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Learn from Farmers' Experience at Organic Farming Research Foundation Event
Barb and I try hard to walk the walk by supporting a better food system in myriad ways. That said, our devotion to transitioning conventional farms to organic is documented. We inherited her family's conventional farm in east-central Illinois in 2008 and sold it in 2012 to Iroquois Family Farms, a farmland investment company that converted it to organic.
If you are a farmer considering transition, you should consider attending the November 12 webinar titled Adding the “O” : Farmer Perspectives and Experiences Transitioning to Organic. The webinar, to be held from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. central, is part of the Seeds of Success collaboration of Organic Farming Research Foundation, Organic Farmers Association and National Organic Coalition.
Here is how the organizers describe the event, followed by a registration link.
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Are you beginning the process of transitioning your farm to certified organic? Are you wondering how others have overcome the hurdles of certification? Would you like to hear directly from farmers who have successfully made their transition to organic?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then join us on November 12th from 1-2pm ET for our Seeds of Success session: Adding the “O” : Farmer Perspectives and Experiences Transitioning to Organic.
Transitioning farmers face unique challenges that require technical assistance on a wide range of production and non-production issues. During the transition period farmers must consider financially viable strategies for the three-year transition period, how to restore soil health while learning to manage weeds without herbicides, acquiring new equipment and infrastructure needed for organic production, and navigating NOP-related paperwork during the last year of transition and first year of certification.
This webinar will feature two farmers that have worked through these issues, and will share their experiences and thoughts for demystifying some of the challenges they faced in the process. Their presentations will be followed by a facilitated Q&A, so come prepared with your questions!
Our Farmer Panelists:
Mike Bronkema of Shady Side Farm in Michigan began his journey in 1992 with a conventional layer operation. With the help of his wife, Mike has now transitioned 150 acres into a diversified farm of 20 different varieties of edible dry beans as well as heritage small grains, such as einkorn and spelt, and open-pollinated corn.
Dakota Moore of Moore Family Farm in Michigan began the transition in 2019. Dakota was raised on the historic Moore Family Farm in Warsaw, North Carolina, which has been around since 1833. He and his father work together on the farm where they specialize in the production of Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower, Collard Greens, Cabbage, Butterhead and Romaine Lettuce.
About the Seeds of Success Series
OFRF has partnered with the Organic Farmers Association (OFA) and National Organic Coalition (NOC) to lead a series of virtual farmer-to-farmer networking sessions. These facilitated events will be engaging opportunities for farmers to share their challenges and successes, and will be accompanied with relevant resources you can use.
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