Working from an Organic Farming Research Foundation grant, the Center for Rural Af­fairs created a unique training opportunity for USDA Natural Resources Conservation staff on organics.

Using a web-based training approach, a three-person panel of experts presented background information on organic production and practices. The training included an organic farm tour component well attended by NRCS staff.

The training covered information on the basics of organic transition, which included the certification process; the importance of record keeping; management of soil fertility, weed and insect management; and EQIP incentive payments on both crop and grazing land. NRCS program leaders participated in the web-based training and were available to field staff to answer questions on NRCS programs.

Pre and post tests given to over 40 NRCS employees involved in the training indicated it was successful in increasing staff knowledge on the subject. A follow-up test will be given at the six-month interval to measure retention and application of information learned.

Contact: Kathie Starkweather, kathies@cfra.org or 402.438.8496