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CONTENTS:
Higher Education
News
Colorado
State University Develops Interdisciplinary Studies Program in
Organic Agriculture
Washington State University Organic Program Gains
State Funding; Hires New Director; Develops Organic Major
Summary
of Conference on Sustainable Ag Education on Web
Agency
News
New ‘White Paper’ on Organic Research
Released by CSREES
USDA
Seeks Data on Role of Pasture in Organic Dairy for Pre-Rulemaking
Process
Scientist,
Organic Handler Needed to Fill Upcoming Vacancies on National
Organic Standards Board
Funding Opportunities
SARE
Requests for Proposals
Fulbright
Scholar Program for U.S. Faculty and Professionals
Job
Opportunities
Graduate Research Assistantship to Study Organic
Soybean Production at North Carolina State University
OMRI Seeks Product Review Coordinator
In
the Literature
Organic orchards have higher denitrification
efficiency, reduced nitrate leaching compared with conventional
orchards
Research
Findings
University of California Releases New Organic Cost
and Return Studies
Organic Corn Outyields Conventional in Ohio Field
Trials
Resources
Organic Dairy Farming Guide Hot Off the
Press
New Agriculture Network Provides Midwestern Organic
Production Info Twice Monthly
University of Minnesota Alternative Dairy Guide
Contains Organic Chapter
OFRF Publishes Report on First 13 Years of
Organic Grantmaking
New RAFI Publications for Farmers
“Pesticide-free” Production Manuals
on Mango and Cotton Production
Meetings
Call for Posters: Fifth California Conference
on Biological Control
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Higher
Education News
Colorado State University Develops
Interdisciplinary Studies Program in Organic Agriculture
Four Colorado State University departments have joined together
to develop a program in organic agriculture for all students at
CSU “concerned about the environmental and sociological
impacts of conventional agricultural practices and interested
in alternative approaches.” The program requires 46-47 course
credits and a hands-on internship in organic crop production or
marketing. While not a degree program, completion of it will be
recorded on the student’s transcript. For more information,
visit the program’s website at http://organic.colostate.edu/index.htm,
or contact Jessica Davis, Dept. of Soil and Crop Sciences, Jessica.Davis@Colostate.edu.
Washington
State University Organic Program
Gains State Funding; Hires New Director; Develops Organic Major
Washington State University’s Biologically Intensive and
Organic Agriculture (BIOAg) program received state funding earlier
this year to continue its cutting-edge research and education
effort in organic agriculture. Shortly after the Washington State
Legislature appropriated $400,000 to the program, researcher and
educator Lynne Carpenter-Boggs was selected to head it. Besides
having a strong portfolio of conventional research, Carpenter-Boggs
has also published a number of scientific articles on the performance
of biodynamic systems.
In
a related development, Washington State University is poised to
institute a formal major in organic agriculture beginning in the
fall 2006 semester. We will publish more information on this program
when it becomes available.
Read
more about the BioAg program on the New Farm website:
http://www.newfarm.org/features/2006/0506/wsu/sullivan.shtml
Or visit the BIOAg website at http://csanr.wsu.edu/BIOAg/
Summary
of Conference on Sustainable Ag Education on Web
“Facilitating Sustainable Agriculture” was the title
of a well-attended conference held at Asilomar in January 2006,
organized by Albie Miles of the University of California at Santa
Cruz’s Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems.
A summary of the conference, containing “information on
the history, rationale, the participatory methods used, topics
addressed, outcomes and future activities,” can now be read
on the web at http://zzyx.ucsc.edu/casfs/conference/index.html
This site also has a link to the participant list. Contact Albie
directly by e-mail at afmiles@ucsc.edu.
Agency News
New ‘White Paper’
on Organic Research Released by CSREES
An important new “White Paper” on organic farming
research leadership has been written for the USDA Cooperative
State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES). The
authors of the paper are the recent and current CSREES Interim
Program Leaders for Organic Agriculture, Jim Kotcon and Dawn Thilmany.
The Interim Program Leader position is a temporary assignment
within the agency’s National Program staff. Dr. Kotcon was
the first Interim Program Leader during 2005, and Dr. Thilmany
is currently serving in that position through October of 2006.
The
paper is intended to help USDA-CSREES determine how best to meet
the needs for organic research, education and extension. The paper
first summarizes the growth in demand for organic products, the
historical deficit of attention by USDA research agencies, and
the specialized nature of organic research, education and extension
needs.
The
paper then describes the way that organic agriculture relates
to the Strategic Goals of CSREES, noting that it has positive
contributions and opportunities for meeting every one of these
agency goals. The need for CSREES leadership in organic farming
is further explored in relation to international competitiveness.
With
a brief overview of current USDA research agency activities, the
paper offers a series of goals and action items for CSREES. The
authors state that, “…a National Program Leader position
is needed to identify evolving priority needs and opportunities,
coordinate research and outreach efforts, and serve as a single
point of contact for organic programs.”
A
follow-up paper providing alternatives for staffing and organizational
structure is expected in late Spring, 2006. The paper is accessible
through the OFRF website at http://www.ofrf.org/policy/usda_organic/csrees/organic_opportunities.pdf
USDA
Seeks Data on Role of Pasture in Organic Dairy for Pre-Rulemaking
Process
USDA is seeking data and scientific literature that can inform
their formulation of a proposed rule on the role of pasture in
organic management of ruminant animals, particularly dairy animals.
There are a number of specific questions seeking scientific information
about ruminant animal nutrition from pasture, pasture management
and animal health, consumer preferences, etc. SCOAR participants
with pertinent knowledge (both empirical and practical) should
try to address these questions. The deadline for comments is June
12. The Federal Register notice requesting this information
is at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Newsroom/National%20Organic%20Program%20(NOP)%20%E2%80%93%20Access%20to%20Pasture%20(Livestock).pdf
Scientist,
Organic Handler Needed to Fill
Upcoming Vacancies on National Organic Standards Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations to fill
four upcoming vacancies on the National Organic Standards Board
(NOSB). Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns will appoint persons
to serve a 5-year term of office to commence January 24, 2007,
and run until January 24, 2012.
The
NOSB is a 15-member board responsible for recommending to the
Secretary changes in the National List of Approved and Prohibited
Substances. The NOSB also advises the Secretary on other aspects
of the National Organic Program.
USDA
is asking for nominations to fill the following four upcoming
NOSB vacancies: organic handler (1 position), scientist (1 position),
consumer/public interest (1 position), and an environmentalist
(1 position). To serve on the NOSB in one of these capacities,
an individual must be an owner or operator of an organic handling
operation; an individual with expertise in areas of environmental
protection and resource conservation; an individual with expertise
in the fields of toxicology, ecology, or biochemistry; or an individual
who represents public interest or consumer interest groups, respectively.
USDA will follow equal opportunity practices in all appointments
to the NOSB.
Written
nominations, accompanied by cover letters and resumes, must be
postmarked on or before July 14, 2006, and sent
to Ms. Katherine E. Benham, Advisory Board Specialist, National
Organic Program, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,
Room 4008-S, Ag Stop 0268, Washington, D.C. 20250.
For
more information, contact Ms. Katherine Benham at (202) 205-7806;
e-mail: Katherine.benham@usda.gov;
or fax: (202) 205-7808. -- USDA press release.
Funding
Opportunities
SARE Requests for Proposals
-
Western Region SARE: Graduate Student Fellow Grants in Sustainable
Agriculture applications due May 31; Research and Education
Grant Pre-Applications due June 14.
For details, see http://wsare.usu.edu/grants/.
-
-
Southern
Region SARE: Research and Education Grant Applications, Graduate
Student Grant Applications, and Professional Development Program
Grant Applications due June 1. Details: http://www.griffin.uga.edu/sare/callpage.html.
-
Fulbright
Scholar Program for U.S. Faculty and Professionals
The Fulbright Scholar Program is offering 21 lecturing, research
or combined lecturing/research awards in agriculture during the
2007-2008 academic year. Awards range from two months to an academic
year. Faculty and professionals in agriculture may apply not only
for awards specifically in their field, but also for one of the
many "All Discipline" awards open to any field. The
application deadline for Fulbright traditional lecturing and research
grants worldwide is August 1, 2006. U.S. citizenship
is required. For other eligibility requirements, detailed award
descriptions, and an application, visit our website at www.cies.org,
or send a request for materials to apprequest@cies.iie.org.
Job
Opportunities
Graduate Research Assistantship
to Study
Organic Soybean Production at North Carolina State University
Seeking a Ph.D. student to work with a committee of researchers,
farmers and county agents to study the dynamics of weed and cover
crop management in organic soybean systems. In addition to research,
the student will participate in extension activities and grant
writing.
Qualifications:
M.S. degree in plant or soil science or agroecology/agronomy.
Strong analytical, written and oral communication skills necessary.
Minimum 3.0 undergraduate and graduate GPA. GRE test scores are
required. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
Salary:
Approximately $18,000 and tuition waiver included.
Facilities:
The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) represents
a new model that combines the roles of research, extension, and
education, and encompasses broad stakeholder involvement. The
CEFS embraces an ecological and systems approach to agriculture
in which methods that ensure the production of food and fiber
are coupled with environmental responsibility, and economic, social,
and community viability.
Application:
Send letter of interest, resume, and transcripts to:
Chris Reberg-Horton, Assistant Professor and Organic Cropping
Specialist
Department of Crop Science
North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7620
Raleigh, NC 27695-7620
919.515.7597 (phone) e-mail chris_reberg-horton@ncsu.edu
Visit
the Dept. of Crop Science, NCSU Web site for additional information:
http://www.cropsci.ncsu.edu/
OMRI
Seeks Product Review Coordinator
The primary responsibility of this position is to review applications
and assist in the product review program. The review program determines
which input products are allowed.
Qualified
candidates for this coordinator position will have some background
in agricultural, biological, chemical or food science with knowledge
of regulatory policy, project coordination, and the organic industry.
Full-time salary with benefits. Deadline: May 24, 2006.
Send resume and cover letter to: jamesw@omri.org,
or OMRI, Attn: James Wynn, PO Box 11558, Eugene, OR 97440. Please
specify in your email subject line or cover letter that you are
applying for the Product Review Coordinator position. Detailed
job description: www.omri.org/jobs
In
the Literature
Organic orchards
have higher denitrification efficiency,
reduced nitrate leaching compared with conventional orchards
Kramer, S.B., J.P. Reganold, J.D. Glover, B.J.M. Bohannan, and
H.A. Mooney. 2006. Reduced nitrate leaching and enhanced denitrifier
activity and efficiency in organically fertilized soils. Proceedings
National Academy of Sciences 103:4522-4527.
“Here
we report reduced nitrogen pollution from organic and integrated
farming systems compared with a conventional farming system. We
evaluated differences in denitrification potential and a suite
of other soil biological and chemical properties in soil samples
taken from organic, integrated, and conventional treatments in
an experimental orchard. Organically farmed soils exhibited higher
potential denitrification rates, greater denitrification efficiency,
higher organic matter, and greater microbial activity than conventionally
farmed soils.” --edited from the abstract
Research Findings
University of California
Releases New Organic Cost and Return Studies
The Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis has
recently released four new “crop budgets” documenting
standard organic management practices, their associated costs,
and projected revenues. The new studies document costs and returns
of organic beef production; organic dairy goat enterprises; organic
pear production; and organic raisin grape production. Links to
the studies may be found at http://coststudies.ucdavis.edu/.
Organic
Corn Outyields Conventional in Ohio Field Trials
“Corn hybrids grown in last year's Ohio State Organic Corn
Performance Test produced 13 percent more corn per acre than the
statewide average yield and topped the record-high state average
yield by four bushels per acre. One hybrid tested did even better,
beating last year's state average corn yield by nearly 50 percent.
Yields at one organic site averaged 171.4 bushels per acre, and
yields at the other site averaged 153.6 bushels per acre, for
a combined average yield of 162 bushels per acre. The Ohio Department
of Agriculture estimated last year's statewide average corn yield
at 143 bushels per acre.” --excerpted
from Ohio State and Purdue Extension resource Ag Answers, March
2006. Full story at http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/aganswers/story.asp?storyID=4174
Resources
Organic Dairy
Farming Guide Hot Off the Press
A new guide to organic dairy has been published by Community Conservation
in Wisconsin, edited by Jody Padgham. “Written for the transitioning
and new organic farmer, Organic Dairy Farming brings
together for the first time in a single volume the information
to explain everything from organic soil management, calf care
and mastitis control to the certification process and marketing
for the organic premium. Combining up-to-date advice from farmers,
veterinarians, researchers and consultants in the organic community,
it presents organic concepts and practices in a readable form.
The book includes farmer interviews demonstrating how they have
successfully applied organic practices on their own farms.”
OFRF provided partial funding for the guide. It costs $19, which
includes postage. To order, call 608-735-4717.
New
Agriculture Network Provides Midwestern Organic Production Info
Twice Monthly
A useful new resource is the on-line newsletter published by the
New Agriculture Network twice monthly during the growing season.
The newsletter features research and extension reports on organic
as well as farmers’ reports from their fields on growing
conditions and management decisions. The New Agriculture Network
is a joint effort of Michigan State University, Purdue University,
and the University of Illinois “to bring seasonal advice
to field crop and vegetable growers interested in organic agriculture.”
Check it out at http://www.ipm.msu.edu/new-ag.htm#10
University
of Minnesota Alternative Dairy Guide Contains Organic Chapter
Univ. of Minnesota and the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture teamed
up to produce a new guide to dairy production, Dairy Your Way:
A Guide to Management Alternatives for the Upper Midwest, edited
by MN Dept. of Ag specialist Meg Moynihan. Available as a free
download from the web or as a printed book, this publication contains
a broad overview of issues pertaining to dairy and information
useful to all family-sized producers, including a chapter on entry
and exit strategies and a chapter on organic dairy. Download it
from http://www.misa.umn.edu/Dairy_Your_Way.html,
or call 651-201-6012 or 800-909-6472 to order a printed copy.
OFRF
Publishes Report on First 13 Years of Organic Grantmaking
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has issued a new
report documenting the impacts its grants program has had on grant
recipients, organic research, and education. The report offers
an overview of the OFRF grants program and results arising from
funded projects. Available online at http://www.ofrf.org/publications/investing_in_organic.pdf
New
RAFI Publications for Farmers
Rural Advancement Foundation International - USA (RAFI-USA) has
produced three publications “designed to be of immediate
and practical use to farmers.” Farmers’ Guide to GMOs,
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Poultry Contract, and A Non-Wonk
Guide to Understanding Federal Commodity Payments can be downloaded
free from their website at http://www.rafiusa.org/pubs/puboverview.html
or ordered over the phone by calling 919-542-1396.
“Pesticide-free”
Production Manuals on Mango and Cotton Production
Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Germany has published two field
guides in a series on non-chemical pest management in the tropics.
Each field guide focuses on one crop and deals with all relevant
information on how to manage agricultural pests without using
chemical pesticides. Guides are available for “pesticide-free”
mango and cotton production. The manuals may be downloaded at
http://www.pan-germany.org/download/field_guide_cotton.pdf
and
http://www.pan-germany.org/download/field_guide_mango.pdf
Meetings
Call for Posters:
Fifth California Conference on Biological Control
July 26-27, 2006, at The Mission Inn, Riverside, California.
“To
help kick off the celebration the 100th Anniversary of the University
of California Citrus Research Center and Agricultural Experiment
Station, the opening session will focus on the importance of biological
control to the citrus industry in California and will include
a special presentation on the history of the Agricultural Experiment
Station.”
Submitted
posters must include a short 4-page paper to be submitted by
June 1, 2006 for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings.
Visit
the Posters link at http://nature.berkeley.edu/biocon/CCBC%20IV%20Poster%20Submission.htm
for the submission form and all details on poster paper submission.
A student poster competition is being sponsored by the Association
of Natural Biocontrol Producers (ANBP).
Details
on the conference may be found at http://nature.berkeley.edu/biocon/CCBC%20V.htm
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This
is the 11th in a series of occasional bulletins providing selected
information on organic research programs, positions, funding,
and
reports, as well as news about SCOAR itself. These reports are
sent via email to registered SCOAR participants.
For previous bulletins, registration and other information about
SCOAR, see http://www.ofrf.org/scoar/index.html
Your
feedback is welcomed. Send comments to jane@ofrf.org
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