Organic Farmers' Appeal: Cultivate "Generation Organic"
Forgues was joined by four of Organic Valley’s younger farmers in presenting action steps for cultivating “Gen-O”. Their remarks were made at the “Gen-O Celebration” sponsored by Organic Valley at the Kickapoo Country Fair in La Farge, Wisconsin, on July 29th.
Jake Wedeberg, 21, Organic Valley produce farmer from Gays Mills, Wisconsin said, “Join the organic farming movement and help double the number of organic farmers from ten to twenty thousand in our generation.” He noted that both organic and conventional agriculture face a decreasing farmer population and the majority of those who remain are over 55 years of age. He offered the following ways to help:
- Learn how to start or continue your family’s farming traditions (visit www.farmers.coop for resources and information about getting started)
- Initiate and support legislation for organic research and farmer transition funds
- Support and volunteer for organizations that support the next generation of organic farmers
Laura Boere, 21, Organic Valley dairy farmer from Modesto, California, joined Wedeberg in suggesting ways to help. She said, “Vote at the cash register. If you can’t be an organic farmer, support one.” She recommended three steps to take daily:
- Buy local and organic foods produced by family farmers
- Choose products and brands that represent independent family farms
- Frequent farmers markets or join a CSA (community supported agriculture)
“Plant a seed. Help elementary school kids be proud to say they want to be an organic farmer when they grow up,” was the message of David (36) and Kayla Roberts (35). The Roberts are Organic Valley dairy farmers from Preston, Idaho who have six children ages 3-13 years. They milk 200 cows twice daily and use a system of intensive grazing on 300 acres of pasture.
The Roberts offer the following “Gen-O” action tips:
- Involve children in gardening, cooking and shopping at farmers markets
- Work with your community to connect school curriculum and lunch programs with local farmers
- Initiate and support legislation for organic education in university agriculture programs
On hand for the Gen-O call to action were nine sustainability leaders who participated in the celebration’s “Gen-O” panel discussion about ways to encourage young organic farmers: Bill Berry, Communications Specialist, Future of Farming & Rural Life Project, Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters; David Bruce, Pools Director, Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative; James Frantzen, FFAYouth leader; Laura Freden, program manager, Farm Aid; Janet Gamble, Garden Student Program Director, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute; Faye Jones, Executive Director, MOSES; Laura Payne, Grazing & Organic Agricultural Specialist, DATCP; Pat Rodriguez, Program Graduate, University of Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy Farmers; and Karen Stettler, Farm Beginnings Program Director, Land Stewardship Project.
Gen-O: The New Generation of Organic Farmers
“Gen-O” is the new generation of organic farmers who are taking the lead in producing high quality food for the future while caring for the environment. Organic Valley started Generation Organic in 2004 to nurture a new generation of organic farmers who are the heart of family farming. America lost 4.7 million farmers since 1935 and most of the 2.1 million who remain are over 55 years old.
Organic Valley cooperative offers Gen-O educational initiatives including organic educational workshops, educational literature, support of existing farmer training programs, mentoring and internship opportunities. Organic Valley also offers certification assistance, and financial and technical support for farmers transitioning to organic, counseling by the co-op’s nationally renowned staff veterinarian, a farmer speaker’s bureau, a farmer hotline, web resources at www.farmers.coop and other services. To further support rural communities, the Organic Valley co-op gives a portion of profits back into the communities in which the farmers reside.
The Kickapoo Country Fair
The third annual Kickapoo Country Fair in La Farge Wisconsin, July 29-30, 2006, celebrates America’s rural heritage and the vital role of farming in the country’s past, present and future. Hosted by Organic Valley, and free to the public, the weekend long event featured local artisans, merchants, food vendors, rural heritage exhibits, non-profit organizations, a bike tour, farm-related kids activities, farm animals, educational workshops, and entertainment, including “Sinister Dane and the Kickapoo Disco Cosmonuts,” performers of populist protest folk with titles like “Mad Cow.”
Note to media: Visit the Organic Valley Newsroom to view and download photos of the Gen-O event and the Kickapoo Country Fair.
Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative:
Independent and Farmer-Owned
CROPP (Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools) markets under the Organic Valley Family of Farms label. Organized in 1988, the cooperative represents over 800 farmer-owners in 24 states. It owes its success to staying independent and true to its mission: keeping small and mid-sized farmers farming. Regional production is organized to serve local markets, uses local processors, and features packaging that highlights area farmers. The cooperative produces more than 200 organic products, including organic milk, soy, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce, juice and meats. They are sold in leading supermarkets, natural foods stores and food cooperatives nationwide. For further information, contact Organic Valley at 1-888-444-MILK or visit www.organicvalley.coop. Further information about farming with CROPP Cooperative can be found at www.farmers.coop.
