A Community Based Approach to Extension In Organic Agriculture

Project Overview

EW99-013
Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 1999: $10,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Region: Western
State: Idaho
Principal Investigator:
Mir M. Seyedbagheri
Email
University of Idaho, Elmore County Extension

Annual Reports

Commodities

Not commodity specific

Practices

  • Crop Production: biological inoculants, organic fertilizers
  • Education and Training: extension
  • Production Systems: general crop production

    Abstract:

    Demonstration trials were conducted using organic amendments (compost and rapeseed meal) on fields of organic and conventional potatoes. Field tours were conducted during the growing season with growers and agricultural professionals in attendance. Data from demonstration trials was discussed and interpreted in terms of crop ecology and soil science principles. After each growing season, this information was presented at local workshops and regional meetings to reach a wider audience. Because of this program, several conventional growers are integrating the use of organic amendments into their cropping systems and organic growers are making more efficient use of these products

    Project objectives:

    • Objectives:
      To educate agricultural professionals about the special needs of organic growers.
      To demonstrate the use of organic amendments to provide nutrients and biological pes control.
      To educate growers and agricultural professionals about natural cycles related to organic agriculture.
      To foster a more sustainable agriculture by integrating some of the cultural methods used by organic growers into conventional cropping systems.
      To make a dialogue between the community of conventional growers and the community of organic growers.
      To measure the impact of PDP training on agricultural professionals and growers.

      Performance Targets:
      For those involved with organic production, an increased level of understanding of ecological principles in crop production, especially with respect to the use of organic amendments.
      For those involved with conventional production, an increased knowledge of the possibility to integrate ecological principles and organic amendments used in organic production systems into conventional systems.
      Grower adoption of improved crop management practices based on information presented during this program.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.