Conservation Benefits of Organic Production

In order to be certified, organic farmers must implement ecologically sound production systems, which recycle nutrients, conserve or improve natural resources, and enhance biodiversity. New articles and resources are now posted, which explain regulatory requirements and cite research studies related to biological conservation and organic agriculture. The resources are:

• Conservation Benefits of Organic Production – a 1-page article by Jim Riddle;
• Organic Bibliography with annotations – a 7-page bibliography compiled by Rex Dufour, National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), and Jane Sooby, Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF);
• Correlation Chart for NRCS Conservation Practices and NOP Requirements - an 8-page chart showing organic requirements and NRCS conservation practice standards, prepared by Ann Baier and Rex Dufour, National Center for Appropriate Technology, and Jim Riddle, University of Minnesota; and
• The Conservation Benefits of Organic Production – a 33-slide power point created by Jim Riddle.

Federal Court Upholds Ban on Roundup Ready Alfalfa

On September 2, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld a nationwide ban on the planting of genetically-engineered (GE) Roundup Ready alfalfa pending a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Court determined that the planting of genetically modified alfalfa can result in potentially irreversible harm to organic and conventional varieties of crops, damage to the environment, and economic harm to farmers. Read more about the ban.

Ray Yokiel and Dennis Lutteke Hosting Organic Field Day on September 6, 2008

Ray Yokiel and Dennis Lutteke of Wells, MN will be hosting an organic farming field day held on their farms on Saturday, September 6th. This event will be from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The day will start at 59129 180th Street, Wells, MN 56097 (about 1 1/2 miles east of Wells on County Road 32). We will begin with a tour of Ray’s farm and a presentation by Bob Yanda of Midwest Bio Ag. The event will move on to the Lutteke farm for a lunch featuring organic food followed by a talk by veterinarian Dr. William Winter. The event will end with a tour of the Lutteke farm. At this meeting there will be many opportunities to exchange information on organic farming and other topics that would be useful to anyone involved in organic or sustainable farming. This event is being held in junction with the South Central Chapter of the Sustainable Farming Association sponsored by the University of Minnesota and the USDA’s Risk Management Agency. For more info contact Ray Yokiel at 507-380-5745 or Dennis Lutteke at 507-553-5633. This event is free (however, donations will be accepted) and open to the public.