This webinar, hosted by Rodale Institute Organic Advisor Dean Dickel, will discuss differences in soil health, crop yields, soil structure, and other elements in both conventional and organic agriculture. The economics will focus on cost of production, yields, and market pricing.

Central Coast California strawberry growers have observed that western tarnished plant bug (WTPB) populations establish in their fields mid-season, influenced by the proximity and flowering of broadleaved weeds. These weeds act as a bridge,…

This guide, produced by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), helps certified organic and transitioning produce farmers understand wholesale pricing. It covers four pricing strategies, tools for estimating market prices, how prices are determined across wholesale relationships, and best practices for communicating prices to buyers — accompanied by a Competitor Price Comparison Spreadsheet and tutorial videos.

Join the Rodale Institute for an in-depth walkthrough of “Advancing Regional Organic Markets: A Farmer’s Toolkit”, a new resource designed to strengthen regional organic economies. During this webinar, we’ll explore how to use the toolkit to identify key market opportunities in the West/Southwest, support resilient supply chains rooted in local identity, and foster stronger connections between producers, processors, and buyers.

Bats benefit farmers by eating many insect pests, but bat populations are decreasing due to habitat loss. Farmers can help bats by providing bat houses, which also helps the farmers by reducing pests. However, more research is needed to con…

This publication outlines direct marketing channels and strategies for organic producers. It covers CSAs, farmers markets, u-pick operations, farm stands, restaurant sales, farm-to-school and institution programs, agritourism, and online marketing — providing an overview of each channel's advantages, startup considerations, and resources to help farmers develop effective single or multi-channel marketing strategies.

Navigating the organic certification process can feel complex and overwhelming. With multiple certifiers across the country, growers are often left wondering: What are the differences between certifiers? Which one is the best fit for my farm? This workshop will bring together representatives from CCOF, Oregon Tilth, Organic Certifiers, Real Organic Project, and Where Food Comes From for a discussion about organic certification.

Optimizing nitrogen (N) nutrient management is often crucial for achieving optimal yield and quality in organically grown vegetable crops. While numerous organic fertilizer materials exist, their effective and economical application is vita…

This publication provides an introduction to farm direct marketing and explains how organic farmers can sell directly to customers at near-retail prices. It covers advantages including price control and immediate payment, challenges such as increased risk and added business responsibilities, and guidance on niche marketing — identifying products that meet specific consumer needs and differentiate the farm in the marketplace.

Weed management is a major challenge for organic production systems - including mixed vegetable farms. In this workshop, a UC Cooperative Extension Advisor will provide a short introduction to organic weed management, with a focus on managing seedbanks, preventative practices, and emerging technologies. Then, two certified organic mixed vegetable producers will share their approach to weed management.

The garden symphylan is becoming an increasingly common issue on organic farms. Symphylans have a varied diet, feeding on decaying organic matter and the roots of many crops and plants, including a range of weeds. High populations of symphy…

This guide helps organic farmers evaluate, negotiate, and manage marketing contracts. It covers contract law basics, a Quick Organic Contract Checklist, how federal organic regulations interact with contracts, over 100 types of contract provisions, and dispute resolution — providing certified organic operations with independent legal guidance for crop, dairy, livestock, and other organic product contracts.