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U of M leader in organic research Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Agri News staff writer
WINONA, Minn. -- The University of Minnesota is a leader in organic research, but has room to improve.
That's among the findings Jim Riddle discovered in a survey he conducted while serving as a University of Minnesota endowed chair in agricultural systems from May 2003 to June 2004.
The U of M has the nation's largest and oldest organic research project in Elwell Agroecology Farm at South West Research and Outreach Center near Lamberton. There, 120 acres are certified organic. This year, the U of M expanded its organic research to 13 acres of flax at Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca, and is seeking money to convert half of the dairy herd at West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris to organic production.
The U of M is also considering other organic research projects, including poultry, seed crop breeding and horticulture, Riddle said.
The more than 200 people who spent about 30 minutes apiece completing the extensive online survey said they need more systems research from the U of M. Respondents want whole farm research, he said, not just research evaluating one type of parasite, for example. That makes research more challenging, but also more relevant.
Another issue that was raised repeatedly was the lack of infrastructure for an organic farming industry, Riddle said. Organic farmers lack certified organic feed mills, veterinarians with an understanding of organic treatment techniques, and certified organic livestock processing plants.
The U of M has taken time to listen to organic farmers and learn about their needs, Riddle said. The U of M has partnered with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Agriculture Utilization Research Institute to provide an information exchange program for organic producers, the Minnesota Organic Farmers' Information Exchange.
Riddle spoke at the Land Stewardship Project's southeast annual meeting Saturday. About a hundred people attended the event that included a tour of Hidden Stream Farm near Elgin, a hog roast and presentations on sustainable farming.
On the Web:
Minnesota Organic Farmers' Information Exchange, http://mofie.coafes.umn.edu/ |
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