NEWS

NEW USDA INITIATIVE OFFERS $1.4 MILLION TO IOWA ORGANIC PRODUCERS

DES MOINES, IA, May 6, 2009— Iowa farmers transitioning to organic production or already certified as an organic producer may qualify for a new initiative providing more than $1.4 million in financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which is administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Read the entire press release and the informational brochure .

With support from Frontier Natural Products Co-op, the Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development has compiled web-based resources designed to help a producer interested in organic food production navigate the many resources available on the world wide web. This is an evolving resource and any suggestions and feedback is very much appreciated.

Resources for Organic Certification
Organic Certifiers for Iowa
How do I become a certified organic producer?
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Resources for Organic Production and Farmers
National Sustainable Argriculture Information Service
Northeast Organic Dairy Producer Alliance
Iowa Organic Association
ISU Extension Organic Resources
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management
Organic Poultry Production
Organic Ag Info Resources related to all crops and vegetables including pest management
New Agriculture Network
Pennsylvalia Resources for Organic Producers
Maine Resources for Organic Producers
University of Minnesota Organic Ecology Website
Organic Crop Improvement Association Chapters (4 in Iowa)
Iowa Network for Community Agriculture
Practical Farmers of Iowa
Iowa Food Cooperative
Iowa State University Organic Department
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
IDALS Farmers' Market Managers
Women Food and Agriculture Network
Buy Fresh Buy Local - Greater Des Moines area

Articles Related to Transitioning to Organic Production
TRI Training Center
SARE.org
OFRF.org

Articles Related to Research on Organic Farming Research
OFRF.org

Organic Related Publications
Land Stewardship Project
Iowa Produce Market Potential Calculator

Iowa Farm to School
Farm to School.org

Selling to Institutions and Iowa Farmers Guide
Leopold Center Guide