Harriet Behar

Harriet Behar is an Organic Specialist with MOSES, (Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service), In her work, she has led organic focused  trainings and on-farm tours for farmers, agricultural businesses, extension agents, NRCS personnel, and other agriculture education professionals.  Harriet also staffs the MOSES toll-free organic information line, answering a wide variety of questions about organic crops and livestock, processing, and marketing from around the United States. MOSES educates, inspires, and empowers farmers to thrive in a sustainable, organic system of agriculture.

Over the years as an organic inspector and educator, Harriet has visited over 2000 organic farms and processing facilities around the world, but mostly in the Upper Midwest. She has gained knowledge of the common sense methods used on organic farms to meet their management challenges.  Every organic farm and processor she has visited increases the respect and enthusiasm she has for organic methods and ideals. 

Working with other organic and sustainable agriculture organizations, participating on a wide variety of local, state and national committees and staying informed on emerging issues, Harriet has knowledge of how to make change at the Federal and State levels concerning farm policy and programs.  It takes patience and a willingness to see change come in small steps, as well as stay committed to the goal where all agriculture across the globe would be organic and sustainable.

She has grown organic vegetables since 1973 and has been certified organic since 1989. The farm also produces fresh and dried herbs, bedding plants and small grains on 216 acres in the hills of Southwestern Wisconsin. In addition, she and her husband have a small commercial honey and organic egg operation.  The vast majority of the farm’s electricity is produced from their solar photovoltaic panels.