Organic Grain Production Another Way

Two recent developments appear to have changed agriculture in the mid-Atlantic region in recent years. The 1995 Farm Bill reduced government involvement in agriculture by reducing government subsidies. Prior to the 1995 Farm Bill, farmers were given incentives to follow certain cropping rotations, which served to control land in production, which, in effect, controlled supply. This incentive program geared farmers to follow incentives instead of true market indices. About this same time, scientists were making major advancements in biotechnology. Bovine somatotrophin, (BST), was one of the first significant breakthroughs in biotechnology; injection of this product allowed dairy cows to increase production by as much as 10%. This technology, along with genetically engineered plants, certainly followed the mind-set of maximum-performance production agriculture has followed in recent years.

It appears, however, that something was different this time. Consumers had become more health conscious in the late 1980s and into the 1990s. They also had more disposable income to allow them to purchase food for reasons other than cost and nutrition. It was during this time that the organic natural food movement began to gain momentum. Four relatively large dairy companies were organized and made significant strides in the marketplace by filling the consumer requests. It is not the intent of this proposal to pass judgment of the movement, but to follow the intended purpose stated in the 1995 Farm Bill, that being "to allow the free market to exist."

The dairies that organized during this period appear to be flourishing. A nationwide demand for dairy products does exist. Further, sales have become significant enough to cause USDA to consider tracking volume. Whether this increased market demand is driven by consumer preference or innovative marketers will not be addressed here. The fact is there has been a significant increase in organic dairy farms in the mid-Atlantic region.

With increased dairy production, an increased demand for organic feed has developed. This increased demand has stimulated Cooperative Extension personnel and many non-organic cash grain farmers to explore organic grain production as another way, an alternative farming method to fulfill a market demand. This farming alternative however, provides a tremendous paradigm challenge. Although organic farming requires a thorough understanding of best management practices that we all accept, it requires us not to use the biotechnology and chemistry developed in recent years. For many, it becomes a step backward.

The professional development project, "Another Way," will provide extension educators of the mid-Atlantic region a professional development program that will address the paradigm shift required, and the peer pressure, which will follow if the producer chooses to try another way. It will also address critical growing-point decisions that will be required for successful adoption of organic practices. This component of the training will focus on maximizing sustainable practices of pest management, nutrient management, and the use of cover crops. This component may spark renewed interest in ICM/IPM practices on conventional farms.

"Another Way" will develop an organic grain systems workbook package consisting of videos, organic grain systems resource directory and regional specific fact sheets for CBS personnel and other agricultural professionals, including farmers. This project combines the collaborative CBS resources of Cornell University, Delaware State University, University of Maryland College Park, Pennsylvania State University and Rutgers University.