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Hello: If anyone doubts that policy and ideas matter, recent developments in the organic farming world show how sound science, persistence, innovation and a commitment to biologically based agriculture are combining to create new farming opportunities.
The National Organic Standards Board, the organic sector’s highest forum for hashing out consensus recommendations to the USDA’s National Organic Program, is highlighting basic principles to guide clearer understanding of what’s officially organic and why. Healthy soil, natural behaviors, whole systems and biological contexts for crop plants are some of the decision points the board is using to evaluate food processing aids, animal welfare and nanotechnology. Read more>>
$50 million is big money in the organic farming world, and the designation of this sum to compensate farmers who implement conservation measures in concert with an Organic System Plan is a big deal. May 29 is the deadline to apply to state NRCS offices for the first round of EQUP program funding—for existing organic farmers or those ready to begin an organic transition. Read more >>
Growers who have doggedly pioneered organic apple production in the humid Northeast have struggled with many challenges, but have also seen conventional orchard practices grow more similar to theirs to reduce use of toxic materials. Integrated Fruit Management, the nearest-to-organic route which still produces lots of high-quality fruit, shows what’s possible as growers and researchers quest for greater sustainability in the orchard and the marketplace. Read more>>
Rodale Institute is part of the next generation of organic apple research in the Northeast, continuing our work with disease-resistant varieties, cultural practices, pheromone mating disruption and organically approved materials in a whole-system approach. You can help fund this quest for crunchy, juicy, great-tasting and pesticide-free apples by going to our Facebook Cause page. Click here>>
If you want to explore what it means to convert a farm to organic production, the place to be Friday, June 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the Rodale Institute’s "Transition to Organic” field day at our farm-based home near Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Learn the basics about healthy soil, crop rotation, cover crops, compost and certification through field tours and an overview of our free online Organic Transition Course.
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While you have your calendar out for “must-go” events, add Friday, July 17, our second summer field day, titled Cashing in on Soil Health. Learn this day about the carbon connection that organic farming does better than any other method as a way to sequester carbon in soil. Measurement of soil carbon and soil health, farming practices that maximize soil carbon, seeing these techniques in action and a 10-step soil carbon plan will be featured.
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It’s May 2009, the best time in the history of the world to really stretch your soil connections. If you farm, learn more about how you can be more of a climate-change hero through regenerative organic practices. If you don’t, connect with the farmers who are making the best efforts at sustainable and organic food production you can find. To survive together, to stimulate the best in our communities, to strive for what land well used can do for us all, get out and get active.
Greg Bowman at the Rodale Institute
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