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MENTORING PROJECTBack for its second year, the MOSES Organic Farmer Mentoring Program in 2009 will pair experienced organic farmers with transitioning organic farmers to promote the successful adoption of organic methods through one-on-one interaction. Organic farming mentors and mentored transitioning farmers accepted into the program will receive free attendance to our Organic Farming Conference in February. We are taking applications immediately for farmer mentors and mentored transitioning farmers for the 2009 season. As a way to enhance local relationships, experienced farmers who know of farmers interested in organic agriculture are encouraged to inform them about this program, and visa versa.
Download a MENTOR application | Download a MENTORED FARMER application Learn more about the project below. What is the project? The MOSES organic mentoring project pairs an organic farmer with one or two transitioning-to-organic farmers, to help these new to organic farmers negotiate the various USDA regulations on organic and modify their operations to meet organic standards. Mentors share practical information on day-to-day chores and activities on the farm, which are somewhat different for an organic farmer than a conventional farmer. Our mentors are long time experienced organic farmers who have a track record of helping others as conference speakers, performing certification activities and running a successful organic farm. New to organic farmers can either be transitioning their conventional farm, or be starting up a new operation. How can I get involved with this project? Mentors must complete a profile form and new organic farmers must complete an application, helping MOSES pair them up according to type of production and region. This program is different from internship programs; the new farmer is not required to help on the mentor's farm, unless they both feel this would be beneficial. Instead, the mentor visits the mentored farmer's home at least once and is available for phone calls and emails as mutually agreed. This mentorship lasts at least one year. The mentor receives expenses and a stipend for each mentored farmer they help. The mentored farmer is asked to pay a small fee. All participants will be asked to provide periodic progress reports so MOSES can track what works well and what needs to be improved. Why is this project needed? Demand for organic production continues to grow at 20% per year, making it the fastest growing sector of agriculture in the United States. The pace of new farmers entering the organic supply stream is not keeping up with consumer demand for these products. Entering the world of organic production can be overwhelming, with a wide variety of rules to follow as well as new methods and inputs to use on the farm. Organic farmers have been helping each other improve their operations since the mid-1980s, and most successful organic farmers attribute their current situations to this type of sharing when they began their organic production. Organics is still less than 4% of the agricultural production in the United States and it is not easy for farmers interested in organic to find an experienced farmer willing to help them with their transition. What are the benefits of the program? This program has a strong formal educational component, including full participation in the MOSES Organic Farming Conference and Organic University. The MOSES Organic Specialist, Harriet Behar, will be keeping in touch with all participants, making sure they are aware of other organic educational activities available in their region, including field days and workshops. Harriet will also be available to answer any questions. Where can I get more information?
To learn more about our Mentoring Program, or to request information,
Harriet Behar
Home Office: 608-872-2164 |
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