June 25, 2008
Here’s an article about the next thing better than organic farming — “veganic farming.”
Ever notice how we’re never satisfied? For a while we have the answers. Then it’s just not good enough anymore. Something better is needed. This is what I thought about as I was reading this article about veganic farming.
Much like certified organic farmers, veganic farmers use no synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified ingredients. Veganic farmers take it to another level by not using any manures or slaughterhouse byproducts. They don’t even use organically approved pesticides.
So now some folks living out there on the bleeding edge have decided to take it one step further. Call it “beyond organic.” Can you see where we’re going with all this? Let me spell it out for you…
Conventional farming (chemicals will solve out problems)
Sustainable farming (fewer chemicals = less harm)
Organic farming (no chemicals, only natural inputs)
Veganic farming (fewer natural inputs = more purity)
What’s the next step? How about…
Hunting and gathering (no inputs, totally natural, lots of exercise)
June 10, 2008
From CFRA’s June ‘08 newletter…
“The difference between conventional and organic production is all about how products are raised. Section 205.202 of the National Organic Program rule states that no prohibited substances can be applied to land for a period of three years preceding the harvest of the crop. So, document when the last prohibited substance was applied, add 36 months, and this is your first opportunity to sell organic products.”
It’s as simple as that.
June 5, 2008
The Land Connect and Illinois Extension do a great job planning the Central Illinois Farm Dreams workshops. The 2008 workshops are now scheduled. For more information, or to register, visit the website or contact The Land Connection — 847/570-0701. These are for people serious about organic farming. Very practical information shared by real farmers.
In the Farm Dreams workshops, you will:
- be introduced to farmers doing various types of farm businesses, and to existing farmer training opportunities
- do self-assessment exercises to determine your need for, e.g. resources for land, capital, training, and markets
- identify next steps in pursuing your farming goals
- leave Farm Dreams with a clear idea about what is possible and what the risks are, so that you are better prepared to decide whether a farming business is the right fit for you at this time
Each interactive workshop is 4 hours long, includes a light supper, and costs $30.
May 29, 2008
The just-passed Farm Bill contains some nice funding increases in areas that support the organic industry. The Sustainable Ag Coalition put out a nice “snapshot” of Farm Bill “wins” related to sustainable and organic ag. Wins specific to organic…
ASSIST FARMERS’ AND RANCHERS’ TRANSITION TO ORGANIC PRODUCTION
National Organic Certification Cost Share Assistance
WIN: $22 million over 5 years in mandatory funding, a nearly five-fold increase compared to the previous farm bill, to help cover the costs of organic certification for farmers and handlers.
Organic Conversion Assistance
PARTIAL WIN: A new technical and financial assistance option within the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for producers transitioning to organic production.
Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative
WIN: $78 million over 4 years in mandatory funding, a five-fold increase compared to the previous farm bill (with an additional $25 million a year authorized for appropriations) to fund competitive grants for organic farming research and extension.
Organic Data Collection Initiative
WIN: $5 million over 5 years, first-time mandatory funding to fund a USDA organic data collection effort; will supplement appropriated dollars for the same program. An additional $5 million a year is authorized for appropriations.
Organic Crop Insurance
PARTIAL WIN: Sets in motion a process at USDA that should have the effect of ending the current discriminatory treatment of organic producers under the Federal crop insurance program, but will likely take several years longer than the SAC-proposed solution incorporated in the Senate-passed bill.
May 28, 2008
It’s planting season here in Central Illinois, but the weather has not cooperated. It’s been unusually cool and wet. Just as the soil begins to dry up and you’re a day from getting in the field, BAM! — more rain. It’s been like this all Spring and farmers are getting antsy about it. Finally last week we got our Spring cover crops in for some research trials we are doing with mustard and buckwheat. Feels good to get those in, but it is so late. Good thing it’s only research.
Last week I gave a talk locally for the Illinois Waste Management and Research Center’s, Seminar Series on Sustainability. My talk was titled, “How sustainable is organic farming.” In the talk I reviewed recent research confirming the superior nutrition, the environmental benefits and the yield potential of organically grown food. Rob Kantor of the Environmental Almanac was there and he put out a great article that appeared in our local Sunday paper. From that I’ve received two calls requesting more talks. I just came back in from providing a comment for a local news story on local food.
Organic never sleeps.
