Expanding the OATS Training Pipeline for Organic Ag. Professionals with Locally-Focused On-Farm Events

Commodities

Practices

The Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) aims to improve the quality of advice farmers receive from agricultural professionals trained in organic field crop production practices. In order to realize the many environmental and profitability opportunities of organic field crop production, farmers need more robust access to high quality one-on-one support from agricultural professionals trained in science-based organic methods. This project will expand the OATS training pathway for agronomists, Certified Crop Consultants, ag. service employees, extension educators, NGO program staff, and NRCS employees to deepen their knowledge of the science of organic field crop production so that they can meet the advisory needs of transitional and certified organic farmers.

This project will achieve three top-level outcomes: 1) reduce barriers to training on organic field crop production for advisors, 2) deepen the content knowledge of agricultural professionals, and 3) strengthen connections between advisors working in the organic field crop industry. We will achieve these outcomes by: 1) expanding the topics of our trainings with more entry-level and advanced content, 2) host eight in-person on-farm training events that feature locally adapted content, 3) foster connections and peer learning between agricultural professionals through monthly Q&A calls with experts, and 4) connect participants to additional comprehensive training opportunities.