Challenges and Resilience in Organic Farming: Insights from the Northwest

Farmers transitioning to organic production encounter a unique set of challenges that demand comprehensive technical assistance. During the crucial three-year transition period, these farmers must develop financially viable strategies while also addressing critical issues such as restoring soil health, managing weeds without the use of herbicides, and upgrading equipment and infrastructure to meet organic standards. Additionally, navigating the complexities of paperwork related to the National Organic Program (NOP) can be daunting, particularly during the final year of the transition and the initial year of certification.

Sharing Experiences: A Webinar for Farmers

To address these challenges, a recent webinar hosted three experienced organic farmers from the Northwest who shared their journeys and insights. The featured speakers included:

• Lynn Schaal – Life Springs Farm, Idaho
• Tracey Dion – Yellowstone River Farms, Montana
• Aaron Flansburg – Flansburg Farm, Washington

These farmers have successfully navigated the complexities of organic farming and have developed resilient, dynamic organic systems. Their experiences serve to demystify the transitioning process, providing valuable insights for others on a similar path.

About the Seeds of Success Series

The webinar is part of the Seeds of Success Series, a collaborative effort by the Organic Farmers Research Foundation (OFRF), the Organic Farmers Association (OFA), and the National Organic Coalition (NOC). This series of virtual farmer-to-farmer networking sessions offers a platform for farmers to share their challenges and successes, fostering a community of support and resource sharing.

Learn More and Get Involved

For more information about the Seeds of Success Series and other upcoming events from OFRF, visit https://ofrf.org/events/. Funding for this series is made possible through a cooperative agreement between OFRF and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), aimed at highlighting research investments from both the Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI) and the Organic Research Grants (ORG) programs.