The project offers technical support through resources such as the Beginning Farmer classes, an online video library at CAFF, and the Arkansas Organic Network, a platform for farmers, agricultural support organizations, advisors, suppliers, and buyers to share resources and collaborate on solutions to common challenges. It includes a discussion board called the AR Farmer Exchange, where members can find work opportunities, buy and sell farm equipment and livestock, and coordinate bulk purchasing.
The workforce development component of the project includes training organic inspectors, developing practices among agriculture advisors, and providing additional training to increase the knowledge and resources available to current Arkansas organic farmers.
“Technical assistance and training in the area of organic production offers smaller producers the opportunity to utilize their existing small acreage and receive a premium price for their organic produce,” said Francis. “This initiative complements other diversification efforts such as high tunnel production, micro irrigation, and use of cover crops.”
Upcoming Event: Organic Farm Tour at PrairieWoods Farm
The Arkansas Organic Agriculture Project is holding an organic farm tour at PrairieWoods Farms on Aug. 25 in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas.
This free event will offer participants a firsthand look at practices and techniques used on a certified organic farm with a guided tour and discussions on managing mixed vegetables, using high tunnels and the organic certification process.
“The event provides an excellent opportunity for both current and aspiring organic farmers to learn more about organic farming practices and network with others in the field,” said Freeman.
A training workshop for agriculture professionals and extension agents will also be held on Oct. 2, focusing on techniques and practices for organic weed management in specialty crops.
CAFF director Heather Friedrich leads the Arkansas Organic Agriculture project. Other key leaders in the initiative include TOPP program manager Luke Freeman and CAFF instructor Joe Hannan. Other partners include Winrock International, the Arkansas Natural Soybean and Grain Alliance and the National Center for Appropriate Technology Southeast Office.
Stay up-to-date on the Arkansas Organic Agriculture Project by signing up for the newsletter and checking out the podcast Arkansas Organic Chronicles and other resources.
About the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food
The Center for Arkansas Farms and Food trains farmers and food entrepreneurs with production, business skills and resources to help them develop businesses that sustain ecosystems, land and communities. CAFF is a program of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.