When it comes to transitioning a farm to certified organic production, picking and working with a certifier can be one of the most confusing and stressful parts. In this lesson, we’ll hear from Bob Whitney, Texas A&M’s Organic Program Specialist. He’s got a lot of experience with this stuff and breaks down the basics of… Continue reading How to Choose and Work with an Organic Certifier
Type: Audio & Video
The Organic Agronomist – Roles and Services
In this video, we explore the types of support organic farmers in the Southwest are looking for and how ag advisors can meet their needs. We hear answers straight from working organic farmers and advisors who share their hard-won knowledge, earned through years of experience and countless hours in the field.
The Taproot Project: Organic as a Movement
What does the USDA organic seal really mean? The USDA organic seal represents decades of organizing within the agricultural community to establish a codified system of principles and practices for crop and food production that works in partnership with nature, rather than against it. In this episode, Kate speaks with two long-time organic advocates and… Continue reading The Taproot Project: Organic as a Movement
The Taproot Project: Farmland Commons — A Legacy of Sustainability
Any conversation about the future of farming eventually hits the issue of land access. Land is expensive, and within the market system a parcel of land will typically sell to the highest bidder– making existing farmland susceptible to development. But taking farmland out of private ownership can stabilize farmland and ensure it serves the community… Continue reading The Taproot Project: Farmland Commons — A Legacy of Sustainability
The Taproot Project: From Mexico to Illinois, One Farmer’s Journey
Antonio Delgado has been a trailblazer in northern Illinois’ food system since 1980, when he moved to Elgin from Michoacan, Mexico. He helped establish one of the region’s first farm-to-table restaurants and has since gone on to operate his own farm and farm-to-table restaurant. Kate speaks with Antonio about farming journey. This episode was supported… Continue reading The Taproot Project: From Mexico to Illinois, One Farmer’s Journey
Understanding the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards
The USDA published the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) rule, which expands upon existing regulations for livestock handling, transport, slaughter, and avian living conditions. Participants joined NOFA-NY Educators and Certification Staff for a presentation and discussion of how this rule affects organic livestock producers and the timeline for implementation.
How to Perform Material Searches for Organic Production
This downloadable resource provides information on how to determine which materials are approved for use in organic systems. The resource is formatted as a PowerPoint presentation with embedded audio.
