RSS
BIOAg Conferences & Proceedings
Dryland Organic Agriculture in the PNW:
Meeting Opportunities and Challenges
A special symposium of the 2011 Tilth Producers of Washington Conference
Yakima, WA
Convention Center
Friday, November 11, 2011
This special symposium addressed agronomic and economic issues specific to dryland organic production. Speakers and attendees came from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
Keynote Speaker:
Bob Quinn
Kamut International Khorasan Wheat
Symposium Sessions:
- Building a Grower's Cooperative
- Finding New Market Channels
- Nuts & Bolts of Organic Dryland Farming: Building a System that Works
Why Do PNW Dryland Organic Farmers Need to Get Together?
THE CHALLENGES
Agriculture in the Pacific Northwest’s drylands is at a crossroads. Dryland farming in our region faces serious threats from erosion and loss of soil organic matter. Farmers and industry professionals in dryland organic agriculture want to farm sustainably, but they face unique challenges:
- Low rainfall, short growing seasons, and cool evening temperatures limit productivity.
- Producers need consistent markets for, and buyers need consistent sources of organic products.
THE GOOD NEWS
Pioneers are finding ways to meet the challenges. Producers, researchers, and early adopters are discovering what works in:
- cooperative and direct marketing,
- weed management,
- soil conservation,
- control of pests and diseases,
- design of organic agro-ecosystems, and
- conversion to organic farming.
The time is right to build on these successes. Together we can develop sustainable agricultural systems for the special needs of our region.
It is time for dryland organic farming stakeholders in the PNW to meet each other, to share ideas, and to build relationships.
Funded by the USDA Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative.
Partners in sustainable agriculture education:
