FSA to Host Organic Meeting in McIntosh
Tue, 05/19/2015 - 10:43am
admin
By:
Mike Philipp, CED, Red Lake and East Polk County FSA Offices
An information meeting for area organic producers and those who are interested in becoming organic has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, at the Community Center in downtown McIntosh. All area producers from Polk, Red Lake, and neighboring counties are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Region-wide Farm Service Agency (FSA) representatives will provide information regarding current programs that are available, including Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL), the Non-insured Assistance Program (NAP), and Farm Loan Program eligibility requirements. Producers who are not familiar with these programs may find the information useful and informative.
Jim Stordahl, UM Extension Educator, will provide a brief overview of the basics of organic production. Attendees will learn how organic producers use a system of sound ecological crop rotations, the use of compost, green manure and biological pest control while avoiding synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones and antibiotics. Successful organic farmers exchange their conventional toolbox for one that includes a combination of time-tested practices coupled with high tech gadgetry to produce food that brings a significant premium in the marketplace.
And representatives from the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about the organic certification process. Coffee and refreshments will be served, and interested producers may contact any of the agencies listed above in advance if they have further questions.