Cornell’s Northeast Organic Network (NEON) www.neon.cornell.edu is a consortium of researchers, Extension educators, farmers and other non-profit organizations, whose hub is the Department of Horticulture at the university. Agriculture experiment stations and other land grant universities in the Northeast are also part of this network which provides expertise and technical support to those following or moving to organic production practices.

CCE Educators have been key partners in providing resources and networking opportunities to organic producers through workshops, newsletters and web communications.  Current research and practice information about soil fertility, pest management and crop rotation is also made available through this network.

Dr. Anusuya Rangarajan, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture and Director of the Cornell Small Farms Program, said there are two things that generally influence a farmer’s decision to transition to organic production:  personal philosophy about farming practices and the availability of a market for the organically produced product.

She said, “Transitioning to organic farming needs to be a thoughtful decision because it involves a shift in the way the farm is managed. The goal is to use natural cycles in the environment to produce a healthy crop which is a highly skilled, comprehensive approach.”

The transition to organic is a process best done incrementally over three years. This allows enough time to improve the health and fertility of the soil while converting portions of conventional crops to organic.  An organic farm plan should include crop rotation and soil conservation measures, as well as pest, disease and weed control methods.

In order for growers and producers to use the certified organic label, detailed records of crop and animal management practices need to be kept.  An annual farm inspection is also required.

Doing market research is important when considering the switch to organic. Is the local market robust?  Are there other outlets like community supported agriculture groups (CSAs) and farmers’ markets where products can be sold? 

For dairy farmers moving to organic production, there may be additional challenges.  During the transition period a farmer needs to feed higher priced organic feed to the cows, but still receives the normal milk price.

Organic dairy production also requires that cows spend a specific amount of time in the pasture each day.  Grazing techniques might need to change and more fences built.  The potential payoff is the higher price that organically produced milk can fetch.  While purchasers of organic products generally know they are paying for stricter growing practices, but there’s always room to raise awareness. 

CCE is the campus connection to New York State residents interested in the latest information about growing and consuming organically.  With close ties to both farming communities and Cornell research, CCE Educators are uniquely poised to help recognize and support the evolving needs of the organic production movement.