The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society (NPSAS) works directly with farmers to encourage better care of the land by increasing perennial crops, reducing chemical use and developing environmentally beneficial livestock systems.
The organization places heavy emphasis on organic farming practices.
Organic farmers do not use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or genetically modified organisms. Instead, they strive to work together with nature to reach their production goals.
Soil fertility on organic farms is maintained or enhanced using crop rotations, cover crops and composted livestock manure. Pests are controlled using a combination of biological, cultural and physical methods.
I attended NPSAS’s annual conference earlier this winter. One speaker at the conference shared about the strong demand which exists for organically produced grains and oilseeds.
The speaker acknowledged the challenges that come with farming organically but then said, “Consider difficulties as opportunities. Sales of organic commodities is a market niche that can boost farm income.”
Not everyone shares the enthusiasm towards organic agriculture that members of NPSAS have.
Skeptics question whether organic farms can produce enough food to meet the needs of our world’s ever-growing population.
Others note that many organic systems rely heavily on soil tillage to control weeds and therefore may not be as environmentally friendly as most people think.
Regardless of one’s views towards organic farming practices, there is no denying that consumer interest in organic products is strong.
According to industry reports, Americans purchase more than 62 billion dollars of organic food and beverages annually.
You’d be wrong if you think that the organic food craze is a “California thing.” A survey by the Nielsen Company found that 86 percent of North Dakota households regularly purchase organic food and beverages.
Industry analysts project that the sales of organic products will grow by more than 10 percent per year through the next decade.
Many organic producers farm the way they do because of health concerns associated with using agricultural chemicals or because they want to be better stewards of the environment.
Others are motivated by the high demand and price premium for organic commodities.
It’s important to note that not everyone is cut out to be an organic farmer. Retired NDSU Extension Agent Brad Brummond states that successful organic farmers share these characteristics:
A focused commitment to safe food and a healthy environment
Patience and good observation skills
An understanding of ecological systems
Flexibility and eagerness to experiment with new techniques and practices
Good recordkeeping habits and sound business management skills
Good marketing skills and a readiness to spend time seeking markets
A willingness to learn from others and share stories of successes and failures
The transition to organic farming is a multi-year process that involves careful planning. The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program offers a free workbook to guide farmers and ranchers through this planning process.
If you would like a copy of the workbook or are interested to learn more about the opportunities that organic agriculture offers, I invite you to contact me in the Extension office (jeff.gale@ndsu.edu, 652-2581).
