Organic Farming Gaining Ground But Beware

More producers may look at organic agriculture as chemical prices rise according to Brad Brummond, North Dakota State University extension agent for Walsh County. Brummond has worked with organic farmers for the past 13 years."What I tell people is that organic agriculture is a production choice and a lifestyle choice. It may be for you if you like the production system and the challenge of the organic industry. I’m one of the industry’s biggest cheerleaders but there are issues producers should be aware of before making their decision."

Organic farming grew rapidly during the 1990's. In North Dakota, just over 53,000 acres were planted to organic crops in 1997, the latest year statistics are available. North Dakota is the top producer of certified organic grains. Brummond estimates the demand for organically grown crops is growing at almost 20 percent per year. It may look like the time is right to move into organic agriculture, but Brummond says there are some pitfalls. "Prices organic farmers have received for their products have remained relatively flat in the past decade as have prices for those in conventional markets."

Eastern Block countries, China and Argentina are increasing the amount of organic products on the world market which has depressed prices. "Many of those countries have never used chemicals on their crops," says Brummond. "So they’ve figured out they could sell their confection sunflowers as organic on the world market and make a lot of money. Meanwhile, in North Dakota, organically grown confection sunflowers have dropped $10 per hundredweight in the last year."

Certification is also an issue in organic farming. The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 started the process of working towards national standards for organic farming. Various certification organizations around the country had different standards. North Dakota has three principal certification groups: The Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA), Farm Verified Organic (FVO) and the Organic Growers and Buyers Association (OGBA).

Those groups are now changing their rules to follow those of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). The federation is based in Germany and coordinates the worldwide network of organizations involved in organic farming. "But standardizing the rules has made it more difficult for some North Dakota organic farmers," says Brummond. "Producers can no longer be involved in conventional farming and organic at the same time for fear of mixing the grain. They’re (IFOAM) very sensitive to the commingling issue. It’s something the industry has battled since the beginning but it does take away local control."

However, Brummond says there are many successful organic farmers. "Those in the industry are becoming more sophisticated. They’ve become very good managers of their ecological system and are watching their yields grow." There is usually a three year education process that takes place with the switch to organic production according to Brummond.

Brummond cites several keys to a successful conversion to organic farming.

• Talk to successful producers and take their advice from the beginning.
• Be willing to spend some time in learning the systems approach.
• A mind switch must occur from treating the problem to treating the cause of the problem. This becomes prevention.
• Marketing of organic production needs special attention and knowledge.

Organic Farming: Is It For Me? is a publication written by Brummond and available from the NDSU Extension Service or on the web at: http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/crops/a1181w.htm

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Source: Brad Brummond (701) 284-6248, bbrummon@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern (701) 231-6136, Richard_Mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu