Rebates available for farmers obtaining organic certification

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Dave Frederickson has signed an agreement with USDA to offer an organic certification cost share program again in 2014.

In August, the MDA will begin accepting applications for this program, which refunds up to 75 percent of the certification costs organic farmers and handlers pay for certification.

“This program provides important regulatory cost relief for organic farmers and handlers who are required by law to hire an accredited certifying agency to verify they are complying with National Organic Standards,” said Frederickson.

MDA Organic Program Administrator Meg Moynihan said farmers in Minnesota pay between $360 and $6,000 for organic certification each year, depending on the size and type of operation and the certifying agency they choose. She said the median cost of certification for organic handlers, which includes food processors, feed mills, brokers, and other related enterprises, was about $2,300 in 2012.

Funding for the Organic Certification Cost Share program was included in the Farm Bill passed by Congress earlier this year. Minnesota’s allocation for 2014 is $541,500.

More information and application materials will be available when MDA opens the program in August. Information about organic practices, certification requirements, and other related topics is available right now at the MDA’s web site: www.mda.state.mn.us/organic.

Organic farm transition program returns with the green in 2014

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering its Organic Transition Cost Share program to farmers again in 2014.

The program reimburses Minnesota farmers who are transitioning their land or livestock to certified organic status, paying part of the cost to work with a USDA accredited organic certifying agency during the transition period, which typically lasts three years.

“Usually farmers don’t contact a certifying agency until they think they’re finished with the transition,” explained program administrator Meg Moynihan. “Our program gives farmers a chance to get feedback on how they’re doing before it actually counts, like practicing before a big game.”

In addition, farmers can request reimbursement for soil testing costs and registration fees to attend an organic education conference in Minnesota or a neighboring state. Farmers transitioning to organic can receive a 75 percent rebate of these eligible costs. The maximum payment is $750 per year for three years or until they achieve organic certification, whichever comes first.

“In early spring, my phone starts ringing with curious farmers asking what it takes to go organic,” said Moynihan. “We want to make sure prospective organic growers know we’re here to help them with this program during the transition process.”

Transition Cost Share Program application forms and a set of Frequently Asked Questions are available at www.mda.state.mn.us/organic or by calling 651-201-6012.

Farmers who are already certified organic will be happy to know their certification cost share program will return later this year.

New Organic Advisory Task Force Members

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Dave Frederickson has announced 15 appointments to the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force (OATF), which was authorized by the Minnesota Legislature during the 2013 session.

Minnesota Statute charges the OATF with advising both MDA and the University of Minnesota (U of MN) about policies and programs to improve organic agriculture in Minnesota. Through the State’s Open Appointments process, the commissioner appoints members in consultation with the dean of the U of MN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the dean of Extension. 

The task force meets two to four times per year and members serve three year terms.

Commissioner Frederickson says that in order to achieve a wide diversity of viewpoints, he considered the balance of expertise, experience, geography, gender and previous service on an earlier OATF.

“The deans and I want candid feedback on what Minnesota organic farmers and businesses needs in terms of outreach, education, research, and technical assistance,” said Frederickson. “I was impressed at the number of experienced applicants willing to serve on the OATF.”

The 15 appointees are:

Organic Farmers: Adam Goeltz (dairy), Maple Lake; Douglas Hilgendorf (crop), Welcome; Jackie Hoch (fruit), La Crescent

Organic Processors: Anthony Schiller, SunOpta Grains & Foods, Inc., Blooming Prairie; Jessie Vander Poel, Grain Millers, Inc., Eden Prairie

Organic Retailers: Melissa Goodson, Valley Natural Foods, Apple Valley

Organic Wholesalers/Distributors: Sharon Hannigan, J & J Distributing, Saint Paul

Organic Consumers: JoAnne Berkenkamp, Minneapolis

                                     
Organic Certifying Agencies: Michelle Menken, Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, Saint Paul

Nonprofit Organization Representing Producers: Carolyn Olson, Lyon Co. Farm Bureau (chair), Cottonwood

The Public: Ryan Crum, Minneapolis; Amanda Heyman, Minneapolis

United States Department of Agriculture: Anna Parker, Risk Management Agency, Saint Paul

U of MN Faculty: Rob King, Agricultural and Applied Economics, Saint Paul

U of MN Extension: Brad Heins, Animal Science, Morris

The first OATF was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1990.  A full slate of members is appointed every term the OATF is reauthorized.

MN organic certification cost share program accepting applications

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota organic farmers and processors can now apply for a rebate of up to 75 percent of the cost of their organic certification. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is accepting applications for the Minnesota Organic Cost Share Program from now until October 31, 2012.

Organic certification is a third-party verification system that assures consumers that the organic products they buy are truly organic, produced in compliance with federal organic regulations. Organic operations are monitored through review of their records and on-site inspections at least once a year.

"The cost share program provides some regulatory relief from a financial burden that is unique to organic farms and other organic businesses," said MDA Organic Program Administrator Meg Moynihan. “Organic growers and processors who sell more than $5,000 of organic agricultural products are legally required to obtain certification at their own expense. Depending on the farm or business size, the cost ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year, so this program can be a big help."

Funds for the cost share program come from a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Operations that received certification (or had ongoing certification) between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012 are eligible for reimbursement of up to 75 percent of certification-related costs  up to a maximum of $750 per category (crop, livestock, processing/handling, wild harvest). Last year, the MDA disbursed nearly $381,000 to 480 certified organic farmers and processors in the state.

To qualify, applicants must be certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agency. The MDA has already mailed application packets to more than 900 certified organic operations in the state. Any certified organic farmer or processor who did not receive a packet can obtain all the program details and necessary materials on the MDA's web site www.mda.state.mn.us/organic or by calling 651-201-6012.

Deadline approaches to apply for Organic Advisory Task Force

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds residents that the deadline to apply for the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force (OATF) is June 26. The OATF advises the Commissioner of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota about policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in the state.

Due to a statutory requirement for staggered terms, there are eight vacancies this year. Members from the following categories or sectors are needed:

Two farmers using organic agriculture methods;

One organic processor;

One organic wholesaler and/or distributor of organic products;

One member of the University of Minnesota faculty;

One member representing a nonprofit producer organization;

One member representing the interests of the public; and,

One member representing the interests of consumers.

All members must be residents of Minnesota willing to serve a one-year term. Half-day meetings are held three or four times per year; members receive reimbursement for travel.

Task force vacancies are filled through the state's Open Appointments process. The application form is available at www.sos.state.mn.us (click the Open Commissions/Appointments icon) or by calling the Secretary of State's office at 877-551-6767. Applicants should specify the category/sector they represent and submit a cover letter with their applications.

Members will be appointed by the Agriculture Commissioner in consultation with the University of Minnesota.

Minnesota is a leader in organic farming in the U.S, with more than 700 certified organic farms and more than 200 organic processors, according to MDA estimates.

Organic farm directory available

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota food retailers and manufacturers have a new directory to turn to when searching for organic ingredients grown in the state. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has updated its Directory of Minnesota Organic Farms to help connect certified organic farmers with brokers, grocery stores, restaurants, and food manufacturers that are seeking organic ingredients.

Organic farmers volunteered to be listed in the directory. It lists 215 of the estimated 700 certified farms in Minnesota both by location and by what they produce, making it easier for buyers to find what they are seeking. The directory includes information for 45 products, including grains and oilseeds, fruits, vegetables and livestock.

Jamie Pfuhl, executive director of the Minnesota Grocers Association, has served on the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force and says the directory is an important resource.

“Our members place a priority on sourcing organic products from farms in their area of the state, and a resource directory like this provides a valuable tool in creating those partnerships,” Pfuhl said. 

Meg Moynihan, principal administrator of the MDA Organic and Diversification program, points out that the directory is also a useful tool that organic farmers can use to find and contact each other. For example, dairy farmers may use it to locate certified organic hay, grain, or straw.

An electronic version of the directory is posted at www.mda.state.mn.us/organic. Hard copies are available by calling 651-201-6012.

This directory is for intermediate and large-scale buyers. Consumers wishing to purchase organic products should refer to the Minnesota Grown Directory (www.minnesotagrown.com) where they can find organic farms that sell direct to consumers. 

Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force seeks eight members

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking members to fill eight scheduled vacancies on the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force (OATF). Authorized by Minnesota Statute, the OATF advises the Commissioner of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota about policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in the state.

Minnesota is a leader in organic farming in the U.S, with more than 700 certified organic farms and more than 200 organic processors, according to MDA estimates. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson says this growing agriculture and food sector needs and deserves support from public institutions like the Department of Agriculture and the University.

“Consumer demand for organic food and other products is surging,” Frederickson said. “We need task force members who will share their ideas and opinions on ways we can help Minnesota’s organic farmers and processors meet that demand.”

Members from the following categories or sectors are needed:

Two farmers using organic agriculture methods; one organic processor; one organic wholesaler and/or distributor of organic products; one member of the University of Minnesota faculty; one member representing a nonprofit producer organization; one member representing the interests of the public; and, one member representing the interests of consumers.

All members must be residents of Minnesota willing to serve a one-year term. Half-day meetings are held three or four times per year; members receive reimbursement for travel.

Task force vacancies are filled through the state's Open Appointments process. The application form is available online at http://webmail.loretel.net/scripts/webmail.exe?cmd=url&xdata=~2-e3542cf57aa5d72d411ed524fe7a94750184afc19fa1ab91988f9e959600&url=http!3A!2F!2Fwww.sos.state.mn.us (click the Open Commissions/Appointments icon) or by calling the Secretary of State's office at 877-551-6767. Applicants should specify the category/sector they represent and submit a cover letter with their applications.

The deadline to apply is June 26, 2012. Members will be appointed by Commissioner Frederickson in consultation with the University of Minnesota.

Minnesota Organic Conference

St. PAUL, Minn. – Plan now for a mid-January jaunt to St. Cloud and the 2012 Minnesota Organic Conference. The annual event will grow in 2012 to include even more trade show vendors, educational breakout sessions, and nationally renowned keynote speakers.

Scheduled January 13-14, 2012, at the River’s Edge Convention Center (formerly the St. Cloud Civic Center), the conference is a great opportunity for organic farmers and processors to network and to showcase their products.

“This conference attracts more people every year because there’s something for everyone,” says Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Organic Specialist Meg Moynihan. “We make it worthwhile for those farmers just starting out in organic, those who are in transition and those who’ve been doing it for years. People tell us they love the education at the conference, but they also like seeing old friends and meeting new people.”

Featured speakers this year include Chuck Benbrook, Chief Scientist for The Organic Center in Boulder, Colorado; Jim Goodman, a journalist and organic farmer from Wonewoc, Wisconsin; and Elaine Ingham, President of Soil Foodweb, Inc., and Chief Scientist at the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. In addition, Minnesota farmer, conservationist, and author Jim VanDerPol will read from his new book Conservations with the Land.

Nearly 36 breakout sessions at the conference will cover timely topics like weed control, water management, soil biology, poultry production, beef genetics, vegetable season extension, contracting, and market outlooks.

The event is organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Major sponsors include the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and Horizon Organic Dairy.

The conference program will be announced soon. Check www.mda.state.mn.us/organic for the most up-to-date information.

the Minnesota Organic Conference

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting registrations for the 2011 Minnesota Organic Conference, which will be held January 14-15, 2011 at the St. Cloud Civic Center. Organizers expect hundreds will again turn out because of the conference’s appeal.

Keynote speakers are award-winning public radio host and food authority Lynne Rossetto Kasper, Organic Valley cooperative founder George Siemon, and organic pioneers Martin and Atina Diffley, co-operators of one of Minnesota’s first certified organic vegetable operations. The conference also includes 36 educational breakout sessions and a trade show featuring 62 seed, fertilizer and equipment dealers, organic buyers, certifying agencies, and organizations that provide information and assistance to farmers.

"I think this year’s conference sessions have the broadest appeal that I've ever seen,” says Lynn Brakke, who farms 2,000 organic acres near Moorhead and serves on the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force. Sessions will include management insights that conventional – as well as organic – producers can use, including
soil biology, cover cropping, weed management, grass finishing beef, marketing, and an opportunity to “Ask the Vet.”

MDA organic specialist Meg Moynihan says Minnesota now has more than 650 organic farms that range in size from just a few acres to large operations like Brakke’s. These farmers are raising grains, oilseeds, dairy, beef, poultry, fruits and vegetables. Moynihan says producers curious about what’s involved in becoming organic can attend several sessions focusing on legal organic requirements as well as the transition process.

The conference price includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks all prepared with organic ingredients. Early bird registration (until December 17) is $100 for the two- day conference and $70 for only one day. There are further discounts for additional people from the same farming operation. Reduced hotel rates are available until December 12.

The full conference program and registration forms are available at the MDA web site www.mda.state.mn.us/food/organic or by calling 651-201-6012.