct seeding, transplanting, weeds and pests, harvest, marketing, winter garden, and information resources.
352 pages. $24.95. Visit the web site to order.
http://attra.ncat.org/
ATTRA provides many publications for those interested in organic production, including:
These and other ATTRA publications can also be obtained for free by calling ATTRA at 1-800-346-9140, Monday-Friday, from 7am to 7pm CST.
ATTRA P.O. Box 3657 Fayetteville, AR 72702
http://www.newfarm.org/
Farmer-to-farmer know-how from The Rodale Institute. Features an organic price index, e-letters to the e-editors, news and research, columnists, gleanings, 1000 stories of regenerative agriculture, talking shop, stories about farm life, certification archives, a pig page, and more.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/orgusda.htm
National Agricultural Library, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
A bibliography (1992-2002) available online.
Complimentary print copies are available from the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center at the National Agricultural Library by calling (301) 504-6559 or e-mailing
afsic@nal.usda.gov.
Organic Field Crops
Fact Sheets from ATTRA (Appropriate Technology
Transfer for Rural Areas):
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/#field
Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
This workbook has been created to assist organic and transitional producers with cropping or mixed crop and livestock operations in understanding the range of practices and materials allowed under the National Organic Program Regulations. Particular emphasis is placed on farming strategies and practices that promote sustainability. This workbook should be especially useful to growers contemplating conversion to organic production, and to those who are in the early years of transition. Readers will find a number of questions at the end of each section, which serve as a checklist for sustainable practices and for preserving organic integrity. These questions draw particular attention to areas that may affect eligibility for certification. Publication is in
PDF format.
Organic Grain: Another Way
Cornell University
This educational package of 3 video tapes, 2 200-page books, and assorted reprints can serve as a framework for study and discussion groups evaluating alternative methods of grain production. Combines production information with examples from successful organic grain farmers. The 3 video tapes can be ordered separately.
Video #1 Farm Decision Making: Follow a farm family as they use holistic planning to explore new farm enterprises.
Video #2 Choosing Organic: Farmers from Maryland to New York explain why they chose organic production.
Video #3 The Transition to Organic: Farmers and researchers present production information on soil quality, wee, pest, and nutrient management; crop rotations; cover crops; and more.
The resource package includes:
- Building Soils for Better Crops book
- Managing Cover Crops Profitability book
- Organic Trade Association (OTA) materials
- Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) factsheets
- Brochure and order forms for Michigan State University field crop publications
Video 332OGVP (package), $52.50. Video 332VOGV (video tapes only), $31.50. To order, contact the Cornell University Resource Center: Phone: (607) 255-2080 E-mail:
resctr@cornell.edu
http://www.rodaleinstitutestore.org/store/customer/product.php?productid=374&cat=&page=1
Patricia S. Michalak, The Rodale Institute, 2002
This useful booklet is for consultants, extension agents, or farmers considering transitioning or expanding into growing orgainc grains. It provides information on growing and marketing organic grain. You will also find the topics of production, storage, and marketing covered with a level of detail that is pertinent and helpful. Chapters cover a description of organic systems, soil health, cover crops and crop rotation, compost and nutrient management, pest management, marketing, and organic certification. A chapter is dedicated to grain production techniques, which covers all of the grains (corn, soybeans, buckwheat, wheat, rye, oats, barley, and spelt). Also included are sections of seed selection, establishment, nutrient management, rotation considerations, pest management, harvesting and storage, processing, and marketing. Finally, a list of references and additional sources of information on the subjects of organic certification, organic crop production, pest management, marketing, and economics is listed.
80 pages. $10. Visit the web site to order online from The Rodale Institute.
