The goal of this education and outreach project was to support the success of organic farmers in Idaho by improving the sharing of organic production and marketing practices. The Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) collaborated with organic farmer leaders in Idaho to host two farmer-to-farmer exchanges. This training was based on a successful model used by Oregon farmers for the past ten years.

The one-day farmer-to-farmer exchange utilized a facilitation technique known as “open space.” This method empowers participants to take ownership of learning and fosters engaging, relevant conversations. Before the exchange, organic farmers suggested discussion topics. An advisory committee refined these topics, and participants voted on top priorities. Farmers received information about the discussion topics in advance, enabling the preparation of relevant materials, images, and questions. The project team also identified farmer presenters to lead each discussion and assigned moderators for each session. This approach expanded the pool of farmers in leadership roles, encouraging a sense of shared ownership of the exchange. During the sessions, the project team cultivated an environment where every farmer was recognized as an expert and encouraged to share insights.

This project accomplished several key objectives:

a) In February 2011, 38 farmers shared experiences regarding organic production and marketing successes and challenges during the exchange. In February 2012, participation increased to 54 farmers.

b) Farmers continued discussions and gained further insights through follow-up conversations with other attendees. Nine farmers from 2011 and 19 farmers from 2012 reported contacting another attendee for additional information.

c) As a result of learning new organic production and marketing methods during the exchanges, 26 farmers in 2011 and 43 farmers in 2012 committed to implementing new practices in the following growing season.

d) After the 2011 growing season, 12 farmers reported starting to implement new production or marketing practices identified during the exchange.