Description

The 36-month organic transition can be a daunting prospect. Preparation is key to success. In this lesson, we discuss how to prepare farms to navigate transition and come through ready for success.

Learning Objectives

• Understand organic transition process

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Content Notes

Preparing for Transition

Key Steps to Successful Transition

• Ask the Right Questions:
  
  • What are the weed problems?
  • How can soil fertility be improved?
  • How can the farm achieve sustainable productivity?
    
• Boost Soil Fertility:
  • Use cover crops or alfalfa to increase organic matter.
  • Focus on weed management and building soil health simultaneously.
    
• Avoid Shortcuts:
  • Invest time in studying the farm’s needs to avoid future issues.
  • Implement organic practices steadily to ensure long-term success.

Breaking Down Transition Tasks

• Establish the Why: Farmers should reflect on why they want to go organic. Common motivations include:
  • Financial Gain: Higher demand than supply in organics.
  • Health Benefits: Avoid exposure to synthetic chemicals.
  • Community Revitalization: Organic farming can boost local economies.
• Find an Advisor/Mentor:
  • Having a mentor on standby for advice is critical.
  • Tie farmers into a community of resources for ongoing support.

Plan Transition Pace

• 20% Five-Year Rule: Transition no more than 20% of the farm per year. This minimizes risk and allows for recalibration if issues arise.
• Start with fields that have low weed pressure, good drainage, and high fertility.
• Transition more challenging fields later.

Finances and Soil Health

• Run the numbers early. Understand the financial implications and cash flow during transition.
• Focus on long-term soil health by:
  • Raising forages (annual or perennial).
  • Boosting fertility through crop rotation or manure applications.
  • Regular soil testing to monitor fertility.

Find a Certifier and Set Up Systems

Certifier Selection:

Choose a certifier with systems that match the farmer's needs, preferably one located nearby.

Set up a manageable record-keeping system early on to avoid future headaches.

Explore Markets and Contracts

Transitional Markets:
Transitional markets are limited, but non-GMO or IP options may offer alternatives.

Start building relationships with organic buyers early, even before certification.

Call buyers, get on lists, and understand pricing/contracts for post-certification.

Mental Preparation for Organic Farming

Mindset Shift:

Organic farming is different from conventional farming.

Success requires understanding organic methods, not simply replacing conventional inputs with organic ones.

Attend conferences, seek resources, and engage in conversations to facilitate mental transition.

Prepare for Social Pressure:

Neighbors and local farmers will watch the transition closely, with some likely to criticize if early results are challenging.

Success can lead to more opportunities (e.g., rental offers), but early failures may reinforce negative perceptions of organic farming.

Stay resilient, keep learning, and focus on long-term goals.

Sources and References

Jaenicke, Edward C. “U.S. Organic Hotspots and Their Benefit to Local Economies.” Organic Trade Association, Penn State University, May 2016, https://ota.com/sites/default/files/indexed_files/OTA-HotSpotsWhitePaper-OnlineVersion.pdf