Jim Riddle has recently compiled a list of Organic Information Resources. The list shows the names of organizations that provide information about organic certification; small farm resources; organic inspection; materials review; biodiversity enhancement; marketing; and advocacy. The list shows organizations active in the Midwest, as well as organizations that operate at the national and international levels. Behind the name of each organization is an active link to that organization’s website.

Have you been wondering about the use of high tunnels? High tunnels have several production characteristics that make them ideal for organic growing of vegetables and fruits. Plants grown in high tunnels are protected from rain, and constant wet foliage caused by dew, which often is the major cause of serious disease problems. Daily water needs are supplied by drip irrigation, which can prevent erratic soil moisture conditions, which are often the cause of fruit cracking. Plants are protected from high winds, which can cause micro bruises of the plant tissue and allow disease organisms to invade the plants. Since high tunnels supply plants with ideal growing conditions as compared to outside production, much of the overall stress is eliminated. Because of the increase in both growing days and heat units, producers have an excellent opportunity to use cover crops and methods to help comply with different organic recommendations and requirements. Read the entire article written by Terry Nennich with the University of Minnesota Extension on organic production in high tunnels.

The Index of Organic Research at the U of M list is the beginning of a concerted effort to tabulate and update all of the research across the University related to organic production of any nature. The current list is a work in progress and will be continually updated as new work is added. You are encouraged to study the various topics and feel free to contact the researcher listed with a specific project of interest to you, the reader. We also encourage you to be in contact Carmen Fernholz; 320-598-3010, fernholz@umn.edu for ideas on enhancing this list as well as with possible new ideas for research in organic production. We would ask researchers to do likewise especially if there is work going on that we have not included in this listing. Thanks.

Carmen Fernholz - Organic Agriculture Coordinator—Research.