Farmer Training Programs

Field Days for Women Organic Farmers: A Success Story

Summary

Educating women farmers about certified organic production

Coordinator: Melissa Matthewson, Southern Oregon Research and Experiment Station, Central Point, OR
Project location: Southwestern Oregon

Many women enjoy learning environments that are geared for women only. Recognizing this interest, the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Small Farms program, with OFRF support, sponsored four on-farm field days hosted by and for women organic and transitioning farmers.

Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network Farmer-to-Farmer Program organic outreach

Summary

Coordinator: Karen Wynne, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network (ASAN), Huntsville, Alabama
Stakeholders: Alabama farmers, ranchers and educators

ASAN logoAlabama’s organic and sustainable farming community is growing. While only four farms in the state are certified organic, the number claiming to use organic methods or transitioning to organic is much higher.

Organic Livestock Handbook: a Canadian Organic Growers Practical Skills Handbook

Summary

Coordinator: Kristine Swaren, Canadian Organic Growers, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Stakeholders: Organic, transitioning, and conventional livestock producers

COG published the original Organic Livestock Handbook in 2000 (with OFRF funding) and this very popular book needs a complete overhaul for at least three reasons:

Searchable Library of Articles on Organic Growing

Summary

Coordinator: Jack Kittredge, Natural Organic Farming Association / Massachusetts, Barre, MA
Stakeholders: Beginning and hopeful farmers, farmers interested in converting to organic, and organic growers looking for a better way to deal with problems.

NOFA/Mass proposes to publish over 100 online searchable articles on 12 topics relating to organic production and marketing. The topics are: