MOSES Organic Farmer Mentoring Program

How can I get involved with this project?
What is the project?
Why is this needed?
What are the benefits of the program?
Where do I get more information?

How can I get involved with this project?
Mentors will complete a profile form and new organic farmers will complete an application, helping MOSES pair them up according to type of production and region.  This program is different from internship programs; the new farmer is not required to help on the mentor’s farm, unless they both feel this would be beneficial.  Instead, the mentor will visit the mentored farmer’s home at least once and be available for phone calls and emails as mutually agreed.  This mentorship will last at least one year, and will be for producers in one of the following three categories: Crops, Dairy or Vegetables. The mentor will receive expenses and a stipend per each mentored farmer they help. The mentored farmer will be asked to pay a small fee.  Since this is a pilot project, all participants will be asked to cooperate in providing progress reports in order that MOSES can document what works well and what may need to be changed.  This information will be used in developing future mentoring initiatives.

What is the project?
The MOSES organic mentoring project will pair an organic farmer with one or two transitioning-to-organic farmers, to help these new to organic farmers negotiate the various USDA regulations on organic and modify their operations to meet organic standards. Mentors will also share practical information on day-to-day chores and activities on the farm, which are somewhat different for an organic farmer than a conventional farmer.  Our mentors will be long time experienced organic farmers who have a track record of helping others as conference speakers, performing certification activities and running a successful organic farm.  New to organic farmers can either be transitioning their conventional farm, or be starting up a new operation.

Why is this needed?
Demand for organic production continues to grow at 20% per year, making it the fastest growing sector of agriculture in the United States.  The pace of new farmers entering the organic supply stream is not keeping up with consumer demand for these products.   Entering the world of organic production can be overwhelming, with a wide variety of rules to follow as well as new methods and inputs to use on the farm.  Organic farmers have been helping each other improve their operations since the mid-1980s, and most successful organic farmers attribute their current situations to this type of sharing when they began their organic production.  Organics is still less than 4% of the agricultural production in the United States and it is not easy for farmers interested in organic to find an experienced farmer willing to help them with their transition. 

What are the benefits of the program?
This program has a strong formal educational component as well, including full participation in the MOSES Organic Farming Conference and Organic University, February 2008 and the 2009 Organic Farming Conference, in La Crosse, WI.  The MOSES outreach coordinator, Harriet Behar, will be keeping in touch with all participants, making sure they are aware of other organic educational activities available in their region, including field days and workshops. Harriet will also be available to answer any questions. 

Where do I get more information?