Scientific Congress on Organic Agricultural Research (SCOAR)
A project of the Organic Farming Research Foundation
E-mail News Bulletin #12 July 2006
SCOAR is a collaboration of producers and scientists, whose mission is to
plan and promote research and information exchange for understanding and
improving organic agricultural systems.
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In the Literature
Responses of soil microbial biomass and N availability to transition
strategies from conventional to organic farming systems.
Tu, C., F.J. Louws, N.G. Creamer, J.P. Mueller, C. Brownie, K. Fager, M.
Bell, and S. Hu. 2006. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment 113:206-215.
This paper is one of the first to come out of the North Carolina State
University study comparing five strategies for making the transition to
organic certification. The authors document gradual differences in
microbial biomass and respiration rate over the course of three years in
the plots that were managed organically or with reduced-input transition
practices, providing scientific validation of the requirement for the
three-year transition period required by the national organic standards.
The authors state that "these results suggest that reduced-input transition
practices followed by 2 years of full organic management could reduce yield
losses during early transition to organic farming systems."
Resources
Canadian Organic Growers Publishes Guide to Organic Transition
The Canadian Organic Growers have published a manual Gaining Ground: making
a successful transition to organic farming. This manual relies heavily on
grower experience and on draws judiciously on the published literature.
Along with information on production and certification issues, it includes
a useful section on economics and marketing. The book is printed in both
English and French editions and costs $69.95 Canadian or $45.00 US. To
order, visit
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=dkovOCsDCKYqZbS3aOP2>http://www.cog.ca/
or send an email to <mailto:publications@cog.ca>publications@cog.ca.
Soil Association Report Finds Greater Employment in Organic than in
Conventional Farming
The Soil Association, the world's most long-lived organic certifier and
advocacy organization, recently released a report called Organic Works,
documenting that "organic farming delivers 32% more jobs per farm on
average across the UK" than does conventional farming. The study also found
that organic farmers tend to be younger, more optimistic, and more
entrepreneurial than their conventional counterparts. Read about the study
and download it at
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=vo6fSnVyDIYqZbS3aOP2>http://www.soilassociation.org/web/sa/saweb.nsf/ED0930AA86103D8380256AA70054918D/F194C3C4AE11F3578025716C00584962
Tilth Producers Announces New Internet Audio Archive
From Tilth press release
Tilth Producers of Washington is very pleased to announce the creation of
the Tilth Producers Internet Audio Archive of Selected Conference Keynote
Speeches and Workshops.
For our initial roll-out, we have posted three memorable and informative
presentations. More will be added on an on-going basis. Our initial
features are:
* Paul Stamets - Mushrooms as Allies: Potentiating Planetary Host
Defenses through Fungi;
* Vandana Shiva - Agriculture for Life: Beyond the Suicidal Economy of
Industrial Farming and Globalized Agriculture;
* Fred Provenza - The Role of New Science in Sustainable and Organic
Agriculture (with introduction by Kent Mullinex)
Hear these great talks for free by visiting
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=2Oa6oI5W5cYqZbS3aOP2>http://www.tilthproducers.org/tilthaudio.htm
Colorado State University Publication Analyzes Emerging Issues in Organic
for USDA
Dawn Thilmany, Associate Professor in Colorado State University's
Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, is also serving as
USDA-CSREES's Interim National Program Leader for Organics. The April 2006
Agribusiness Marketing Report, a CSU Extension publication, features her
article, The US Organic Industry: Important Trends and Emerging Issues for
the USDA, which describes historical trends in organic agriculture,
analyzes emerging issues, discusses international models for supporting
organic agriculture, and presents research, extension, and education needs
in organic ag. Read it at
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=j3cPgy6f5MYqZbS3aOP2>http://dare.agsci.colostate.edu/csuagecon/extension/docs/agbusmarketing/abmr06-01.pdf
New "Smart Water Use on Your Farm or Ranch" Bulletin Available for Free
From SAN press release
Smart Water Use on Your Farm or Ranch, a new 16-page bulletin from the
Sustainable Agriculture Network, spotlights innovative, SARE-funded
research into a range of conservation options including soil management,
such as using compost, conservation tillage and cover crops; plant
management, featuring crop rotation, water-conserving plants and rangeland
drought mitigation; and water management strategies such as low-volume
irrigation and water recycling.
Preview or download the entire publication at
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=S0h0AI03GqYqZbS3aOP2>www.sare.org/publications/water.htm.
To order free print copies, please visit
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=w2OaQs0ZFoYqZbS3aOP2>www.sare.org/webstore,
call 301-504-5236 or email <mailto:san_assoc@sare.org>san_assoc@sare.org.
Meetings
Rotational Grazing Systems Workshops on Organic Dairy in Vermont
From press release
These grazing workshops will cover the benefits of Rational Grazing or
Management Intensive Grazing for its nutritional contribution to a daily
ration, its economic advantages, and as a nutrient source for pasture and
hay land. Workshops will take place on organic dairy farms all over
Vermont. Topics covered during these workshops will include calculating
paddock size and available dry matter, ideal grazing heights, grain rations
to complement pasture, water systems, laneways, livestock health, plant
identification, and management strategies to increase the plants you want
and eliminate the plants you don’t.
Dates and Host Farm Locations:
Monday, July 24 - at Taconic End Farm, Annie Claghorn, Catlin Fox,
Leicester, VT
Wednesday, August 9 Shaun Young, Tinmouth, VT
Thursday, August 24 - at David Child's farm, Orange, VT
Tuesday, August 29 - Bobby & Laurie LePage, Newport, VT
Monday, September 11 Bill Aquaviva, Livewater Farm, Putney, VT
Friday, September 22 - Pat Hayes, Enosburg Falls, VT
For more information, contact Lisa McCrory, Northeast Organic Farming
Association--Vermont Dairy and Livestock Technical Advisor, phone
802-234-5524, e-mail <mailto:lmccrory@together.net>lmccrory@together.net
Organic Seed Alliance Announces "Producing Organic Seed" Field Days
From press release
The Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) has announced two more dates in their
annual series of organic seed production field days. The first will be held
on July 19, 2006 from 9 am to 5 pm at Gathering Together Farm in Philomath,
Oregon, and co-hosted by Wild Garden Seed. It will cover organic lettuce
and brassica seed production, crop-improvement strategies, and harvest and
cleaning techniques. The workshop will include presentations from Frank
Morton (Wild Garden Seed), Ken Johnson (Oregon State University), Jim
Meyers (Oregon State University), John Navazio and Micaela Colley (OSA),
and possibly others.
The second upcoming field day will be on August 22, 2006 at Eel River
Produce in Shively, California. Topics covered will include diverse organic
seed production, crop-improvement strategies and seed-cleaning techniques.
A variety of seed crops will be on view. This workshop will include
presentations from Bill Reynolds (Eel River Produce), Steve Peters (Seeds
of Change), and John Navazio and Micaela Colley (OSA).
To learn more, check out the OSA website
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=ZD37N516rgYqZbS3aOP2>www.seedalliance.org/
Northeast Organic Farming Association to hold 32nd Annual Summer Conference
Over 150 workshops are planned for this renowned gathering, including
numerous activities for children and teens. This year's conference will be
Aug. 10-14, 2006, at Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts. For more
details and to register online, visit
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=vYih9s37xoYqZbS3aOP2>http://www.nofa.org/index.php.
SARE Plans National Meeting Aug. 15-17
This year's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) National
Meeting will be hosted by the North Central region, featuring the
theme"Midwest Homecoming: Sharing a New Tradition of Sustainability."
Keynote speakers include Winona LaDuke, Mark Ritchie, and Frank and Carol
Popper. Over 30 educational sessions representing projects from around the
country will be offered. The meeting will be Aug. 15-17, 2006, in
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. For details and registration, please visit
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=j39CyyeicSYqZbS3aOP2>http://www.sare2006.org/,
e-mail <mailto:registration@SARE2006.org>registration@SARE2006.org, or call
800-328-2851.
Upcoming Workshop for USDA-ARS Organic Research Plans
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will hold a planning meeting
for the Integrated Agricultural Systems National Program (NP207) during the
week of October 23rd in Atlanta, Georgia. The "customer input" portion of
the meeting will be Oct. 24th & 25th, 2006 (Tuesday and Wednesday). The
NP207 Integrated Systems program is emerging as the primary coordinator for
ARS's growing organic research portfolio. Using input from producers,
scientists and others, this workshop will generate the program's research
plans and outcomes for the next five years. For more details, contact
Jeffrey Steiner, Natural Resources and Sustainable Agricultural Systems
National Program Leader, at
<mailto:Jeffrey.Steiner@ARS.USDA.GOV>Jeffrey.Steiner@ARS.USDA.GOV; or
Nadine Kessler, phone 301-504-4636, e-mail
<mailto:Nadine.Kessler@ARS.USDA.GOV>Nadine.Kessler@ARS.USDA.GOV. –Mark
Lipson
Job Opportunities
Agronomy Specialist and Web Specialist positions with NCAT
From NCAT press release:
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), a private non-profit
organization, helps people by championing small-scale, local, and
sustainable solutions to reduce poverty, promote healthy communities, and
protect natural resources. NCAT has two positions open:
Web specialist with good graphic and design skills. The position is based
in the administrative offices located in Butte, Montana. Minimum
requirements are an equivalency of a BA or BS degree in Computer Science or
Computer Engineering and experience working on user-friendly and
eye-catching websites. NCAT is looking for a computer specialist to work
with its computer services team to develop, design and/or maintain websites
and webpages. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience.
Applications will be accepted through July 21, 2006 or until a suitable
candidate is identified.
Program specialist to help American farmers and ranchers transition to
sustainable crop production. This position will be part of NCAT’s Farm
Energy team which responds to increasing requests from farmers and farm
organizations for technical assistance on energy questions. The position
will be based in NCAT’s Butte, Montana office. Minimum requirements include
farm-based experience and a BS or MS degree or equivalent in agronomy with
particular attention to forage crops, cropping systems, biofuel production
or a related field in agriculture, such as soils. Particular attention
will be given to applicants with experience or a proven interest in
biofuels (including biodiesel and/or ethanol) and in helping farmers reduce
their on-farm energy costs. Applications will be accepted through July 24,
2006 or until a suitable candidate can be identified.
To apply, persons interested in being considered for the position must
submit a cover letter highlighting relevant skills and experience, a
current resume, and a completed NCAT application form. Other materials may
be required. For full position announcements, please visit
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=1L5dNf3icWYqZbS3aOP2>http://www.ncat.org/about_join.html
University of California Cooperative Extension Vegetable & Strawberry Crops
Advisor
From UC press release
The Vegetable/Strawberry Farm Advisor has responsibility for conducting an
educational and applied research program for the vegetable and strawberry
industries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. The advisor will
identify and assess the needs of clientele; conduct surveys and field
trials addressing identified problems; and develop appropriate educational
outreach programs to bring about improved practices among the
clientele.
A minimum of a Master’s degree in either Plant Science or Pest Management,
or closely related discipline is required. Training and/or experience in
vegetable production, entomology, plant pathology, pomology, and
postharvest physiology is preferred. Demonstrated ability to: (1)
communicate well in public speaking and write at a level appropriate for
clientele at various levels of education and experience; (2) teach
effectively and motivate people; and (3) work independently, and as a team
member. Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable.
Application packets must be received on July 21, 2006 (open until filled).
View full listing on the web at
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=LZ64r81RiKYqZbS3aOP2>http://ucanr.org/jobdescript/strawveg.pdf
Funding Opportunities
Leopold Center Releases Call for Proposals for Iowa Sustainable Agriculture
Projects
From Leopold Center press release
Iowans with research and demonstration ideas for the Leopold Center for
Sustainable Agriculture are invited to submit their pre-proposals by
mid-August. A Request for Pre-proposals (RFP) with information on the
application process is now available from the Leopold Center office or on
the Center’s web site at
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=55F5AAJBRYYqZbS3aOP2>www.leopold.iastate.edu/research/rfp/2006.htm
.
Investigators representing any Iowa nonprofit organization/agency and/or
educational institution (such as soil and water conservation districts,
schools and colleges, and regional development groups) may submit
pre-proposals; there are no restrictions on project partners or collaborators.
Pre-proposals are due August 14, with most project funding to begin in
early 2007. The two-page concept papers will be reviewed by Center staff
and Advisory Board members to assess the technical merit and relevance to
the Center’s mission.
Small Minority Producer Grant
Provides funds for cooperatives or associations of cooperatives whose
primary focus is to provide assistance to small minority producers and
whose governing board and/or membership is comprised of at least 75 percent
minority members. Deadline is July 28, 2006. For more information, see
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=09qWjyMrMgYqZbS3aOP2>www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=9926
Small Business Innovation Research Program
The purpose of the SBIR program is to provide an opportunity for US-owned,
for-profit small business firms to submit innovative, applied, research and
development projects that address important problems facing American
agriculture and have the potential to lead to significant public benefit if
the research is successful. Research proposals are accepted in any of the
following topic areas: 1) Forests and Related Resources; 2) Plant
Production and Protection - Biology; 3) Animal Production and Protection;
4) Soil and Water Resources; 5) Food Science and Nutrition; 6) Rural and
Community Development; 7) Aquaculture; 8) Industrial Applications; 9)
Marketing and Trade; 10) Animal Manure Management; 11) Small and Mid-Size
Farms; and 12) Plant Production and Protection - Engineering. Applications
are due Sept. 1, 2006. For more details, see
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=D5HE6CItt2YqZbS3aOP2>www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=10051
Thank you to Kim Leval, Center for Rural Affairs, for links to federal
grant opportunities.
Agency News
Nominations Open for USDA’s National Agricultural Research, Extension,
Education, and Economics Advisory Board
USDA is taking nominations for 12 vacancies on the National Agricultural
Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. The
Board was established in the 1996 farm bill to “…..provide advice to the
Secretary of Agriculture and land-grant colleges and universities on
national priorities and policies related to agricultural research,
education, extension, and economics." Required forms and a nomination
letter must be postmarked or faxed to USDA no later than July 31, 2006. In
addition, USDA encourages nominees to have letters of support. Instructions
for submitting nominations and required forms are posted on the web at
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=WPkU7RfjxwYqZbS3aOP2>http://www.nareeeab.com/nominations/20060512_001_letter.asp.
The 12 openings are as follows:
* Category A. National Farm Organization
* Category C. Food Animal Commodity Producer
* Category E. National Animal Commodity Organization
* Category F. National Crop Commodity Organization
* Category K. National Human Health Association
* Category P. Hispanic-Serving Institutions
* Category R. Non-Land Grant College or University with a historic
commitment to research in food and agricultural sciences
* Category T. Transportation of Food and Agricultural Products to domestic
and foreign markets
* Category V. Food and Fiber Processors
* Category AA. Private Sector Organization involved in International
Development
* Category CC. Research Agency of the Federal Government Other than USDA
* Category DD. National Social Science Association.
This is the 12th in a series of occasional bulletins providing selected
information on organic research programs, positions, funding, and reports,
as well as news about SCOAR itself. These reports are sent via email to
registered SCOAR participants. For previous bulletins, registration and
other information about SCOAR, see
<http://mcsv.net/cgi-bin/redir?MCid=vXRiUy6hZAYqZbS3aOP2>http://www.ofrf.org/scoar/index.html
Your feedback is welcomed. Send comments to jane@ofrf.org
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