The University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton, Minn., leads an extensive program dedicated to exploring agriculture alternatives and the science of organic systems. Researchers from the University’s Research and Outreach Centers, faculty from the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus and University of Minnesota Extension Service educators actively contribute to the program with vital research projects and outreach activities.
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Posted by Jim Riddle, February 8th , 2010. High tunnels in the Upper Midwest, including Southwest MN, can be a useful tool to help organic growers diversify their operations and possibly increase their income, while tapping into the growing interest in locally and organically grown food. Read the Southwest Research and Outreach Center’s (SWROC) high tunnel project review. This year, 2009, was the first full season of organic vegetable production.
We are currently investigating the following topics:
• What are the benefits of organic vegetable production, in terms of yield and quality, inside a high tunnel compared to typical outdoor production and outdoor production using row covers in SW MN?
• What vegetable varieties do well and can be recommendations for high tunnels in SWMN?
• Is there a beneficial effect of using row-covers within the high tunnel to further extend the production of spring and fall greens? What are optimal species, varieties, and planting dates for lettuce and greens?
• Is incorporation of a leguminous green manure on high tunnel beds desirable and practical, from profit and management standpoints?
We are planning a High Tunnel/Season Extension Field Day at the SWRC with a tentative date of May 6, 2010. Please check back for more information.
Filed under: Education & Outreach, News, Research Posted by Jim Riddle, February 8th , 2010. Written by Jim Riddle, University of Minnesota Organic Outreach Coordinator
Lamberton, MN — According to the first nationwide survey of organic farmers, released on February 3, 2010, by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the nation’s organic farms and ranches have higher average sales and higher average production expenses than U.S. farms overall. The 2008 Organic Production Survey counted 14,540 U.S. farms and ranches that were either USDA certified organic or were exempt from certification because their organic sales totaled less than $5,000. The survey showed 4.1 million acres of land under organic management.
The nation’s organic farms had average sales and production expenses that were higher than those of U.S. farms overall. Organic operations had an average of $217,675 in sales, compared with $134,807 for all farms as reported in the 2007 Census of Agriculture. Production expenditures averaged $171,978 per organic farm, compared with the nationwide average of $109,359 for all farms.
Read Riddle’s entire press release.
Filed under: Education & Outreach, News Posted by Jim Riddle, February 3rd , 2010. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative
St. Paul, MN, January 28, 2010- Agricultural producers looking to solve natural resource problems on their farms should apply now for assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) administered by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The Organic Initiative for both certified and transitional producers continues to be a national EQIP initiative. Producers in Minnesota applying under the Organic Initiative will be eligible for all of the practices in the Practice Payment Schedule. Organic applicants will compete within a $1.7 Million funding pool.
Read the entire press release or view the EQIP fact sheet.
Filed under: News 
