2007 Annual Report for ENC06-088
The New Agriculture Network: an organic farming forum for education and research
Summary
Utilize the New Ag Network (NAN)—www.new-ag.msu.edu—to create a closer collaboration between the organic community and the land-grant universities. This multi-state network will be used to identify organic farming educational needs for Extension educators across Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. A survey will be offered for Extension educators to identify their educational needs. Survey results will be used to develop curriculum and farm tours for educators to increase their knowledge and ability to address organic farming questions in the future.
Objectives/Performance Targets
-Engage Extension educators from three states to participate in organic farming educational programs.
-Create communication channels using NAN between organic growers, Extension educators and researchers to address the needs of organic farmers.
-Build on-farm research results into established listserv for and by organic growers and Extension educators.
Accomplishments/Milestones
A Zoomerang survey was designed by the advisory team and 114 educators responded to the survey. Results from this survey are now being used to design educational programs for educators.
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
Yet to be determined.