The New Agriculture Network: an organic farming forum for education and research

Project Overview

ENC06-088
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2006: $75,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2008
Region: North Central
State: Michigan
Project Coordinator:
Dr. Dale Mutch
Email
Michigan State University Extension

Annual Reports

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Education and Training: general education and training

    Proposal abstract:

    As farmers explore options for reducing their reliance on pesticides, an increasing number are considering organic farming and looking for methods to transition their production system. A multi-state (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan) network, The New Agriculture Network (new-ag.msu.edu) was established in 2004 to improve organic farming practices. This network provides a forum for information exchange between farmers, Extension educators and researchers. The New Agriculture Network (NAN) invites closer collaboration between the organic community and land-grant universities. This proposal would 1) engage Extension educators from three states to participate in organic farming educational programs led by organic farmers and researchers; 2) create communication channels using NAN between organic growers, Extension educators and researchers to address the needs of organic farmers; and 3) build on-farm research results into an established listserv for and by organic growers and Extension educators. We expect Extension educators and researchers to increase their knowledge in soil quality and pest management for organic farming systems in the short term. Our immediate outcomes include educators conducting organic educational programs, tri-state organic proposals and an increase in organic demonstrations by educators. The long-term effects include a systematic approach rather than reactive to farming issues that educators are expected to deal with when working with organic agriculture. Several evaluation tools would be used such as pre- and post-testing before and after workshops, and the number of demonstrations, workshops and proposals written.

    Project objectives from proposal:

    1) engage Extension educators from three states to participate in organic farming educational programs led by organic farmers and researchers

    2) create communication channels using NAN between organic growers, Extension educators and researchers to address the needs of organic farmers

    3) build on-farm research results into an established listserv for and by organic growers and Extension educators.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.