Join us for an Organic Field Day at Abundant TerrAced Earth in Silt!
This ten-acre, USDA-certified organic farm has spent years building a sustainable ecosystem that produces clean, healthy food while protecting the air, water, and soil for future generations. Terrie and Ace, the farm&#8217;s dedicated owners, have introduced grapevines, fruit trees, and wildlife habitats while expanding their medicinal garden. Over the past nine years, they&#8217;ve also undertaken a major project to install an underground irrigation system that significantly reduces water waste.
Come hear their inspiring organic farming journey and take a guided tour of the beautiful farm. Please dress for the weather.
Lunch will be provided, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Plains

Organic Field Day: Abundant TerrAced Earth / Silt, CO

This webinar focuses on achieving profitability during the transition to organic farming, featuring insights and practical advice from Blake Burggraff, a recently transitioned organic farmer. As transitioning to organic production can present financial challenges, this session will cover essential financial practices and strategies that can help mitigate risks and ensure a successful transition. Blake Burggraff will share his firsthand experiences, detailing the strategies and decisions that contributed to his farm’s profitability during and after the transition process.

Profitability for Transitioning Organic Producers

This webinar focuses on exploring the growing opportunities in organic specialty grains and crop markets within the Great Plains region. Designed for transitioning and aspiring organic farmers, the session will provide valuable insights into identifying and tapping into these niche markets. The webinar will feature a panel discussion with seasoned organic farmers and representatives from the Organic Farmers’ Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM). Panelists will share their experiences and strategies for successfully marketing organic specialty grains, such as heirloom varieties, ancient grains, and other high-demand crops

Identifying Organic Specialty Grains and Crop Markets

This 65 minute webinar provides an overview of the process for determining the use of materials approved for use in crop and livestock production under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). Participants will gain a clear understanding of the regulatory requirements, including how to identify and use approved substances to maintain compliance with NOP standards. The webinar will also delve into the role of the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) in supporting the organic input industry. The role of OMRI&#8217;s certification process and its product lists will be explained. By the end of the session, attendees will have the knowledge and resources needed to make more informed decisions about material use in organic farming, enhancing both their compliance and productivity.

Understanding approved materials for use in organic crop and livestock production

This event will discuss key topics on organic crop rotations essential for transitioning organic farmers. The event begins with a discussion on row crop rotations, focusing on strategies for farmers transitioning to organic practices. Experts will highlight the importance of diverse rotations. The event also explores the cultivation of aronia berries and grapes, emphasizing their use in producing wine and juice and their potential for high-value market opportunities as part of an organic crop system. A panel of experienced organic farmers will share their successful practices for implementing crop rotations in organic systems. The day will include a panel presentation from buyers, who will discuss effective marketing strategies for crops produced in organic rotations. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to optimize both production and marketability in their organic farming operations. The day concludes with an organic dinner and networking time.

Marketing the Whole Crop Rotation

Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program, Oregon Tilth, and EMSWCD present this FREE webinar to provide you with information about organic certification, regulations and compliance, and the benefits of becoming certified. Gain practical insights into overcoming certification challenges and leveraging the economic and environmental advantages.

Northwest

Organic Certification Webinar

<div>Join Florida Organic Growers at on October 10th from 10am &#8211; 2pm for an informative session on marketing your Organic products and crops at Swallowtail Farm in Gainesville, Fl.</div>
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<div>During this workshop, learn about key organic practices and marketing strategies for fruits and vegetables presented by Ben McLean III of McLean Family Farms. Learn about the benefits of organic farming and how it can enhance the viability of your farming business. This workshop is designed for both beginner and intermediate level farmers to gain knowledge of a wide variety of practices and strategies that have been used for over 20 years by McLean Family Farms. An overview of approved materials and a demonstration of methods will be provided.</div>
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<div>This is a free event! Registration is required.</div>
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<div><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-organic-advantage-marketing-your-organic-products-and-crops-tickets-1020857270577">Register on Eventbrite here.</a></div>
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<div>The workshop will be held on October 10th in person at Swallowtail Farm located at 7301 SE 92nd Terrace Gainesville, FL 32641.</div>
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<div>A light lunch will be provided.</div>
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<div>Please be aware this is an on-farm event. It is recommended attendees wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared for outdoor weather, including bringing hats, sunglasses and water.</div>
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<div>Questions? Contact Florida Organic Growers at <a id="OWAfa782adf-41b5-58ce-3979-51cfd1565cd0" href="mailto:SETOPP@foginfo.org" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-linkindex="2">SETOPP@foginfo.org</a> or call 352-377-6345.</div>
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<div>This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).</div>
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Southeast

FOG_McLean Workshop Oct 10

The Organic Advantage: Marketing Your Organic Products and Crops

Join River Queen Greens and SPROUT NOLA for a cover crop field day in which RQG will discuss their overall summer cover crop strategies and present the termination techniques they&#8217;re using this fall season. This is an opportunity for agricultural producers to learn from their peers about using cover crops as a sustainable soil building practice.
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<li>Attendees will be present as RQG terminates their summer sunn hemp cover crop using a tractor-mounted roller crimper and will learn about their two-year Southern SARE grant-funded experiment planting directly into crimped sunn hemp.</li>
<li>Attendees will see multiple growth stages of summer cover crop mix (sudan grass, buckwheat, iron and clay cowpeas, and sunflowers) and will also see the different termination strategies used in different fields.</li>
<li>RQG will demonstrate the EGO brush cutter and also talk about how they&#8217;ve adapted without their riding mower, which has played a big role in the past in helping terminate cover crop</li>
<li>Attendees will learn how tarps are used instead of tillage to incorporate cover crops.</li>
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This peer-to-peer learning opportunity is part of the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). Food and beverages will be provided.
Hope to see you on Friday, September 20th for the Cover Crop Termination Variety Show!
The event is free but registration is required. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cover-crop-termination-field-day-at-river-queen-greens-tickets-1005384410837?aff=oddtdtcreator">Register here.</a>

Cover Crop Termination Field Day

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 <a href="https://youtu.be/Px-TGrNbOxE?si=t71v_c1_T6cZUcgF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">careers in organic certification</a>.
To complete the full course, sign up for the online pre-requisite class, &#8220;Introduction to Organic Agriculture,&#8221; and at least one in-person &#8220;Organic Regulations 101&#8221; 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.

Northeast/Mid-Atlantic

Organic Regulations 101: Crops and Livestock

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-20045" src="https://cms.organictransition.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/one-straw-2-Instagram-Post--300x300.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://cms.organictransition.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/one-straw-2-Instagram-Post--300x300.png 300w, https://cms.organictransition.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/one-straw-2-Instagram-Post--1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.organictransition.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/one-straw-2-Instagram-Post--150x150.png 150w, https://cms.organictransition.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/one-straw-2-Instagram-Post--768x768.png 768w, https://cms.organictransition.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/one-straw-2-Instagram-Post-.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
We&#8217;ll tour One Straw Farm and learn more about managing plant disease and pest pressure on a certified organic farm. We&#8217;ll also learn  about the USDA Organic and Real Organic Project certification process.

One Straw Farm Field Day: Organic Certification, Disease, and Pest Management

Attendees will enjoy a field walk of the Student Farm with an educational focus on weed, pest, and disease management for organic farming. Guest speakers include Kris Holmstrom from the Rutgers Vegetable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program and Dr. Andy Wyenandt, an Extension Specialist in Vegetable Pathology. The conversation will be facilitated by Alex Sawatzky, Assistant Director of Sustainable Agriculture &amp; Urban Gardens. There will be an opportunity to network with the guest speakers and other attendees, and light refreshments will be served. Registration is now open! <a href="https://rutgers.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5omKAkVI80DuhQa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CLICK HERE</a> to register for this event.
Guest speaker bios:
Kris Holmstrom has managed the Rutgers Vegetable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program’s north and central New Jersey operations for 38 years. Program outreach involves training student technicians in insect and disease identification and working directly with commercial vegetable growers to develop strategies to manage these pests in environmentally and economically sound ways. Kris holds a B.S. in Plant Science and an M.S. in Plant Pathology from Rutgers University.
Dr. Andy Wyenandt is an Extension Specialist in Vegetable Pathology located at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center (RAREC) in Bridgeton, NJ. For the last 20 years, Wyenandt has served as the New Jersey state extension specialist in plant pathology for vegetable and culinary herb diseases, responsible for the identification and control strategies for commercial field and greenhouse growers.

Organic Pest and Disease Management

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1d7ebe91-6595-4e1e-b49c-5fc76dec4bcb@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

office-hours-se-topp

SE TOPP Organic Office Hours

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/5dcb9070-e4cf-42d1-8eeb-a641545bb887@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/e3dbf42a-6014-44ab-8a83-d38b07d9dcb5@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/46572c4e-640e-4c73-95c8-9c44cfb49983@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c1da8127-86b3-4766-85d5-9c2064a4547d@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8d2b55f5-de7c-4ee7-9af1-3663d24108ef@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/753f50c5-5e2d-4b24-9cff-52b31febba20@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/53dad699-c579-4220-bdea-cca0ecb89d70@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6ee358f3-0b36-4d90-b77a-b376c4573fc5@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/35d2891a-a984-4725-8501-c3bab43ed8ef@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/6b6c38ff-68a6-40fb-b37d-2ebcb799c3a8@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/17329d5b-bab6-4833-b481-773aecac40a3@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

Join Florida Organic Growers Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program staff every Thursday from 12 to 1 pm (EST) for free &#8220;organic office hours&#8221;! 
This is your chance to delve into in-depth discussions about the challenges you face in your organic journey. Whether you&#8217;re a farmer, producer, or simply interested in organic practices, we welcome you to bring your questions and concerns to the table. Our team will be available to provide insights, clarify doubts, and offer guidance on navigating the organic certification process. 
This event, supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants. 
Don’t miss out – <a href="https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/414b7a1d-88ee-4ad1-a4e4-a8c2591272e8@94ed8cb2-79de-4c94-9dd0-ab43c13047e4">register here</a>!

This workshop is designed to guide urban farmers through the process of achieving organic certification. Participants will learn about the essential steps and requirements for obtaining organic certification for their farms. The workshop will cover topics such as organic farming practices, record-keeping, soil health management, and navigating certification standards. It aims to empower urban farmers with practical knowledge and resources to transition to organic agriculture successfully.

Urban Farms: Certifying Organic, One Step at a Time

Join Florida Organic Growers, University of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands Farmers Alliance on October 11th from 11am &#8211; 12pm (EST) for an informative webinar. “An Introduction to Organic Farming and Production in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands” will offer a comprehensive overview of organic agriculture in these vibrant regions, showcasing the diverse certified organic products across the Caribbean. The session will provide an in-depth look at the unique organic farming landscapes of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, explore opportunities within the organic sector, and highlight the benefits and challenges of transitioning to or enhancing organic practices.  
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation on the future of organic agriculture in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands!  
Register for free <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqd-GsrzIiGNTx-5IkJYRgdUeH3aBq-NjK">here</a>.  
Questions? Reach out to <a href="mailto:setopp@foginfo.org">setopp@foginfo.org</a>  
This event is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants.

FOGUPRVIFA Webinar 10112024 Flier New

An Introduction to Organic Farming and Production in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

Join Oxford College Farm and Georgia Organics for a workshop and field day on October 7th! Participants will learn everything they need to know to start using cover crops on their organic farm. The event will be a mix of classroom-style learning and hands-on demonstrations of cover crop planting. Cover crops are a key practice, along with crop rotation, on this and any other certified organic farm. This field day will give teach you the why and how of using cover crops successfully. Learn from an expert who has over 25 years of experience using cover crops to enhance fertility, manage insect pests ecologically, reduce weed pressure, and mitigate crop disease.
Register and learn more <a href="https://bit.ly/oxfordoct2024">here</a>.

Success with Cover Crops: an Oxford College Farm Field Day

Join the O’Donnells on Rusted Rooster Farm for a grain harvest field day demonstration and a discussion on drying, storage, and post-harvest grain handling practices.

Grain Harvest Field Day with Rusted Roots Farm

Join Richard Roberts, the Director of MGA’s Heritage Seed Restoration Project, for a free educational workshop on planting winter grains. Attendees will have the opportunity to see small-scale cultivation equipment in use and discuss strategies for overwintering small grains in Maine –– including soil fertility management, understory seeding for weed control, insulating your crops from frost-heave damage, and more!
NOTE: Planting dates are weather-dependent. We intend to host this workshop on September 10th but please keep an eye on your inbox in the days prior for any scheduling updates.

Planting Winter Grains with Richard Roberts

Viva Farms is hosting a Field Day on September 10th from 3-5pm. Join us and researchers from Washington State University to better understand best practices for organic strawberry and raspberry production in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll focus specifically on nutrient management, organic inputs, and pest management. This work is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) <a href="https://www.organictransition.org/">Transition to Organic Partnership Program</a> (TOPP).
This event is free, but registration is required. Spanish interpretation will be provided.
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Viva Farms está muy contento de presentar un día de campo el martes, 10 de septiembre 3-5pm. Únase a Viva Farms y a investigadores de la Universidad Estatal de Washington para comprender mejor las mejores prácticas para la producción orgánica de fresas y frambuesas en el Noroeste Pacífico. Nos centraremos específicamente en la gestión de nutrientes, insumos orgánicos y gestión de plagas. Este trabajo es apoyado a través del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA) Programa de Transición a la Asociación Orgánica (TOPP).
Somos capaces de ofrecer el taller sin costo, pero es necesario registrarse. Se proporcionará interpretación al español.

Viva Farms Field Day: Growing Better Berries / Día de Campo para Cultivar Mejores Bayas

We have a full slate of topics and presenters from across the County and State for the best in conservation techniques and information on programs and loans available to growers large or small:
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Trifecta conservation practices &amp; irrigation &#8211; Chris Phinney, NRCS Resource Conservationist
</li>
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Trifecta getting started Q &amp; A &#8211; Lindsay Johnston-Fennell, Hancock County NRCS Conservationist
</li>
<li>
Full-field mulching &#8211; Lily Calderwood, Ph.D. UMaine Coop Ext. Wild Blueberry Specialist
</li>
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Full-field mulching in practice &#8211; Peter Jordan, Blueberry Grower &amp; Event Host
</li>
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Opportunities for organic blueberry growers &#8211; Gustavo Diaz, NRCS Soil Conservationist, and Chris Grigsby, Director, MOFGA Certification Services
</li>
<li>
FSA programs &amp; loans &#8211; Ciera Waters, FBAC, &amp; Kimberly Vealey, FPAC from FSA
</li>
<li>
Get your soil tested by HCSWCD Biologist and Board Chair, Mark Whiting
</li>
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Enjoy lunch from a local restaurant &amp; homemade pies with berries from Peter’s farm!
</li>
</ul>

Better Soil, Better Berries: Field Day and Workshop for Hancock County Blueberry Growers

OFARM, CPOF, Iowa Organic Association and Midwest TOPP are co-hosting a Regional Meeting September 4, 5, 6. 
Sept. 4: Climate Smart Commodities benefits, lunch &amp; farm tour with Climate Smart practices being planned. 
Sept. 5: “What’s the Story Behind Low Organic Grain Prices?” 
State of Organics in Minnesota, State of Organics in Nebraska, CPS 823 benefits. Speakers from Scratch and Peck; USDA/NOP; Organic Farmers Association; National Organic Coalition; MW TOPP. Open discussion formulating strategies to cooperatively drive organic grain prices. Meet The Marketer and end the day with a delicious Organic BBQ dinner. 
Sept. 6: Lunch, MW TOPP Mentorship Program, CPS 823 Overview, tour of Mentor farm. 
Attendance is Free but MUST register to attend.

Midwest

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Fall Regional Meeting: What’s the Story Behind Low Organic Grain Prices?

How do you like them apples? Join us for a tour of Almar Orchards &amp; Cidery in Flushing, MI Saturday, September 7th from 2-5 PM EST. Jim Koan talk about his journey from a conventional apple grower into a large-scale organic apple orchard in mid-Michigan. He’ll also share his secrets on how to successfully grow apples on a small scale. This family-friendly event will allow you to reconnect with the farm and enjoy some tasty apple products such as organic apple cider, donuts, apple cider vinegar, chewy dried apples, hard ciders and more that can be purchased from their shop!

MOFFA 2024 Farm Tour Series- Almar Orchard Facebook – Katie Brandt

Almar Organic Orchards and Cidery Farm Tour

<h4>Join us for an Organic Field Day at the Southeast Organic Center on Thursday, September 19 from 10AM – 2:30PM EST.</h4>
Participants will have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/about/facilities-and-campuses/regional-resource-centers/southeast-organic-center/">Rodale Institute’s Southeast Organic Center</a> staff and team of organic consultants and learn about our research and demonstration projects focused on organic agriculture and tailored for farmers in the Southeast, with a primary emphasis on saffron, turmeric, peppers, and corn production.
This event is ideal for researchers, students, educators, and all farmers, whether you are interested in learning more about organic farming, have an interest in consulting services to transition to organic, or are currently a Southeast organic farmer. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Attendees are responsible for their own meals as lunch will not be provided; however, water will be available.
Learn more and register <a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/southeast-field-day/">here</a>.

Rodale Institute Southeast Organic Center Field Day

Join OGRAIN and Marbleseed at Arlington Agricultural Research Station. We&#8217;ll spend the morning touring the station to check out the latest University of Wisconsin research in organic grains and forages, including roller crimping, strip tillage, and alternative crops. Afterwards, we&#8217;ll talk climate-smart commodities opportunities. What are they? How do they work? What programs are out there? This event is free, and lunch is included. Please register, if possible, to help us plan lunch. This field day is designed to provide valuable information to certified organic farmers, as well as farmers interested in exploring the transition to certified organic production on some or all their acres, as well as farmers interested in cover crops, soil health practices, or alternative equipment to manage weeds.

Organic Research & Climate-Smart Commodities Field Day

Join an immersive workshop at Seed Time Harvest Farm, where we will delve into sustainable agriculture practices that are crucial for building resilient farming systems. Gabriella Soto-Velez from NCAT will lead a presentation on soil health indicators, focusing on practical strategies for enhancing soil vitality through cropping and ground cover methods. This session will provide valuable insights into the fundamentals of soil health, emphasizing how these techniques can be effectively integrated into farming practices.
Following this, Juan Carlos Rodriguez from Florida Organic Growers, will offer a concise presentation on transitioning to organic farming, providing essential guidance for farmers interested in making the shift to organic practices. His talk will cover the challenges and opportunities associated with organic certification and the steps necessary to achieve it.
To conclude the workshop, Cetta, the owner of Seed Time Harvest Farm, will share her firsthand experience with agrivoltaics—an innovative approach that combines agriculture with solar energy production. She will discuss how this technology has been implemented on her farm and the benefits it has brought to both her crops and energy efficiency.
This workshop promises to be an engaging and informative experience for anyone interested in sustainable farming, organic transition, and innovative agricultural practices.
Register <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRkXbZKoHOUeY-Ushp3FWXa7DLG7HlptZf65wAYFNdHeJo3Q/viewform">here</a>.
Questions? Contact bashia.marks@famu.edu with the subject line &#8220;Benefits of Organic Farming&#8221;.

Benefits of Organic Workshop

Agroecology Learning Session and Farm Tour – Benefits of Organic Farming – Sustainable Practices for Transitioning Farmers and the Future

Join us for a professional development field day at the CAFF Farm on October 2, 2024 where we will focus on organic weed management techniques and strategies for fruits and vegetables. Topics covered will include setting up cultivating equipment, tractor selection and standardizing a fleet, weed biology, new technology, and organic weed control materials. Cost is free but registration is required.

Organic Weed Management Field Day for Professionals

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 &#8211; Organic Soil Management w/ De&#8217;Anthony Price (Rodale Institute)
10/1 &#8211; Organic Pest Management w/ Tom Elmore (Thatchmore Farm)
10/8 Organic Plant Disease Management w/ Steve Beltram &amp; Danielle Hutchison (TendWell Farm)
10/15 Organic Weeds Management w/ Mary Carroll (Red Scout Farm)
Learn more and register <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1_W9iy0AIReyTFho-t8rm3wcney9">here</a>.

Organic Crop Management Series

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 &#8211; Organic Soil Management w/ De&#8217;Anthony Price (Rodale Institute)
10/1 &#8211; Organic Pest Management w/ Tom Elmore (Thatchmore Farm)
10/8 Organic Plant Disease Management w/ Steve Beltram &amp; Danielle Hutchison (TendWell Farm)
10/15 Organic Weeds Management w/ Mary Carroll (Red Scout Farm)
Learn more and register <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1_W9iy0AIReyTFho-t8rm3wcney9">here</a>.

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 &#8211; Organic Soil Management w/ De&#8217;Anthony Price (Rodale Institute)
10/1 &#8211; Organic Pest Management w/ Tom Elmore (Thatchmore Farm)
10/8 Organic Plant Disease Management w/ Steve Beltram &amp; Danielle Hutchison (TendWell Farm)
10/15 Organic Weeds Management w/ Mary Carroll (Red Scout Farm)
Learn more and register <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1_W9iy0AIReyTFho-t8rm3wcney9">here</a>.

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 &#8211; Organic Soil Management w/ De&#8217;Anthony Price (Rodale Institute)
10/1 &#8211; Organic Pest Management w/ Tom Elmore (Thatchmore Farm)
10/8 Organic Plant Disease Management w/ Steve Beltram &amp; Danielle Hutchison (TendWell Farm)
10/15 Organic Weeds Management w/ Mary Carroll (Red Scout Farm)
Learn more and register <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1_W9iy0AIReyTFho-t8rm3wcney9">here</a>.

Black Farmers Index is hosting a 2-day 
tour. We will tour rural and urban farms in 
West Virginia, including a farm-to-store 
community market, a CDFI and go on an 
urban foraging walk.
We will see how Black growers use 
agriculture to reinvigorate West Virginia’s 
economy, preserve farming legacy, maintain 
Black Appalachian culture and address 
climate change.

Black Agriculture in West Virginia: Organic Mountain Farming to Urban Farming

Climate change mitigation and adaptation has been a key motivation for <a href="https://www.eveningsongcsa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evening Song Farm</a> owners Ryan and Kara Fitzbeauchamp since relocating their farm in 2012. For 12 years they have been increasing farm resilience by improving soil health and fertility with management strategies, such as no-till planting through cover crop residue, undersowing cash crops, and transplanting through clover sod. Ryan will be  joined by Justin Rich from <a href="https://www.burntrockfarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Burnt Rock Farm</a>; together, they will lead a tour of the farm. Fellow farmers are invited to see these soil-building techniques in action and hear about farming with organic practices at their two different scales. Alissa White from American Farmland Trust will discuss how adaptation planning can identify strategies and prioritize actions that will increase water quality, farm success, and resilience. She will share a Climate Adaptation Worksheet for farmers that is being developed as part of an NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant &#8220;Collaborative Planning for Adaptation &amp; Resilience to Climate Change in Vermont&#8221;. Plus, learn about the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, who is a generous supporter of this workshop, and earn one RAP Agricultural Water Quality education credit.

Climate Adaptation and Soil Health Practices

Innovative organic practices contribute to a thriving diversified farm. Join for a workshop at <a href="https://earthskytime.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Earth Sky Time Community Farm</a> aimed at commercial growers of all scales and see some of the farm&#8217;s many organic practices at work. Tour the farm with Bonnie and Oliver of Earth Sky Time, along with Becky Maden, UVM Extension Nutrient Management Specialist, to learn about how their 5 acres of no-till permanent beds are maintained without disposable plastics, understand their method of planting soil blocks on bare ground with a water wheel transplanter, mulching crops with a modified manure spreader, green chopping adjacent pasture for mulch, prepping beds with specialized equipment, and irrigating with a modular system. Plus, meet Vermont Organic Farmers staff to ask your burning organic certification questions and learn about the Transition to Organic Partnership Program. This workshop earns one RAP Agricultural Water Quality education credit.

Organic Markets for a Thriving Vegetable Farm

Abeni Ramsey, a SAgE farmer in Sergeantsville, will be the presenter. The demonstration will take place a quarter-mile down the road from the Sergeantsville demonstration plot. Abeni will demonstrate food-safe harvesting and processing, especially for those starting out with limited resources, including information on proper handling, washing, and storage.

In-Person Workshop: Food Safe Harvest and Processing

Join us for an enriching workshop on organic flint corn growing, hosted by the Maine Grain Alliance at the Kennebec Valley Community College &#8211; Alfond Campus. Led by Adam Nordell and Johanna Davis, formerly of Songbird Farm in Unity, Maine, this workshop will delve into the intricacies of cultivating flint corn organically. Participants will explore various facets of the process, from soil preparation and seed selection to pest management and harvesting techniques. This hands-on session, set against the backdrop of our flint corn trial farm, promises to provide valuable insights and practical knowledge for farmers and enthusiasts alike. Don&#8217;t miss this opportunity to learn from seasoned experts in a collaborative and inspiring environment.

Organic Flint Corn Growing

Phillies Bridge Farm Project is a not-for-profit working farm and community hub providing community education and access to sustainably grown produce for local community members, with a focus on food-insecure households. They grow mixed vegetables for CSA and local food access organizations in and around their location in New Paltz, NY. Farmers will provide a tour of their farm, an overview of their organic farming practices, changes they have made in the last few years, and their food sovereignty work. At this event, Cornell Cooperative Extension instructor Crystal Stewart-Courtens will provide a lesson on crop rotation as a key tool in soil fertility and pest management for organic growers.

Crop Rotation Workshop

Obercreek Farm is a certified organic farm located in Wappinger, NY where they grow diversified seasonal vegetables, herbs, flowers, and hops on 9 acres for a CSA, on-farm store, farmers markets, and local wholesale accounts. They use five greenhouses to produce fresh, high-quality produce to our community through all seasons. Tour participants will receive an overview of the farm and its operations, and learn about various season extension techniques on a certified organic farm.
This event will take place during an open-farm social event.

Farm Social and Season Extension

Sisters Hill Farm in Stanfordville, NY is a 400+ member non-profit CSA that has grown more than 1.7 million pounds of organically grown produce since 1999. Dave Hambleton, the head farmer and farm director, has been building his own solutions to common farm problems for over twenty years. This tour will focus on mechanical cultivation and wash and pack efficiencies as a way of reducing wear and tear on a small-scale, sustainable farmers most important tool: their bodies.

Ergonomic Wash and Pack Infrastructure and Cultivation Systems

This event is tailored to maple syrup producers. The event is aimed at gaining more producers as mentees and planning to transition to organic. The event will be hosted virtually specifically in cooperation with the Association.
Contact <a class="text-blue underline focus-visible" href="mailto:JSchaer@wvfoodandfarm.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JSchaer@wvfoodandfarm.org</a> for registration information.

West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association Event

This is a monthly reoccurring event designed to spend the first 10 min talking about TOPP and support available, 30 min for an expert presentation regarding organic production methods, and the last 20 minutes is open for an &#8220;ask the expert.&#8221;

Barnyard Banter: Monthly Technical Assistance

We are happy to invite you to a workshop on Organic Seed Production, with a special focus on Seed Cleaning, hosted by Organic Seed Alliance in collaboration with 21 Acres Farm. This workshop will cover the basics of organic seed production, with an emphasis on seed cleaning techniques. To enhance your experience, we encourage you to check out the event page to watch a pre-workshop video, and bring any questions you may have. If you have seeds that are ready for cleaning, please bring them along so we can incorporate them into our demonstrations. This event will take place from 4:00 &#8211; 6:00 PM at 21 Acres Farm, in Woodinville, WA. <a href="https://click.everyaction.com/k/90333888/490171009/-611892612?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwMS8xLzU5MDIxIiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogImRkMDY2NGYyLTI4NTQtZWYxMS05OTFhLTYwNDViZGRiZmM0YiIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiaGFubmFAdGlsdGgub3JnIg0KfQ%3D%3D&amp;hmac=aj16VfcgP4AFhs3XOL2p-FYHZ-efi6wl1opbO--3zMg=&amp;emci=66221282-7453-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&amp;emdi=dd0664f2-2854-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&amp;ceid=10890980">Register here.</a>

Organic Seed Workshop at 21 Acres Farm

Visit <a href="https://vabf.org/events/#!event-list">https://vabf.org/events/#!event-list </a>
More info. coming soon!

Demystifying Organics Workshop at Hobbit Hill Farm

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<td>Join Triple Divide Organic Seeds for two days of on-farm learning, demonstrations, and workshops surrounding organic seed production. In partnership with the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, Organic Seed Alliance, CFAC, MOA, and others, Triple Divide welcomes you to join for two full days of hands-on learning, practical skill building, and deep-dive workshops to help you learn more about growing organic seed, cleaning practices, breeding techniques, climate adaptation, regional adaptation and resilience, and more! Day one will take place at Homestead Organics (Cultivating Connections), in Hamilton, MT, and day two at Deluge Farm, in Camas Prairie, MT. Stay tuned for more details.</td>
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Organic Seed Days with Triple Divide in Montana

The event will be part of the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange annual Tomato Tasting event where dozens of varieties of tomatoes grown by SESE growers will be on display and available for sample and purchase.
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.
 Join us for an informal discussion on Demystifying Organic and have a chance to network with organic farmers and certifiers who can answer questions and provide resources for your journey through transition to organic production.

Demystifying Organic Workshop at Southern Exposure Seed Exchange

Join NOFA NJ via Zoom and receive focused support with your farm’s needs. Whatever you are working on, NOFA NJ’s Technical Assistance Coordinator will help and connect you to relevant experts in the community.

NOFA New Jersey – Technical Assistance Office Hour

Coming Soon! Visit nofanj.org for more information.

Comeback Farm: Organic Orchards

Kick off CISA’s Climate Week with a film screening of Common Ground, a fascinating documentary that dives into the dynamics of modern agriculture and the importance of healthy soils for the longevity of our people and planet.
This is a great opportunity for farmers, gardeners and foodies to sit back and enjoy a well-made film featuring the work we know and love alongside the systems that we are struggling to overcome, and how to move forward together.

Film Screening: Common Ground

The Dartmouth Farm grows more than 4000 pounds of diverse organic produce, with over 60 varieties of vegetables, grains, and flowers. In addition to annual production, Dartmouth hosts several agroforestry research sites, one of which is a small nursery with native shrubs and trees. In this workshop, researcher Kristen Jovanelly will discuss the utility of incorporating trees on farms, some example agroforestry systems and growing your own trees and shrubs. We will overview nursery design for a small and low-input treed system.
Dartmouth Farms goal is for our produce to have impact not only for those who eat it, but for our students too by creating meaningful hands-on experiences on the farm that connects them to our community, our foodshed, and our environment in a tangible way. The farm produces a wide variety of food and hosts a number of educational programs, events, and ongoing research projects. Kristen Jovanelly grew up in Connecticut and studied Conservation Biology at St. Lawrence University and holds a Master of Forestry from the Yale School of the Environment. In pursuit of a PhD, she is currently researching social ecological entanglements.

Exploring Agroforestry and Native Tree Cultivation

Brandmoore Farm was established in 2012 and is a diversified family run dairy, meat and vegetable farm. In this workshop farmers Becky and Phil will share what has worked and not worked with dairy and beef cows over the past 12 years. They will share what they do now, what they tried in the past and what they hope to do going forward. Information on herd management, family/lifestyle considerations of keeping cows and discussion/viewing of our newly renovated dairy facility, animals housing and river/pasture walk will be included in the program.
Brandmoore Farm is a diversified farm in the town of Rollinsford, NH, started by Philip and Rebecca Brand. Located along the Salmon Falls River, which marks part of the border between New Hampshire and Maine, they manage 400 acres of rolling pasture, meadows, hay fields, and woodlands. They raise cows, pigs, chickens, and grow 2 acres of organic vegetables. Becky and Phil both attended UNH, and worked on several farms before starting their own operation. They have three children.

Making It Work With Dairy and Beef Cows

Windcrest Farm consists of 2 1/2 acres of organically managed and annually sheared conifers of many species. The first trees grown for Christmas purposes were planted in 1983 with the first harvest taking place in 1990. Trees can be a great addition to any farm due to their modest time commitment, ability to grow in difficult topography, sales during low food crop production times (the off season for some), and high demand for ‘choose and cut’ trees across the state. In this workshop Paul will share methods for growing trees organically and how to get started in Christmas tree production or build success with tree production you are already doing. This workshop will be informational for both those who are currently growing trees and those who are exploring or curious about starting or adding Christmas trees into your production.

Growing Trees Organically and Integrating Christmas Trees Into Your Crop Production

Common Ground Country Fair

Farm Training Project: Certified Organic Vegetable Production

Pasture Walk at Wolfe’s Neck Farm

Organic Fruit Production

Please join us for an engaging evening of conversation, learning, and tasting brought to you by the Culinary Breeding Network.
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This public event is designed to build community among plant breeders, seed growers, farmers, chefs, bakers, distillers, retailers, distributors and consumers interested in the local food system. Attendees have the unique experience to taste new and in-development vegetable, fruit, and grain cultivars. They can engage in conversation, share opinions, and take part in breaking down the walls between eaters and breeders. Our 2024 Variety Showcase will have a special emphasis on culinary grains and dry-farming. Come learn, taste, and engage!
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Culinary Breeding Network’s Variety Showcase

Organic Seed Alliance and Viva Farms are very happy to invite you to a workshop in Organic Seed Production with emphasis on Seed Cleaning.
We will be talking about basics on Organic Seed Production, and this time we plan to do emphasis on Seed Cleaning. If you can please <a id="m_-8433412834221494483OWA829dd143-ea2d-4dad-505b-ca8d4d32b81c" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCLip9jgWOE" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v%3DCCLip9jgWOE&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1722375106867000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ZZoapf_6sGkVPXIWWc4QG">watch this video</a> by our colleague Jared Zystro, and bring your questions, this is encouraged but not necessary to attend the workshop. If you have seed that is ready to clean please bring it, so we can use it during the demonstrations. This event is free but registration is required, please register <a title="https://secure.everyaction.com/vDrDnWpXe0G_FswnVkZ9pQ2" href="https://secure.everyaction.com/vDrDnWpXe0G_FswnVkZ9pQ2" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://secure.everyaction.com/vDrDnWpXe0G_FswnVkZ9pQ2&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1722375106867000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rndGxcujQ_QmSt0Ah5ClC">using this link.</a>

Organic Seed Production Workshop at Viva Farms

On August 22nd, join Florida Organic Growers and Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) from 11am – 12pm (EST) for “Allowed Inputs for Organic Farms: OMRI Certification, Certifier Roles, and Best Practices.”
This webinar is designed to help organic farmers navigate the complexities of input selection for organic production. Discover how OMRI certifies products, the benefits of using OMRI-listed inputs, and guidelines for maintaining organic compliance. Learn about the certifier&#8217;s role in input review, including the decision-making process and the types of questions they can and cannot answer. This session will provide valuable insights, practical advice, and clarify common misconceptions about inputs allowed and not allowed in organic production. Don&#8217;t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of allowed organic inputs and improve your operation!
Register for free here: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsf-6vpjwoHNf5APGO7Apr0uQDs7ThTBe8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsf-6…</a>
Guest Presenter: Orsi Dézsi, Executive Director/CEO of OMRI, will be speaking at this event! Orsi holds a B.A. in History and Russian &amp; Eastern European Studies, and a Master’s in Public Administration, with a focus in Nonprofit Management. For the past 20 years, she has worked closely with the regulatory community, industry stakeholders, and clients to navigate the evolving global regulatory landscape in both equipment design and food contact material regulations. Outside of work, Orsi is actively involved in the community by volunteering at a local animal rescue and food pantry.
This event is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP), promises to be an enlightening experience for all participants.

FOG_SE TOPP Webinar – Organic Inputs

Allowed Inputs for Organic Farms: OMRI Certification, Certifier Roles, and Best Practices

Join us for the 2024 Pacific (CA) Regional Summit at the Coyote Valley Casino in Redwood Valley, California. This event is brought to you by the Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) Technical Assistance Network. This summit aims to highlight the Tribal food sovereignty efforts and create a platform for Tribal farmers and ranchers to better access resources provided by IAC, USDA, and partner organizations. Attendees will gain insight into useful resources about meat processing, control burning, and soil health through presentations, and face-to-face interaction with experts.
<a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9tymfga">Register Here</a>
The IAC Pacific (CA) Regional Summit will be held at the Coyote Valley Casino. Lodging is available for attendees who need to book a room. Book a room on the <a href="https://www.coyotevalleycasino.com/resort">Coyote Valley Casino Website.</a>

West/Southwest

2024 Pacific California Regional Summit

Join Oxbow Agriculture Program Manager, Anthony Reyes, for a tour of the fields as we delve into the technical aspects of organic dry farm production. This labor-saving, water-conserving, and flavor-boosting growing practice can support individuals transitioning to organic agriculture or add a new dimension to managing organic field crops, offering opportunities amid challenges.

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Organic Dry Farm Production Workshop

Join Florida Organic Growers and 4Roots from 10am &#8211; 2pm for an informative session on pest, weeds, and disease management, as well as key organic practices for fruits and vegetables presented by Ben McLean III of McLean Family Farms. Learn about the benefits of organic farming and how it can enhance the viability of your farming business. This workshop is designed for both beginner and intermediate level farmers to gain knowledge of a wide variety of practices and strategies that have been used for over 20 years by McLean Family Farms. An overview of approved materials and a demonstration of methods will be provided.
This is a free event! Registration is required. Register on Eventbrite <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/managing-pests-weeds-and-diseases-using-organic-practices-tickets-922983768297?utm-campaign=social&amp;utm-content=attendeeshare&amp;utm-medium=discovery&amp;utm-term=listing&amp;utm-source=cp&amp;aff=ebdsshcopyurl">here</a>.
The workshop will be held on August 16th at 4Roots Campus located at 1101 N. John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32804.
Please be aware this is an on-farm event. It is recommended attendees wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared for outdoor weather, including bringing hats, sunglasses and water.
Questions? Contact Florida Organic Growers at SETOPP@foginfo.org or call 352-377-6345.
This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).

Pest Management Workshop August 16, 2024 Flier

Managing Pests, Weeds and Diseases using organic practices: Strategies and Recommendations from a Successful Organic Farm

Are you thinking about transitioning to organic farming or are a newly certified organic farmer? Please mark your calendar for this one-day conference hosted by UNL Extension. Come, learn, and mingle with other growers, vendors, and educators. This event is free and includes a free lunch. All are welcome to attend. Register at cropwatch.unl.edu/organic

Save The Date: Transition to Organic Farming Workshop

Join us on August 25th for an afternoon farm tour of Prairie Woods Farm with farmer Jeremy. Prairie Woods is a Certified Organic market farm located in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas that sells produce at the Bentonville, Arkansas Farmers Market, Ozark Natural Foods, and other local outlets. We will discuss organic management of mixed vegetables, growing in high tunnels, organic certification, and other topics! This farm tour is free to attend, but we ask that you register in advance.

Organic Farm Tour- Prairie Woods Farms

Purdue University’s MEIGS Horticultural Research Farm in Lafayette, Indiana will be the host site for the 2024 Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day (MMWCFD). MMWCFD connects farmers, machinery manufacturers, and the allied trades for a single day event that draws farmers from all over the Midwest. MMWCFD connects farmers, machinery manufacturers, and the allied trades from all over the United States and Canada – because it is THE place to see weeding tools. The morning features a trade-show where companies can connect one-on-one with farmers, and educational sessions, and the afternoon features field demonstrations in vegetable and row crops.

Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day

Join The Land Connection, OGRAIN, Paul Hoffman, and IDEA Farm Network at Hoffman Organic Farm from 10-3 on August 20th. We’ll focus on Paul’s organic field crops, but this family farm has much more to offer including organic vegetables and grass-fed lamb and beef. Our cover crop conversations will include frost seeded red clover, post wheat harvest, and cash cover cropping for buckwheat seed production while including pearl millet and sunn hemp. We’ll look at using solar corridors for growing winter squash interseeded into corn. We’ll also spend some time talking about the TOPP Organic Grain Mentorship Program with Paul and his mentee, Vickie. The mentorship program pairs experienced organic farmers with experienced conventional farmers looking to transition acres into organic to facilitate peer support and information sharing. This field day is free to attend and includes lunch. Please register to help us plan lunch.

Cover Crop Conversations at Hoffman Organic Farm

The Farm Innovation Expo is the largest event of its kind for organic farmers anywhere in the United States and Canada. Join hundreds of like minded, serious row crop farmers and brands from across the U.S and Canada for a day of:
In-field equipment demos
Organic market updates
Exhibitor interaction
400+ Serious Row Crop Farmers from North America
*Event WILL go on, rain or shine.

Farm Innovation Expo 2024

Join us at the Fitzgerald Family Farm to learn from farmer Matt Fitzgerald and other organic ag professionals. Matt will walk through their line of weed management equipment, discuss helpful techniques, and demonstrate the pros and cons of a speed disc. Take a field walk to explore balancing tillage and soil health. Hear how farmers can market a diverse rotation and through organic transition, and about new state and federal organic support programs.

Intro to Organic Grain – Weed Management, Soil Health, and Marketing a Diverse Rotation

Visit the 25 year organic and conventional LTAR trial and learn about the latest findings in organic research and crop production.

Neely-Kinyon Organic Research Farm Field Day

Morgan Hoenig started Mogo Farms in 2008 to grow vegetables to feed her community. Over time, her farm has evolved to provide the boundaries and flexibility she needs to accommodate an off-farm job and other responsibilities. For Morgan, flowers have been the key to flexibility and profit on her farm. Join us at Mogo Farms to learn from Morgan about what she grows, how she right-sizes her marketing and her vision for future farm evolution. Plus, we’ll learn about the impact of installing a 3D deer fence around her field

Fitting Farming into Life at Mogo Farms

Discover the latest advancements in organic corn breeding methods. Explore cutting-edge technology used to monitor new corn seed varieties and gain insights from the experts at USDA-ARS, ISU Agronomy and Dr. Kathleen Delate.

Organic Corn Breeding Trial

The Alabama Regenerative Growers Conference is a one day gathering with classes, vendors, refreshments and lunch for ecological farmers &amp; gardeners, organic producers, and holistic thinkers. Speakers (farmers and university professionals) will discuss a range of agroecology topics for both commercial fruit &amp; vegetable producers and home gardeners. A pre-session farm tour of Jones Valley downtown site is available to a limited number of participants with pre-registration required.
Learn more and register <a href="https://secure.touchnet.net/C20021_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6278&amp;SINGLESTORE=true">here.</a>
The event is hosted by Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network, and Jones Valley Teaching Farm.
Sponsors from Dirtcraft Living Soils, CAWACO RC&amp;D, Southern SARE, Hiwassee Products, Seven Springs Farm Supply, Sweet Grown Alabama, and Johnny&#8217;s Seeds.
Contact hza0093@auburn.edu to inquire about participating as a vendor.
Florida Organic Growers and the Southeast Transition to Organic Partnership Program will be in attendance to answer questions and provide support.
This project is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP)

ARGC_flyer_2024.pdf

Alabama Regenerative Growers Conference

Join National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) on August 14th in exploring Integrated Pest Management Practices. These science backed practices empower farmers to cultivate robust, thriving plants while effectively managing pest infestations.
Learn more and register for this free webinar <a href="https://attra.ncat.org/events/#event=77666779;instance=20240814130000?popup=1">here.</a>

NCAT Webinar IPM

Southern Organic Pest Management Through IPM

Join the Northwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) for a field day at Rocker 3 Ranch. Participants will be able to connect with Darrell Ceciliani, Jr., owner of Rocker 3 Ranch and certified organic cattle rancher of 13 years. Shayan Ghajar from OSU Extension will join us to discuss and answer any questions related to organic pasture management.

Field Day with Rocker 3 Ranch

Get your questions answered at weekly Organic Office Hours!
Curious about what it takes to transition your operation to organic? Do you have questions about the certification process? Or are you a newly certified producer with questions on how to stay in compliance? Join us at weekly virtual office hours with organic expert Sarah Townsend of Oregon Tilth. Learn about Organic Certification, Organic System Plans (OSPs), how to get certified, and more. All questions and experience levels welcome!
Join us through Teams video meeting or simply call in.
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Microsoft Teams Meeting: Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
<a href="https://oregontilth.link/">https://oregontilth.link/</a><a href="https://oregontilth.link/organicofficehours">organicofficehours</a>
Or call in (audio only)
<a href="tel:+13238137538,,445762348">323-813-7538</a>
Phone Conference ID: 445 762 348#
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Organic Office Hours

The Organic Seed Alliance, Culinary Breeding Network, the USDA Northwest Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center and the Oregon State University Organic Agriculture Program would like to invite organic grain buyers and growers to save the date for an Organic Grain Buyer x Grower Matchmaking Workshop on September 8th in Portland from 10:30-1:30 at the Kennedy School. This workshop will take place before the CBN Variety Showcase at The Redd (also in Portland).
Registration details will be coming soon!

Organic Grain Buyer/Grower Matchmaking Workshop

Do you want to learn more about growing USDA certified organic vegetables and field crops in South Dakota?
SDSU Extension Specialists and the Southeast Research Farm invite you to an Organic Vegetable and Field Crop Field Day on Thursday, August 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. near Beresford, SD. Farmers from all scales and types of production are invited to attend this hands-on field day. Anyone who is curious about getting started in organic production or improving their systems is welcome to attend.
The morning session of the field day will focus on organic vegetable production, disease management, soil health, and food safety. Tours of cabbage, sweet corn, and potato fields will be highlighted by Extension specialists, graduate students, and SDSU Southeast Farm staff. In the afternoon three South Dakota producers with extensive experience in organic field crop production will share their experiences farming and navigating the USDA organic certification process.
A free catered picnic lunch will be offered between the morning and afternoon sessions to provide time for attendees to network with each other. The field day will conclude with a question-and-answer session and free SDSU ice cream social. The organizers of this event wish to acknowledge and thank the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by Organic Crop Improvement Association, for their support of this program.
This FREE rain or shine event is open to all members of the public; families are welcome! Please leave all pets at home. Watch for signage that will direct visitors to parking upon arrival at the event. This tour will include walking in fields, so please wear appropriate footwear that can get dirty.
Pre-registration is appreciated for an accurate meal count, but walk-in registration will be welcome. If you have questions about this event please contact Kristine Lang, 605-688-5796, kristine.lang@sdstate.edu.
To learn more about research conducted at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm you can download their annual report: https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/agexperimentsta_rsp/284/. To stay up to date on research conducted by the SDSU Horticulture team, please visit extension.sdstate.edu/tags/horticulture-research and subscribe to the bi-weekly newsletter extension.sdstate.edu/garden-and-yard-newsletter-archive.

SDSU Extension Organic Field Day

At this event, see OSU&#8217;s spring small grains trials, dry bean and pulses trials, and dry-farmed warm season forage and cover crop trial. We will provide information of different species and varieties, organic breeding projects, pest management, transitioning to organic, and end-use quality. Additionally, there will be snacks made from some of the grains and pulses that you&#8217;ll see in the field. The event is free and open to the public, but we ask that you register in advance.

Organic Grains, Pulses, & Dry-Farmed Forages Field Day

Join SDSPA and TOPP Plains region for an insightful learning experience at Dakota’s Best Seed facility, where we will explore the critical practices and protocols necessary to maintain organic integrity throughout all the steps in seed grain processing and handling. This event is perfect for transitioning organic farmers, processors, and agricultural professionals interested in organic processing and handling. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about maintaining organic integrity in seed grain processing and handling.

Maintaining Organic Integrity In Seed Grain Cleaning & Handling

Join SDSPA for an exciting and informative Field Day at Venner Farm, where you’ll get an in-depth look at the best practices for soil and nutrient management in the transition to organic crop production. This event is designed for farmers, agricultural professionals, and anyone interested in transitioning to organic farming practices. This USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) event will include an overview of the Venner operation, field walk, and discussion of subsurface drip irrigation. Dr. Angela K. Jackson, SDSPA Organic Transition Ag Advisor for TOPP Plains region will share program and resources for transitioning producers related to soil nutrients.

Soil and Nutrient Management in Transitioning to Organic Crop Production

Join SDSPA on the farm to discuss effective weed management in organic vegetable production that involves a combination of cultural, mechanical, biological, and manual practices. Cover crops play a crucial role by competing with weeds, improving soil health, and providing a physical barrier to weed growth, making them an essential component of an integrated weed management strategy.  The Transitioning to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) in the Plains region is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources. Dr. Angela K. Jackson, the SD Organic Ag Transition Advisor will discuss programs and resources that are needed to help farmers with transitioning to organic agriculture.

Transitioning to Organic Vegetable Production

Soil Health &amp; Organic Growing Field Day in partnership with <a href="https://www.acresusa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Acres USA</a>
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Join us on Monday, August 12th for a day of learning on the farm! This FREE field day is open to beginning and experienced farmers interested in unlocking the secrets to healthy soil and achieving organic success.

Soil Health and Organic Growing Field Day

Join us for an enriching and first Farmer-Chef Learning Day, a dynamic half-day event celebrating the synergy between farmers and chefs.
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Experience a sensory journey with tastings, insightful demonstrations by farmers and chefs, culminating in a delectable dinner featuring farm-fresh ingredients.  The food alone is worth the trip to Fort Omaha campus of Metro Community College.
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Be inspired by our keynote speaker as we explore the vital connection between the fields and the kitchen.
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When you RSVP for this event, you are added to our Reservation List.  We have limited capacity (50 seats only) and want to be sure to include all interested producers, chefs, food advocates and foodies first!

Farmer-Chef Learning Day

Knopik Farm is a certified organic farm growing corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, alfalfa and cover crops.  They also raise cattle, goats and chickens.
At the Nore farm, the farmers will discuss row crops and tillage tools used for weed control in soybeans.  They will talk about how they apply compost extract at planting and also apply extract as a foliar application using drones.  They hope to do a drone demonstration as well.
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At the Knopik Farm we will discuss our livestock and rotational grazing system.  We will explain how we supply water to cattle with our portable water tanks, fencing, etc. Kyle will discuss his NO fence collars for goats.
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Hosts include: Jim, Tom, Lane and Kyle Knopik

Knopik Farm Tour

Join us for an enlightening and enjoyable evening that combines sustainable farming practices with a celestial experience! Our event begins with a tour of a silvopasture farm, where you&#8217;ll discover the benefits and methods of integrating trees and grazing livestock on the same land. These systems are meticulously managed for both forest products and forage, providing both short- and long-term income sources. Learn how silvopasture supports biodiversity, improves soil health, and increases overall farm productivity.  There is no cost to attend this event.

Branched Oak Farm Tour

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<div class="contentEditableTextbox light-scrollbar ignore-baymax-defaults pb-half editingDisabled" role="textbox">TOPP W/SW State Leads! Join us to discuss TOPP in each of our states, share ideas, and how we can collaborate to grow organic. Recurring monthly, after the W/SW Regional Meeting hosted by CCOF.</div>
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July: W/SW Cross-State Collaboration

Beaumont Field Day

Managing weeds is a serious issue on many farms. It is helpful for farmers to have many weed control options instead of (or in addition to) herbicides. This on-farm event brings a wide variety of experienced organic farmers and ag professionals together to share what works in non-chemical weed management &#8211; including techniques that can be used on both organic and conventional operations. This event will help ag advisors (CCA’s, NRCS, SWCD, Extension, Farm Managers, Ag Business, etc.) give their clients a wider perspective of weed management tools, a deeper understanding of organic principles, and an opportunity to network. Attendees will learn through presentations, facilitated discussions, and a farmer-led tour of fields and equipment.

Effective Weed Management in Row Crops

Come see mechanical weed management demonstrations first-hand in our trial plots. See tine weeding, rotary hoeing, and cultivating in action. Join the discussion on many weed control options, including camera guidance systems. We’ll have representatives and equipment from several companies to demo and discuss as well as additional equipment on display. Come share your experiences and hear from others as we explore equipment options and best practices for weed management. This event is free and includes lunch. Please register on our website.

How can we help?

West/Southwest TOPP Partnerships

Arizona

California

Hawaii

Nevada

New Mexico

Texas

Utah

Cross Regional