Press Release Center for Rural Affairs
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – A new training to help producers explore the transition and economics of certified organic production is set for Aug. 2 and 3 in the Lincoln area, hosted by the Center for Rural Affairs, Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society, Transition to Organic Partnership Program, and the National Center for Appropriate Technology.
The free event is for producers, farmers, or ranchers who have thought about starting a certified organic operation but don’t know where or how to start.
A bus tour of four farms will take place on Friday, Aug. 2, starting in Milford at 9 a.m. and concluding with a community dinner in Milford at 5:30 p.m. Then, on Saturday, Aug. 3, sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Ithaca. Lunch will be provided both days.
“Organic farming offers significant environmental and economic benefits, but making the transition can be challenging,” said Jenna Sutterfield, local foods associate with the Center. “This training offers information on markets, resources, and personal experience from local farmers. Between the farm tours, engaging sessions, and capstone panel of local producers, we hope this event will make those first transitional steps easier with support from the community.”
The Organic Transition Academy will feature expert speakers and farmers from the northern Great Plains region who will help producers navigate the marketing of organic products, organic certification, business planning, and transition strategies for organic production.
Stipends are available to help with travel and lodging costs.
To register, visit cfra.org/OrganicTransitionAcademy2024. For questions, contact Sutterfield at 531.335.1840 or jennas@cfra.org.
Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.
