Let's Go Organic

This training is for anyone interested in learning more about the organic regulations and how organic certification works. Participants gain specialized knowledge of organic regulations and certification, useful for farms interested in organic certification or practices (whether already certified or interested in transitioning), government agencies, non-profit organizations, technical service providers, or people interested in careers in organic certification.

To complete the full course, sign up for the online pre-requisite class, “Introduction to Organic Agriculture,” and at least one in-person “Organic Regulations 101” class. Participants are welcome to take just the online class, but the in-person class is only available to people who have already completed the online class.

Are you considering USDA Organic Certification but need more clarification about the requirements and process? Becoming a Certified Organic farm is a significant commitment, but it can have tremendous advantages, from increased market competitiveness and improved recordkeeping to accessing additional funding and technical assistance from service providers.

This month’s Demystifying Organic host farm is the VSU Randolph Farm! Dr. Sanjun Gu, Extension Specialist and Associate Professor of Horticulture, will tour us through VSU’s 416-acre agricultural learning center, home to a multitude of agricultural related research, demonstration and instruction activities. In addition to producing the region’s traditional row crops, the farm is utilized for research and education in areas of new and niche crops, alternative cropping methods, horticultural crops, nutrient management, water quality, animal production, and aquaculture production.

Join us to demystify the organic certification process and hear about the latest resources, programs and tools. Learn about “what it takes to transition to certified organic” with Meredith Morgan, of Quality Certification Services. American Farmland Trust with guide the networking session, where you can speak with organic farmers about your questions regarding the journey through transition to organic production.

Join Organic Growers School for Organic Crop Management, a FREE webinar series led by local farmers and agricultural resource specialists. Growers will gain the tools to manage soil health, weeds, pests and diseases for the whole farm. Participants will also gain insight into considerations for Organic Certification. Each session will center around direct experience in the field from organic growers of different scales.

Featured Topics and Speakers:

9/24 – Organic Soil Management w/ De’Anthony Price (Rodale Institute)

10/1 – Organic Pest Management w/ Tom Elmore (Thatchmore Farm)

10/8 Organic Plant Disease Management w/ Steve Beltram & Danielle Hutchison (TendWell Farm)

10/15 Organic Weeds Management w/ Mary Carroll (Red Scout Farm)

Learn more and register here.

Growers are increasingly interested in cultural practices that improve plant health, extend the growing season, and increase the resilience of their farm’s operation. High tunnels are now widely used on mixed vegetable farms in Maine, and their popularity is only growing. However, a high tunnel is a major investment, and may not be the appropriate choice for every situation. Low tunnels can be an affordable and nimble option for season extension and can protect vulnerable crops from pest damage. Come learn from farmers experienced in the many applications of low tunnels on a mixed vegetable farm and learn about mentorship opportunities for producers transitioning to organic offered through the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).