Organic Valley’s Post

Organic is the answer to making a better world. That’s why we’re on a mission to grow the organic agricultural movement. 2023 marked 45 years of operation – over four decades of bringing organic produce to the people and growing the movement together. At the heart of what we do at OGC is the science-based knowledge that organic food and agriculture have the power to change the health of communities and the planet for the better. Find out more about OGC’s 2023 impact in our Benefit Report here: https://lnkd.in/gkHaiGsG

Do you know what a potato plant looks like? After our visit to the Zsámbok organic farm and conversation with Logan Strenchock, our LSG students reflected on their relationship to food, the history and impact of industrial agriculture, and the #degrowth movement that advocates for equitable prosperity within planetary boundaries. Here is what they had to say about this transformative learning experience: “This visit has made me reconsider exactly what path I want to follow: is the work I plan to pursue truly meaningful, and is there any way I can create a social impact through my work? I truly hope Logan’s farm, and others like it, help fuel the movement to shift from mass-produced, synthetic foods to organic and sustainable ones.” “This visit gave me a new appreciation for what organic farming can do for our food and the environment.” “I also grew a deeper understanding of how much consumerism affects the world. It was remarkable to see the farm and how they operate and live with so little yet, seem so joyful with what they do. This inspires me to reflect on how I struggle with consumerism in my life and how I can hopefully stray to a more minimalistic lifestyle in some ways in the future. “ “Something that really surprised me from this site visit was when Logan mentioned that the area we walked through could feed around 1000 people, but the same area could only feed a few animals. Seeing the size needed to sustain one animal was eye-opening, as I prefer to have meat with every meal.” “I learned about many techniques they used to maintain the farm and produce more efficiently, as well as some eye-openers about the history of industrial agriculture. For example, the leftover chemicals from producing bombs during World War II were used to produce fertilizers.” Follow our adventures on our program blog: https://lnkd.in/gZ9zMmHf #transformativelearning #studyabroad #yellowjackets #socialimpact #degrowth

Applications for Young Organic Farmer/Grower of the Year 2024 close a week today -15th March. Mark Measures is one of the Judges of ORC’s annual Young Organic Farmer/Grower of the Year competition. “It’s a great award. It’s enough money to be to be worth going for,” Mark said. As a judge he said: “it’s a very onerous responsibility, judging, growers and farmers. But, we are very clear that we’re looking for growers and farmers who really understand what, what organic farming is about. And so we refer back to the IFOAM principles of healthy ecology, fairness, and care. At least that they’re able to demonstrate that they’re applying those ideas in practice. They have to be technically very competent and productive and doing a good job. Innovation and leadership are also important.” https://lnkd.in/e67vfjWT #YOFGY #OrganicFarming #Sustainability

In between analyzing data, designing experiments, and quite lengthy brainstorming sessions, I like to seek out the perspectives of those outside the lab including farmers. I recently found a Youtube channel called Kiss The Ground. In their “5 With A Farmer” playlist, they ask farmers questions like “What do you wish more people know about farming?” Or “What is the wildest idea you’ve had that’s worked?” Let me share a couple I particularly like. “On a farm, there are no failures, only lessons.” This quote from Wil Crombie, the owner of an organic farming compound in MN, has stuck with me for the last few days. Wil views regenerative farming as a form of climate activism - something that heals both the planet and the people on it. He doesn’t think in terms of “success” or “failure.” Instead, there is always an opportunity for taking in more knowledge and for continuous improvement.     Another interview with Wendy Johnson from Charles City, Iowa, is a reminder of the surprisingly large diversity within the farming community. Wendy talks about her career prior to farming, involving quite a bit of travel, and how she has now put down roots through establishing Jóia Food Farm.    I find perspectives like Wil’s and Wendy’s to be insightful and valuable. Very few of us grow food. Demystifying that process is critical to having the food systems we want. Farmers and scientists often live and work in such vastly different circles, but they are deeply intertwined in the realm of sustainable agriculture. https://lnkd.in/g_tk6_pV https://lnkd.in/gvYJ-h8w   #sustainableag #carboncapture #climateaction #sustainability #regenerativeag 

Refreshing highlights of humans who put their actions to their philosophies! How do we see change to transition from industrial farming to sustainable agriculture? You teach…. You TEACH…. YOU TEACH!!!! Who? Children! Teaching a generation of conscientious young people who not only will put thier hands to the plow but govern from a perspective of…… Feeding and nourishing a nation!! Great work Nonye Soludo 🙏👍🤝📈🚀 Feed a family for a day….or teach a family how to fish. Could it be that rationale is returning to the human race!! #sustainableagriculture #sustainability #sustainabledevelopmentgoals #visionaryleaders #visionaryleadership

I am happy to share my new article entitled "Food security and sustainability dimensions of organic farming in the context of India: a comprehensive scientometric review (2010–2023)" published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research international journal. https://lnkd.in/ges4TrHu

How do farmers feel about cultured meat? A mixed response of praise and criticism (Quotes from Food Ingredients First, January 18, 2024) A recent article by Food Ingredients First explored how UK farmers reacted to the rise of cultured meat technologies, based on research by the University of Lincoln and Royal Agricultural University (RAU), UK. In this interview, they talk to Dr. John Dooley, who leads the research at RAU and manages the Cultured Meat & Farmers project, about how the new sector could affect the farming business and what the next steps are for the project. ** https://lnkd.in/d5Jph8bE **

Not many of us produce food, but we all eat. If you want to learn more about your role in transitioning our food system as a consumer, then check out this great course!

What does “regeneration” mean to you? What could it mean to you? Does it matter? Check out this FREE course for YOU, as a consumer, from Rodale Institute ! JCWK Dance Lab’s current research is on regeneration and how it applies to Berks County’s agricultural structures, socio-cultural structures, and business structures.

🤔 “All right, it sounds nice and all, but we need to feed the world!” 💡 That is probably one of the argument I most encounter when talking about transitioning to organic food production - not even getting into regenerative agriculture. 💪 Although it sounds simple, that question is quite difficult to answer. Looking at scientific literature, press articles and brand’s statement, I dive into the complexity of this question and its different answers in my latest article. https://lnkd.in/dZWZmBBt #agriculture #farming #organic #regenerative #science #research