A new training to help producers explore the transition and economics of certified organic production is set for Aug. 18 to 19, in Aurora, Nebraska, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The free event is for grain, livestock, fruit, and vegetable producers, farmers or beginning farmers who have thought about starting a certified organic operation but don’t know where or how to start.
On Friday, Aug. 18, a farm and granary tour with a community dinner will take place, from 3 to 8 p.m. Then, on Saturday, Aug. 19, sessions will be held at The Leadership Center in Aurora from 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m.
“Organic farming offers significant environmental and economic benefits, but making the transition can be challenging,” said Angelyn Wang, local foods associate with the center. “This training offers market development, resources, and technical assistance to local farmers looking to explore organic transition and make those first steps easier.”
The Organic Transition Academy, sponsored by NCAT and their Organic Academy Roadshow, will feature expert speakers and farmers from the Northern Great Plains region who will help producers navigate the marketing of organic products, organic certification, business planning and transition strategies for organic production.
Stipends of $200 are available to assist with travel and lodging costs for the first 45 farmer participants who register.
To register, visit cfra.org/2023-organic-transition-academy. For questions, contact Wang at angelynw @cfra.org or 402.870.1721.
This project is a regional partnership with NCAT, Montana Organic Association, Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society, Center for Rural Affairs, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, International Organic Inspectors Association, North Dakota State, and University of Wyoming. This project is funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and supported through the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program. The Transition to Organic Partnership Program is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service National Organic Program.
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