I. Research and Outreach Team
Cathy Eastman Insect Vectors of Plant Pathogens and Insect Pests of Vegetables Ed Zaborski Soil Invertebrate Ecologist Darin Eastburn Plant Diseases Michelle Wander Soil Fertility/Ecology John Masiunas Weed Science Leslie Cooperband Soil Science/Compost Specialist Deb. Cavanugh-Grant Research Specialist/Sustainable Ag. Daniel Anderson Extension Specialist/Network Coord. Dr. Dave White Economics Dr. Adam Davis Weed Ecology Dr. Angela Kent Microbial Ecology
II. Farmer advisory board Allen Williams Alan De Young Dave Cleverdon Henry Brockman Jon Cherniss Dave Campbell John Pederson Jack Erisman Marve and Carol Manges Kevin Brussel
III. Timeline • 2001–02: informal discussions with experienced organic growers on approaches to transition. • Late ‘02: six acres assigned to the IL Natural History Survey made available for organic research; planted to winter rye cover crop. • March 6 ‘03: Organic Farming Research Workshop with experienced organic growers. • March 13 ‘03: Telephone discussions with other experienced organic growers. • March 31 ‘03: Research proposal submitted to USDA¬ IPM Organic Transitions Program • 2006 year we could have been certified
Summary of particpatory work
- On farm visits 2005 Illinois Organic Production Conference Workshop Farmer issues 2003 (first meeting) Farmer issues 2004 (on farm) Farmer identified problems 2005 (at conference workshop): weeds; soil balance, efficiency; nutrition; pest management; marketing; intensive rotational grazing; labor issues; waterfowl & poultry processing; and transition. Researcher identified problems: science-based information; lack of communication between researchers and farmers; and the need to integrate livestock into research
Most stakeholders indicated they get their information from the internet. They desire an organic web page with links to the most helpful organic sites.
They are only interested in publications with significant sections related organic agriculture.
Stakeholders wanted to have demonstrations of organic practices being used in real-world situations.
They also wanted an internship program with current organic farmers teaching new producers.
IV. WORT Experiment
a) Objectives: To compare the influence of transition schemes that differ in: •management intensity (cropping, tillage) and •organic matter inputs on: •weed populations, •soil organic matter and fertility, •soil invertebrates, and •the relationship between soil fertility, plant health and insect/disease pressure
b) Management philosophy c) Design/treatments
V. Research Projects/Results Proposed outline for results format Objective Methods Key results Plans for 2007 Publications or presentations
VI. Where to from here
Mites- food web Global Warming Potential SCI Plant Quality Breeding Microbial Community Weed seed decay Economics
Equipment needs Transaction costs high Land uncertainty Management Utility Outreach Shifting funding focus
Options 1. continue to conduct research on now certified organic ground at UIUC or take another approach- eg: on-farm? 2. write up lessons learned and prepare extension-style bulletins (hard copy as well as electronic) so that the IL-specific information is available to for IL growers 3. improve communication with farmer advisors and stakeholders- developing a workshop on transitioning to organic using the research from the WORT trial (*along with economic data); consider integrating this information into Farm Beginnings and eOrganic opportunities.
VII. Acknolwledgements
USDA-CSREES Organic Transitions Program (Award no. ORG 2003-51106-02086) Illinois Natural History Survey Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, UIUC Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station