University of Minnesota-Southwest Research and Outreach Center staff members Jim Riddle and Carmen Fernholz serve as coordinators for organics-related research and outreach conducted by the University Research and Outreach Centers, several departments of the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences and Extension educators.

Carmen Fernholz - Organic Coordinator for Research Management
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Carmen began farming organically in the early 1970s and was certified as an organic producer in 1974. Between 1997 and 1998, he held a senior fellow position in agricultural systems for the University of Minnesota. Since 1985, he has participated in on-farm research with the University of Minnesota, North Dakota State University, the Rodale Institute and the United States Department of Agriculture. Carmen has been active in several associations and organizations, including the Organic Growers and Buyers Association, the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) and the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota. He is a co-founder of the Organic Farmers Agency for Relationship Marketing and started the Southwest Minnesota Poultry Coop in 2000. He currently is the chair of the West Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership.

Jim Riddle - Organic Coordinator for Outreach
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Jim’s experience in the field of organic agriculture extends over 25 years. He began farming organically in 1980 and conducting organic inspections in 1987. In the early 1990s, he became involved with various government agencies and private organizations that establish organic standards and policy, including the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement. Since 2001, Jim has served on the National Organic Standards Board. From 2003 to 2004, he held an endowed chair position in agricultural systems for the University of Minnesota. He is a frequent speaker at organic farming conferences and field days.