Face of Farming: Don Jantzi -- Rodale Institute

Don Jantzi,orchard foreman at the Rodale Institute, talks about cheap food, apple varieties and how the agricultural community is changing.

By Amanda Kimble-Evans

Why did you start farming?

My family ran an apple farm near Buffalo, New York and I really appreciated the benefits of having grown up on a farm. I felt it was a good choice to continue farming. I also enjoyed having fresh fruit in season.

What made you decide to farm organically?

I recognized the real possibility that restrictions on the use of available pesticides might leave few options for controls. It made sense to figure out what works best while I still have a range of choices.

What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a farmer and what was the key to overcoming that challenge?

It seems there are always new challenges to face. In the struggle to control apple scab, for example, we now have scab resistant varieties. But then when a regular scab control program is eliminated, other less common diseases become more difficult and more of a problem. So now the new challenge is summer rot and sooty blotch. Learning from other growers and extension specialists has been the best way I've found to overcome new challenges.

How has the agricultural community changed over the last 10 years?

There is an influx of new farmers, some from non-farm backgrounds, especially in smaller scale farming businesses.  There also seems to be a greater interest from established farmers to consider farming organically, partly because of increased energy costs and lower farm prices.

Are there any misconceptions consumers have about food and farming and do you think there is a way to change those misconceptions?

I believe that most consumers (here in the Western world) do not fully appreciate how cheap food is and what the hidden cost of conventional agriculture is to our economy.

What is your opinion on organic versus local?

My guess is that the majority of small organic farmers market more locally. The more we purchase and demand locally grown food, the more likely that it is being grown with sustainable intent, even though it may not be certified organic.

What do you think is standing in the way of organic being our primary agricultural system?

I am not convinced that all growers need to be certified organic.  However, the more we learn about the hidden costs of cheap food, the more we will be able to grow food safely.

What tool couldn’t you live without?

An effective orchard sprayer is a necessity for an organic orchardist. But better varieties are really the "tools" that have the biggest impact.

Come on out to the farm and taste our organic apples for yourself! Our Organic Apple Festival is September 11 from 10 to 5 rain or shine.