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Pennsylvania Certified Organic Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2015

PCO Member Day Kicks Off 4th Annual Organic FarmFest page 2 Organic Orchard Soil Health page 4 PCO-Certified Organic Butcher Shops page 7 Certified Organic is Always Non-GMO! page 10

Organically Speaking Introducing PCO Member Day & Annual Meeting August 7

PCO cordially invites you and your family to our new and improved Annual Membership Meeting and PCO Member Day, Friday, August 7, in Centre Hall, PA. This year’s Annual Meeting features a new format with member-to-member discussion groups and in-depth conversations about current topics affecting organic farmers and handlers. Deputy Secretaries from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will present awards to outstanding organic producers, handlers, educators and volunteers. (See Page 2 for details.)

In addition to a full day of speakers and workshops, we’ve planned an organic food court, children’s activities, hayrides, music, exhibition hall, food sampling area, farm animals, contests, book nook,

and family camping brought to you by Pennsylvania Organic FarmFest at the lovely, old-fashioned Grange Fairgrounds.

A 2-day family event, FarmFest is alcoholfree and pet-friendly. See the poster and schedule in the middle of this issue.

Seeking organic contest entries and auction items!

Bring us your organic vegetables, fruit, flowers, photos and baked goods — especially pies — and compete for prizes in the only all-organic agricultural contest in our region. Entries will be included in the benefit auction after being judged.

Promote your products or donate lightly used farm and household items to Pennsylvania Farmer’s Union’s benefit auction, which benefits family farm advocacy and organic education. Contact Erin McCracken at 814-422-0251 for more details or to donate.

grow, PCO has experienced a significant increase this year in newly certified operations, transitioning farms, and members wishing to expand their certified operations. Our experienced team of certification specialists and inspectors is working hard to provide the quality certification services PCO is known for in a timely manner. Sometimes, however, when everything is a priority, meeting everyone’s needs can be challenging. If you have any concerns throughout the certification process, feel free to contact me directly at 814-404-6567 or leslie@paorganic.org. We are here to serve.

Finally, a “thank you” to everyone who returned our Membership Satisfaction Survey. We really appreciate it and look forward to working together to better serve you in your efforts to produce and promote organic food.

PCO is growing!

As interest in organic food continues to

Calling All Contestants!

Pie Contest

Organic Produce Contest

Calendar Photo Contest

Friends and Farmers Cooperative will be back with the wildly popular pie contest. Get out your apron and dust off your recipe box!

Or, if you don’t want to bake a pie, you can be the judge by eating pie. Organic produce contests are new this year and include vegetables, fruit, flowers and baked goods. Photographers are encouraged to enter their organic farm and food-related pics in our calendar photo contest. Visit farmfest.paorganic.org or call 814-422-0251 to learn more!

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Organic Matters Summer 2015

features

stories

columns 1 5 Produce Perspectives

2 PCO Member Day Kicks Off 4th Annual Organic FarmFest

10 Looking for Non-GMO? Look No Further Than the Organic Seal!

Andre Leu, author and President of International Federation of Organic Farming Movements, to speak at PCO Member Day

Certified Organic is always non-GMO!

19 Recipe Corner 2 0 Dear Aggy 21 Organic Updates Certification Legislative Standards & Policy New Faces

4 Orchard Soil Health Managing fertility and disease through forest soil management

1 7 President’s Message

13 Benchmark Study Yields Insights into Global Organic Food Trade

7 More Than Butcher Shops

New report by Penn State reseracher shows significant opportunities for U.S. farmers

PCO-certified organic meat plants fill the gap for region’s producers

25 Organic Marketplace 27 New Members 28 Calendar 29 PCO Order Form

Cover: Sunflowers. Photo: Sabine Carey

OFFICERS PRESIDENT

David Johnson Provident Farms VICE PRESIDENT

Mail: 106 School Street, Suite 201 Spring Mills, PA 16875

Jeff Moyer Rodale Institute TREASURER

Phone: 814-422-0251

Clifford Hawbaker Hamilton Heights Dairy Farm & Emerald Valley Farm Ciro Lo Pinto USDA-NRCS Brian Magaro Independent Organic Inspector Mathew Moore Ag Choice Farm Credit

Tony Marzolino Marz Farm

Cadie Pruss Ewe Win Farm

Email: pco@paorganic.org

SECRETARY

Ken Rice Organic Unlimited

Web: paorganic.org

Chris Firestone DCNR, Bureau of Forestry

Fax: 814-422-0255

facebook.com/PAorganic

MANAGING BOARD CHAIR

Jeff Mattocks The Fertrell Company

Mark Smallwood Rodale Institute Charlie White Penn State University

twitter.com/PAorganic ADVISORY BOARD OUR MISSION: To ensure the integrity of organic products

and provide education, inspection, and certification services that meet the needs of our members. PCO provides services to operations based in Pennsylvania, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

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Mary Barbercheck Penn State University Dave Hartman Penn State Extension

Elizabeth Leah Staff Accountant Lia Sandoval Administrative Assistant

EDUCATION & OUTREACH TEAM

Lee Rinehart Director of Education and Outreach

CERTIFICATION TEAM

Nicole Lawrence McNeil Membership & Development Specialist

Kyla Smith Certification Director

April Fix Public Relations Coordinator

Reva Baylets Program Assistant

INSPECTIONS TEAM

Heather Donald Certification Specialist Sandie Elder Program Assistant Stephen Hobaugh Certification Specialist Marissa Pyle Compliance Manager/ Certification Specialist

Liz Amos Inspections Manager Amanda Birk Staff Inspector POLICY TEAM

Johanna Mirenda Policy Director Sabine Carey Materials Specialist

STAFF

Colleen Scott Certification Specialist

QUALITY TEAM

Leslie Zuck Executive Director

Adam Seitz Certification Specialist

Matthew Bogdan Quality Systems & IT Manager

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Tess Weigand Certification Specialist

Garrick McCullough IT Specialist

Diana Underwood Director of Operations

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PCO Member Day Kicks Off 4th Annual Organic FarmFest Connect with PCO members at Annual Meeting; enjoy FarmFest educational programs, family activities

The steady growth of organic food and farming in Pennsylvania is certainly something to celebrate. If you’re an organic farmer, handler, or consumer, we invite you to be a part of that trend and help guide our organization into the future.

How? Attend PCO Member Day! When, where? August 7, Grange Fairgrounds, Centre Hall, PA. What’s going on? PCO’s Annual Membership Meeting, memberto-member discussions on emerging topics, educational sessions, inspiring speakers, Outstanding Organic Awards, and fun family activities.

Member Day activities begin at 9:30 AM with registration and our Annual Membership Meeting, including presentation of PCO’s Annual Report and Strategic Plan. In response to members’ suggestions, facilitated small group discussions will address issues in the organic community such as grain shortages, nonGMO use, and more.

PCO is honored to feature two guest speakers from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Executive Deputy Secretary Mike Smith, and Deputy Secretary for Markets Hannah SmithBrubaker, who is also a PCO-certified organic farmer.

PCO’s Awards Ceremony, an annual celebration of members who have gone above and beyond in furthering organic farming in the mid-Atlantic, will take place after lunch on the Pennsylvania Organic FarmFest stage.

Awards • Outstanding Organic Producer/ Processor • Outstanding New Organic Farmer • Outstanding New Organic Processor • Outstanding Organic Volunteer • Staff’s Choice • Inspector’s Choice

KEYNOTE & PLENARY SPEAKERS Michael Smith, Executive Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (Friday)

Hannah SmithBrubaker, Deputy Secretary for Markets and Economic Development, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (Friday)

Gary Zimmer, Midwestern BioAg (Friday and Saturday)

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Coach Mark Smallwood, Executive Director, Rodale Institute (Friday)

Andre Leu, Author, The Myths of Safe Pesticides and President of International Federation of Organic Farming Movements (IFOAM) (Friday and Saturday)

Ken Roseboro, Editor/Publisher of The Organic & Non-GMO Report and The Non-GMO Sourcebook (Saturday)

• Sustainability (farmer or organization that makes a substantial effort towards furthering the sustainability of farms, families, communities, and the environment) • Going the Extra Acre (farmer who gives his or her knowledge and expertise to help fellow farmers and the organic community) • Outstanding Organic Research and Education • Organic Hall of Fame (honors topnotch, dedicated individuals for continuous, extraordinary dedication of time and energy to furthering the mission of PCO)

As a special bonus, Gary Zimmer with Midwestern BioAg, Andre Leu, IFOAM president and author of The Myth of Safe Pesticides, and Coach Mark Smallwood, Executive Director of the Rodale Institute, will provide the afternoon’s educational programs. Members may also participate in the various educational events at the concurrently occurring FarmFest, including the Wool Village sheep demonstrations and a new Summer Conference with field days presented by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (registration and fee required for PASA event).

As the day winds down, gather with your friends and family for a local, organic dinner at 7 PM catered by Ecovents, and barn dance with music by “Marah.”

Join PCO members on this special day to celebrate extraordinary achievements in organic agriculture and meet the movers and shakers in the world of organic food and farming.

PCO Member Day at FarmFest is a free event for all PCO members and their families. Participants can attend the member day and also take advantage of the activities at FarmFest. Please call Nicole at 814-422-0251 to RSVP, or register online at www.paorganic.org/pco-member-dayand-2015-annual-meeting

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PCO collaborates with PASA to broaden the week’s agricultural activities In conjunction with FarmFest and PCO’s Member Day, Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) will hold a two-day Summer Conference of educational programming at the Grange Fairgrounds on Thursday, August 6, and Friday, August 7. PASA will also host the Centre County Farm Tour on Saturday, August 8. Conference attendees will be able to attend FarmFest events as well as the Summer Conference, bringing together two exciting opportunities to learn, share, and get inspired about organic and sustainable living!

The 4th Annual Pennsylvania Organic FarmFest will take place concurrently with PCO Member Day and PASA’s Summer Conference, with many activities people already love, and some great new events as well! Among the events and opportunities available are the Organic Food Court, Homemade & Homegrown Market, FarmFest 5K and Fun Walk, Pie Contest, Wool Village, Exhibit Hall, Sampling Barn, and the Organic Valley Family Arena. With local vendors and artisans, educational workshops and demonstrations, delicious food, children’s activities, hayrides, music and more, there is surely something for everyone!

This year we welcome back Gary Zimmer as a FarmFest Keynote presenter on Saturday. Additionally, Spring Creek

PCO Member Day Schedule 9:30 AM

Arrival, registration

10:00 AM

Annual meeting, Annual Report and Strategic Plan

10:45 AM

Small group discussion

12:00 PM

Lunch — on your own at Organic Food Court

12:30 PM

PCO Awards and Keynote Address: Mike Smith and Hannah SmithBrubaker, Pennsylvania Deputy Secretaries of Agriculture

2:00 PM

Educational programs: Gary Zimmer — Soils and Health Andre Leu — The Myths of Safe Pesticides Coach Mark Smallwood — Emerging Trends in Organic PASA Summer Conference — Reducing Tillage: Practical Tools & Techniques FarmFest Demonstrations

7:00 PM

Local organic dinner by Ecovents, $10

8:00 PM

Barn dance with Marah

Homesteading will provide educational workshops on: • Food preservation without canning • Home mushroom production • Permaculture as an Approach to Homestead Level Food Production • Working with your Local Butcher to Make the Most of your Meat

Ken Roseboro, Editor/Publisher of The Organic and Non-GMO Report and The Non-GMO Sourcebook, will headline a special program on Saturday focusing on organic as and assurance of non-GMO, GMO issues, and labeling. These sessions are sponsored by our partner, GMO-Free

PA. Visit our website at farmfest.paorganic.org or follow us on Facebook for the latest FarmFest news and information!

There you can find details on camping, the FarmFest 5K, educational programs, exhibitors, vendors, entertainment and sponsor opportunities. We still have some sponsorship slots available and welcome local vendors for the Exhibit Hall, the Organic Food Court, and the Homemade and Homegrown Market. For more on these opportunities contact Erin McCracken at farmfest@paorganic.org or 814-422-0251. See you at FarmFest!

LEFT: Take part in the many FarmFest educational activities including demonstrations, hands-on workshops, keynote presentations and more! CENTER: Don't miss the expanded Wool Village with demonstrations, children's crafts, vendors. RIGHT: Come join the horses, bicyclists and dancers in the famous FarmFest parade! Photos: Sabine Carey and Susan Haney

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Orchard Soil Health Managing fertility and disease through forest soil management

Lee Rinehart, Director of Education and Outreach

It’s often said that the most difficult crop to grow, whether you’re an organic grower or a conventional orchardist, is tree fruit. Insects and disease often have the right of way and dealing with these issues can be daunting. But just as we foster diverse and complex ecosystems to mitigate these concerns in field and vegetable crops, fruit production is responsive to the same kind of attention, with interesting twists that make fruit production not only successful but interesting and fun!

Tree health, like crop health, begins with the right soil biology, notes Michael Phillips, an orchard specialist and proprietor of Grow Organic Apples in Groveton, NH. Phillips gave a talk at Lancaster Ag Products’ Rural Health Fair this winter, and led a discussion to a packed house on how to tap into the fertility loop of soil organic matter to successfully grow tree fruit.

Forest ecology Tame orchards, just like wild forests, thrive in a fungal dominated soil ecology.

Our job, according to Phillips, is to foster a fungal soil biology in orchards and new plantings, and then, simply, “not screw it up.” Mycorrhizal fungi (MF) form the basis of a healthy forest soil environment and can increase a tree’s soil volume reach up to 100 times. MF connects trees together, allowing for nutrient sharing among trees. Through this underground highway trees will trade plant sugars with MF for nutrients, establishing a resilient underground economy. Also, these fungi can give signals that disease has struck, alerting the plant that it’s time to kick in phyto-chemical defenses. Thanks to this fungal dominated soil ecology the tree achieves balanced nutrition and protec-

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tion, and an environment that favors the fungi is established. It’s complementary symbiosis in the orchard!

Mycorrhizal fungi inhabit much of the belowground environment; according to Phillips, if we see mushrooms we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg. Complementary biological activity is rampant and largely unseen. Some of the most important reactions occur solely underground, such as the pulsing of tree root systems twice a year, encouraging MF to colonize the roots, or pulsing glomalin (a carbon coating on the MF that binds aggregates to give soil its structure).

With this knowledge, managing soils for orchards and tree fruit plots becomes the task of managing for a thriving fungal environment. Forest soils, or “ent” soils, are wild soil where trees have historically grown or where trees are dominant. When establishing fruit trees in a new or disturbed area, pay careful attention to creating an “ent” soil rely on an inoculum.

Inoculating the soil with fungal spores helps to colonize new root systems and establish a beneficial symbiotic and sustainable system.

Options for managing fruit tree fertility So, how do we do this? Phillips uses and suggests several different ways to build “ent” soils. One method is the use of bio-char [1}, or carbonized wood, that can be a long term fertility bank for mycorrhizal growth. Another method is using Hugelkultur, an Austrian practice, which involves making raised beds and filling them with decomposing wood. Hugelkultur is usually accomplished by burying or mounding woody debris and covering with rotting hay and topsoil in swales or ridges, making a long term bank for MF. This woods-based fertility is the analog to garden composting.

Making orchard or forest compost is

Herbalist, orchardist, and author Michael Phillips. Photo: Holistic Orchard Network

pretty simple and yields multiple benefits, as it really works to create the fungal soil biology that trees thrive in. Since forest soils have a soil ecology that favors fungi, Phillips suggests treating an orchard and the orchard compost pile as you would the edge of the forest. Here, branches and leaves drop, raspberry canes fall over, and fertility is generated on its own. The soil food web is completed through humification, where soils take organic matter and carry it all the way to humus, generating long term fertility.

Ramial piles as a compost developer Utilizing ramial wood chips is an excellent way to develop compost for orchards and tree fruit plots. Ramial Chipped Wood is a wood product used in cultivation for mulching, fertilizing, and soil enrichment.

The raw material consists of the twigs and branches of trees and woody shrubs, preferably deciduous, including small limbs, less than 2” in diameter. It is

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processed into small pieces by chipping, and the resulting product has a relatively high ratio of cambium to cellulose compared to other chipped wood products. In small diameter wood there is more cambium in proportion to heartwood, with a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 30-1 to 50-1, whereas bigger and older wood material has around 700-1 C-N. Because nutrients are stored in the green inner bark (cambium), ramial wood chips are higher in nutrients and make an effective promoter of the growth of soil fungi and of soilbuilding in general. Incorporating ramial wood chips can be an effective way to develop an airy and spongy soil that holds an ideal amount of water and resists evaporation and compaction, while containing a long-term source of fertility.

The choice of wood material for making ramial wood chips is pretty important, because different organisms break down different types of wood. The brown rot organisms that break down soft wood (i.e. conifers) produce an allelopathy that keeps hardwoods from growing, so softwoods are favored when ramial wood chips are produced from softwoods.

Hardwood materials are broken down by white rots, which take soluble lignins in fresh wood and produce acids that lead to humification. This is why it’s important to build ramial wood chip piles from materials similar to the orchard trees.

When orchard prunings become ramial wood chips, they don’t have to go through a chipper. Instead, you get the small diameter material on soil surface where the white rots can get to it and begin their work. Phillips notes it’s important to break them up and get them onto the soil surface because black rot fungus gets in to wood that is exposed to the air, then sporulates in the spring. In turn, this fungus gets on spring apple leaves and causes a leaf rot.

Building ramial pockets is a rather haphazard mulching, and you can think of it as fungal duff management. Just take random old bales of hay (but don’t break them apart), and place them over the small wood material in contact with the soil. Nature will do its thing and break the material down, and as an added bonus you are making a habitat for many beneficial field creatures and organisms. These ramial piles become homes for field mice,

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The Soil Food Web Microbe “feeding frenzy” keeps the immobilization/ mineralization balance humming along.

The Holistic Orchard by Michael Phillips, Chelsea Green Publishing. Illustration by Elayne Sears.

and when the nest becomes abandoned you may hear the deep rumble of bumblebee nests, whose favorite home is an abandoned field mouse nest. Then, you can break the hay in the next winter when bees are gone.

Ramial piles can be places in ridges and rows right in the orchard; in fact this is where they will do the most good. Medicinal herbs, raspberry leaves, and canes from clearcuts can be placed under the trees, where they can be mowed to get them in small pieces and covered with hay or wood chips. Woody material that is treated in this manner becomes beneficial and ceases to be a disease factor anymore.

For instance, as fire blight overwinters as a canker in the wood of a branch, and is pruned in the winter, it can become a disease vector. However, if buried we change the dynamic of disease dissemination and

reduce the spread of the blight.

Managing fungal duffs in orchards Much like we do with garden rows, we can use mulching to control vegetation in orchards by using wood chips and medicinal plants. For rougher ground consider using mulch rings of hay or, ideally, ramial wood chips. This will keep the ground open for 4–6 years while the tree grows its branch structure after which not as much attention is needed. If quackgrass infiltrates the rings you have a battle, though Phillips advises that a heavy mulching of hay encourages the quackgrass rhizomes to occupy that space, instead of your rings. Quackgrass growing in your mulched hay is much easier to remove, due to its lessened soil bond.

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Orchard Soil Health continued from page 5

they will start to shade the ground underneath. This is an opportune time to introduce plant allies like comfrey. The tree is manageable and on “cruise control,” so there is more time and room for management of different plants. Year 4–5 is a good time to plant comfrey about 6–8 feet out from the trunk, so as to not overcrowd the tree. Interspersing comfrey with your fruit trees not only fosters orchard diversity (while creating a visually appealing orchard), but also serves a purpose, as flowering plants draw insects and reduces mowing of grasses that causes a shift in succession to less diversity.

Comfrey roots can penetrate 6–10 feet in the soil, so once you plant them they are there forever and form a living mulch.

This insect haven draws bumblebees and beneficial insects that overwinter in plant stubble. In addition, the deep taprooted plants like comfrey, chicory, and dandelions are dynamic accumulators of minerals and potassium. Woody shrub

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Nitrogen-fixers and legumes, those plants especially important for young fruit trees, include Siberian pea shrub, buffalo berry, and alder. These shrubs create a polyculture and add dynamic orchard diversity.

They can be managed by chopping and dropping them to the soil, and once their root systems are established they will come back and make ramial wood chips in succeeding years. Additionally, red and crimson clover can be spread among this dynamic polyculture. They serve as great bumblebee fodder and can even initiate a turn toward fungal dominance in the orchard. Adult beneficial insects need a source of food, so be sure to encourage the growth of small flower plants such as Queen Anne’s lace, rhubarb, buckwheat, yarrow, and sweet cicely. In fact, these are choice cover crops that create a conducive soil environment prior to planting new fruit trees.

Incorporating diversity in an orchard can be done in many ways, and planting flowers that bloom throughout the season is always a wise choice. Woodsy herbs like rosemary, thyme, lavender, etc, when planted in clumps among the ramial piles

in the orchard, become mycorrizal accumulators, further steering the orchard toward a more sustainable polyculture.

“You won’t grow wrong steering your orchard ecosystem towards the forest edge,” notes Phillips. You can think of it as “understory agriculture,” where fungal ascendancy dominates, beneficial plants apportion Nitrogen in the right form, and disease resistance from secondary plant metabolites keep pathogens in check.

Starting a new orchard, or renovating an unhealthy one, takes time and effort.

But keeping in mind the principles of forest ecology and fungal soil dominance will allow the orchard to develop as a natural system. The biological transition for developing healthy forest soils can take 3–9 years to become a fully functioning biology. The result is a resilient system, both above and below ground, which can provide quality fruits and exponential environmental benefits to the farm.

1 To be approved in organic production, biochar must be derived from untreated plant material and activated by physical methods (e.g. steam activation). Chemical activation is prohibited.

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More Than Butcher Shops PCO-certified organic meat plants fill the gap for region’s producers Lee Rinehart, Director of Education and Outreach

Since I came aboard as PCO’s Director of Education in 2011 I have fielded many calls from producers interested in raising organic beef, swine, and lamb, and invariably the conversation turns to where to get animals processed. Small USDA plants have been rare in all 20 years of my agricultural education, and certified organic ones even more rare. I’ve often called this the “bottle neck” in small scale, specialty, organic meat production.

I have referred interested parties to the Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network (nichemeatprocessing.org). This network is invaluable for those seeking small plants, and it also provides information to those interested in starting one. This sharing of information helps, but the dearth of small plants still plagues producers in just about every region of the country.

Many small-scale farmers start out by accessing a custom plant. This partnership can work for some, if their marketing and scale can handle it. But for those who need a USDA certified organic plant there are some great choices here. PCO is proud to certify three small plants in Pennsylvania that provide organic processing services to producers from New Jersey to Western Pennsylvania.

Tradition and expertise at NS Troutman and Sons On our virtual trip around the state we’ll first stop in Middleburg, where Ashley and Isaac Hassinger own and operate NS Troutman & Sons, the first NOP-certified organic meat shop in Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1917 by Harry Troutman, the shop originally focused on buying and selling locally. The plant became “certified” organic in 2002 and stayed within the family until Ashley and Isaac bought the it in 2011. The Hassingers combined

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their experience and passion for agriculture, ranching, and business management with a knowledgeable staff to continue and augment Troutman’s success.

Isaac is the owner of Twin Stream Farm, a principal supplier of natural beef to Troutman. A former 4-H and FFA member, Isaac’s passion is raising cattle and his 275-acre operation. He and Ashley work side by side in the plant, bringing their knowledge of animal and business management to the operation.

They attribute their success to the skill and commitment of the Troutman’s staff.

The plant was already certified organic when they bought it, a qualification that Ashley finds valuable. Being a certified organic processor is beneficial to business; since there are so few processors in the region, many customers will travel quite a distance to get their organic stock processed. Ashley and Isaac see their organic plant as a service to those organic producers in the area.

In addition to providing a certified shop for organic livestock producers, Troutman is a wholesale business that sells organic meats through outlets in New York, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, mostly to cooperatives and universities.

Ashley notes that they are always on the lookout for certified organic livestock to move through their wholesale outlets.

Ensuring organic integrity is of utmost importance for Troutman. Organic livestock are processed one day a week (on Wednesdays), and though she notes there is a lot of extra paperwork for their organic certification, the challenges are worth it when considering the service Troutman is able to provide. “We have learned so much about organic certification from our employees,” says Ashley.

Employees are cross-trained in all areas of processing and average 24 years of service; their longstanding experience inspires serious attention to detail and quality.

Isaac and Ashley Hassinger of NS Troutman and Sons. Photo: Ashley Hassinger

Troutman offers, in addition to certified organic processing, a commitment to animal welfare through Animal Welfare Approved verification.

Focus on local and specialized customer service at Rising Spring Meat Company The next stop on our tour lands us in Spring Mills. Jay and Laura Young, along with Mike and Virginia Byers, cofounded Rising Spring Meat Company in 2011 after the previous owners retired in 2009, and received organic certification in 2012. John Myers originally started the shop in 1912, processing livestock raised by local farmers. Thanks to Myers invaluable service, livestock processing became a vital part of Penns Valley. Rising Spring continues to be a force for local farming in the region, providing specialized processing services to help farmers make a living from agriculture.

“Slaughter capacity is critical,” says Jay, “as there are not many USDA facilities available for small producers.” The Youngs wanted to provide more direct

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Butcher Shops continued from page 7

and local marketing opportunities to their customers through various packing options, because prior to starting the operation in 2011 they raised beef and saw a need for local plants. “Wouldn’t it be good to have a cooperative plant, where farmers could seek their own access to the slaughter floor?” With that thought in mind, Rising Springs rose anew (again).

The new model for Rising Spring’ shop grew from conversations with local farmers, including the Youngs, who saw such a model as worth pursuing. “We went for it, and now Rising Spring is run as an “S” corporation with Jay as manager.

We give farmers access to the kill floor with traceability and attention to the industry’s time sensitive nature.”

Being able to produce certified organic products means that good prices are never hard for producers to come by. However, Jay notes that it is also a social cause for Rising Springs. “Some people want it (organic certification) and if there are no plants then it’s a dead stop.” Jay and his crew “do what they need to do” to maintain organic integrity for producers, but Jay notes that the way they slaughter is the same for all, conventional or organic.

“We use organic methods anyway,” says Jay. He sees his organic operation as direct support for the organic industry, and encourages producers, certifiers, and organic customers to address the scarcity

of organic shops. As a fix, he suggests that where there is scarcity, the organic community should take action, working to get the word out, and financially support shops and organic certification.

Building farmer networks at Kistler’s Butcher Shop Finally, we wind up in Loysville, to take a look at Kistler’s Butcher Shop, owned and operated by Dennis Kistler.

What started as a hobby custom shop for Dennis soon became a full time job processing carcasses for friends, and then for friends of friends when the need for a USDA plant became apparent.

“There’s not a lot of USDA shops and local folks had to go a long way,” notes Dennis, as he relates his company’s history. He considers customers as friends, and feels that it’s important to cater to their needs to get the most out of their product. Thus, it was an easy decision to seek organic certification for his shop, which he accomplished in 2013.

Diversification, convenience for local producers, and a growing market were all part of his decision to become certified organic through PCO. His business style is one on one, and not being a big shop, he can really focus on customizing services. Keeping in touch with his customers is important and communication is key.

He can’t cut it if he doesn’t know what they want, and there are different markets and salability for different products.

Dennis is working toward developing a unique network to get to the heart of what

Jay and Laura Young, along with Mike and Virginia Byers, founders of Rising Spring Meat Company. Photo: Rising Spring Meat Company

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his customers want, and to serve as an information source to help his customers be successful. Whether it’s bringing producers together for a common market or to gain a sense of what’s selling, his customer network is growing as an informal hub of organic market information.

It’s not unusual, says Dennis, for his office to become a meeting place where producers share information on animal health, marketing, or how to produce quality forages and hay for grazing beef cattle. Producers as far away as New Jersey, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Virginia call Kistler’s their organic processor.

Kistler’s processes beef, pork, goat, lamb, and custom deer, but by far beef is their biggest business, with at least 50% of the beef slaughter coming from grassfed livestock. “Grassfed quality has really come up in the last 2 years,” says Dennis, “and farmers are getting better at pasture management, resulting in better marbling on these carcasses.”

Building producer networks has been integral to Kistler’s success. If a customer has problems or questions, Dennis networks them, introducing them to others who have been through similar situations, or who can help them move forward.

These producer networks and the informal education they provide are just one of the many value-added resources he offers to customers.

On the demand for organic meat, and advice for transitioning farmers Our organic processors have much to

Dennis Kistler and Tammy Roush of Kistler’s Butcher Shop. Photo: Kistler's Butcher Shop

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say about the demand for organic products, as well as advice for organic livestock producers who are thinking of transitioning to organic certification. These processors are in a good position to give such advice, as they stand in a place where they can see both directions… from the farm gate to the consumer.

“Organic demand will go higher,” says Dennis Kistler. “There’s beef out there I wouldn’t eat… speed raising beef just doesn’t have the smell or taste that slower raised beef has.” And Ashley Hassinger maintains that organic will always be there, and is increasing, as reflected by the increase in customers bringing organic livestock to the plant. Troutman’s is always looking to purchase as well, which means a ready market for regional producers of quality meat.

Jay Young pays careful attention to the demand side, and notes, “(customer) desire is based on what people have read, what is in the media.” There are costs to organic, and producers need to be mindful of them. “In taste tests grain fed beef can taste better,” says Jay. This is not surprising, because there is a big difference between grassfed beef and actual grass finished beef.

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Grass finishing takes time and attention to growing high quality forages. Jay’s advice to aspiring organic producers is to be flexible, and put serious thought into your transition. “Make sure you’ve got a market nailed down, and look for reasonable alternatives to produce an outstanding product without compromising your values.” For some this will be organic, and for some it will be grass or grain finished.

Dennis Kistler’s advice is very important for organic livestock producers. “Do research on (pasture) grasses, and pick out an animal that is more grass appropriate.

The old world (breeds) are better at gaining weight on grass.” Grassfed is slower and more time consuming… and if your neighbor is quicker and making quicker money, it can make you wonder if what you’re dong is right. You have to believe it to do it,” says Dennis. “As an organic grass-based farmer you’re producing quality over quantity.”

There is plenty of room in the marketplace for alternative products such as organic and grass-finished meats. And there are some excellent processors who are dedicated to their producers and the organic community. Not only are they providing markets, but they are develop-

ing networks of passionate, experienced organic farmers who are eager to share their knowledge with those who are interested in getting into the business.

If you are interested in producing organic livestock, there are many resources to help get you started. In addition to certification and production information from PCO, these PCO-certified shops can help you with processing questions and marketing opportunities.

Dennis Kistler Kistler Butcher Shop 3692 Shermans Valley Road Loysville, PA 17047 Email: kistlersbutchershop@yahoo.com Phone: 717-789-4367

Jay Young Rising Spring Meat Company 119 Cooper Street Spring Mills, PA 16875 Email: jayy@risingspringmeats.com Phone: 814-422-8810 Fax: 814-422-8813

Ashley Hassinger N.S. Troutman & Sons, LLC 428 White Top Road Middleburg, PA 17842 Email: nstroutmans@yahoo.com Phone: 570-374-4949 Fax: 570-374-5457

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Looking for Non-GMO? Look No Further Than the Organic Seal!

Certified Organic is always non-GMO!

Lee Rinehart, Director of Education and Outreach

Verification and labeling are becoming important tools in the marketplace to provide information to consumers about a product’s origins or production processes.

Usually a seal is affixed to the product to indicate that the product has undergone a verification process based on set standards. The well-known USDA organic seal is an example, which verifies that the product was produced, processed, and handled according to the standards of the National Organic Program.

With many states putting up bills and referendums to pass genetically modified organisms (GMO) labeling laws, it is clear there is a grassroots effort to make the use of GMOs in food more transparent. The concept of food sovereignty necessitates consumer access to information so choices can be made, and this can make a big impact on how food is produced. But with the clamor for more labeling and transparency with regard to GMOs in food what tends to be overlooked, or in most cases perhaps even not understood, is that since 2002 we have had a very comprehensive food production verification system that ensures no GMOs were used in production or processing. This of course is the USDA Organic Seal, the imprimatur of the National Organic Program.

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The use of GMOs is expressly prohibited in the production and processing of organic products. Farmers and food processors must demonstrate through a vigorous verification process that they are not using GMOs or letting GMOs come into contact with their products during the production of crops and livestock all the way through processing and distribution of organic food products. All seeds, seed treatments, inoculants, feedstuffs for livestock, or any other material or ingredient used in the production and processing of organic products must not contain GMOs. The prohibition on GMOs extends to every ingredient in every certified organic product, even the minor ingredient such as flavors and corn starch.

GMOs are defined in the organic regulations as substances produced through “a variety of methods used to genetically modify organisms or influence their growth and development by means that are not possible under natural conditions or processes, and are not considered compatible with organic production” (7 CFR 205.1). These prohibited processes used are considered “excluded methods” to distinguish them from allowable practices such as traditional plant breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridization, in vitro fertilization, and tissue culture.

Farmers have many tools available to them to help them ensure that GMOs are not used in their production system and do not come in contact with their organic

products. First and foremost, farmers are required to use certified organic seed.

Crops at risk of GMO contamination are those that are commercially available in GMO form, which currently include: Alfalfa, Canola, Corn, Cotton, Papaya, Soybean, Squash, and Sugarbeet. However, if the desired seed variety is not commercially available in organic form, there is an exception for non-organic nonGMO untreated (with prohibited substances) seed. Farmers using this exception must provide documentation of non-GMO status of all allowed nonorganic seed. In addition, any allowed treatments applied to the seed must not contain GMO ingredients.

Second, certified organic farmers must implement preventative practices based on site-specific risk factors, like wind speed and direction, distance to adjacent fields, etc. to prevent cross-pollination with GMO crops grown adjacent to organic fields. Acceptable control practices on organic farms include staggered plantings and recording of tasseling/flowering dates, buffers zones and physical barriers such as planted buffers, and agreements with neighboring farmers who may use GMO seed to keep GMO crops in fields as far removed from organic fields as possible.

Finally, farmers must monitor their fields and procedures to verify their plan is effectively implemented. These practices, as well as the prevention of commingling

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of organic and non-organic products from shared planting and harvesting equipment and during storage and transportation will prevent contamination risk throughout production and processing.

To back this up, every organic farmer and food processor must have an annual inspection of their farm or facility, including an audit of records, purchase receipts, and crop harvests. In addition, agencies that certify farms and processors are required to conduct residue testing on at least five percent of their certified operations to ensure all practices are sufficient in prohibiting product contact with prohibited substances, including GMOs. Given the rigor of organic certification it is clear that since 2002 we have had a comprehensive non-GMO verification system in the USDA’s National Organic Program, and that “certified organic” statements are sufficient to substantiate a claim that products produced according to the organic regulations are non-GMO. However, many farmers and processors

OTA-Info-Card, How to Avoid GMOs.

still choose to make additional non-GMO claims. This is most likely due to the apparent lack of knowledge held by consumers as to the purport of the organic seal. What’s needed is education and outreach to familiarize consumers with

Get Involved Contribute to the conversation on organic farming and non-GMOs. Here are some exciting ways to get involved and spread the word on the benefits of organic.

GMO Free PA www.gmofreepa.org A non-profit member-based organization dedicated to education on non-GMOs including educational resources for farmers and consumers, informational events, local chapters, and information on house and senate bills to address GMO issues.

Resources for farmers, advocates, and consumers from the Organic Trade Association: download and print these fact sheets and display at your event, Farmers Market stand, or on your website: Organic/non-GMO Information Cards/Quick Tips for Decision Making Non-GMO Requirements under the National Organic Program - OTA Fact Sheet Non-GMO Requirements under the National Organic Program – OTA Q&A NOP Fact Sheet: Can GMOs be Used In Organic Production?

Access these documents at www.ota.com and click “Learn About Organic” Transgenic Crops ATTRA has developed a publication that provides an overview of the crops that have been genetically modified, including unintended consequences, economic considerations, biopharmaceutical aspects of transgenic crops, management concerns, and political, regulatory, and safety concerns.

Download the publication at https://attra.ncat.org/attrapub/summaries/ summary.php?pub=71 If you would like to receive a copy of these documents in the mail call PCO at 814-422-0251.

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organic practices, and all that organic certification entails.

PCO has developed a strategic goal to focus outreach efforts on consumer education about the benefits of organic, including the non-GMO requirement in the organic regulations. Publications and web-based materials are available to allow consumers and organic farmers access to timely information on how the organic system plan specifically addresses nonGMO use. In addition, an outreach effort with GMO Free PA, a non-profit organization dedicated to education and advocacy on non-GMO use, has been established for this year’s Pennsylvania Organic FarmFest on August 7–8 in Centre Hall, PA. Fairgoers at FarmFest will have many opportunities to engage with farmers and advocates on the non-GMO issue, and discover how to make smart choices and further the efforts of organic/non-GMO advocacy.

When you buy a certified organic product, you are given so much more value than only being non-GMO. Organic is a farming system based on ecological diversity, soil health, and sustained environmental stewardship. Couple this with the prohibition on synthetic pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers and antibiotics, growth hormones, or other artificial drugs in livestock, and we have a farming system that is clearly focused on health, sustainability, and the integrity of the natural environment… all while producing healthy abundant food.

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Benchmark Study Yields Insights into Global Organic Food Trade New report by Penn State researcher shows significant opportunities for U.S. farmers A landmark study on the trade flow of organic food products across the borders of the United States reveals that a robust global appetite for organic food has created new lucrative markets from Mexico City all the way to Hong Kong for U.S. organic producers — but also provides strong evidence that American farmers are losing out on some valuable opportunities by not growing more organic.

According to the study conducted by Pennsylvania State University’s Dr. Edward Jaenicke, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, released in April by the Organic Trade Association (OTA), exports of U.S. organic foods as well as imports of organic into the U.S. have risen significantly in the past few years.

This watershed report compiles, for the first time ever, a comprehensive picture of the officially tracked organic food products sold by U.S. exporters and bought by U.S. importers.

In 2014, American organic growers sold more than $550 million worth of products tracked by the U.S. government through organic export codes to buyers

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L to R: Johanna Mirenda, PCO Policy Director; Dr. Edward Jaenicke, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at Penn State; Leslie Zuck, PCO Executive Director; Penny Zuck, Accreditation Manager for the USDA National Organic Program.

around the world, with the United States rightly claiming the position of global supplier for fresh organic produce.

Imports of organic products outpaced exports, amounting to nearly $1.3 billion in 2014. The import picture tells two stories: one of an increasing appetite by Americans for organic foods not widely produced in this country, like coffee, bananas, mangoes, olive oil, to name a few, and the second story of a growing

domestic market for organic feed grains but insufficient home-grown organic crops to meet that demand.

While America’s coffee lovers gulped down more than $300 million worth of foreign-grown organic coffee, helping to boost the import total, imports of organic soybeans and organic corn — the main ingredients in organic feed for the expanding U.S. organic dairy, poultry and livestock sectors — showed sharp gains.

“This important study is a ‘Help Wanted’ message for American farmers,” said Laura Batcha, OTA’s CEO and Executive Director. “This report is the first of its kind, and it yields some key findings to help guide the organic and non-organic farm community, public policymakers, and all organic stakeholders in making future industry investment decisions. It shows substantial missed opportunities for the U.S. farmer by not growing organic — whether to meet the demand outside the U.S. or to keep up with the robust domestic demand for organic.”

For the full story, visit www.ota.com/ news/press-releases/18062

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Produce Perspectives

What can we do to encourage native bees?

6 ideas for increasing pollinator habitat Tianna DuPont, Penn State Extension Sustainable Agriculture Educator

Pollinators need a diverse, abundant food source and a place to build their nests and rear their young. We can encourage native bee populations by keeping these two essentials in mind.

Natural Areas Diverse and abundant native bee populations are found in areas where there are many patches of natural habitat. Specifically, studies indicate fields 1,000 to 6,000 yards from the nearest natural patch will have the most pollination from native bees [1, 2].

Provide Forage Pollinator habitat should have a diversity of flowers that bloom at different times to sustain a diverse group of pollinators throughout the growing season.

Flowering plants in your hedgerows, riparian buffers, set-aside areas, and gardens can all provide essential food. Not all flowering plants are equal! Some species provide lots of nectar, others provide lots of pollen, and pollen nutrients of different plants vary. It is important to encourage the growth of a wide variety of flowering plant species to best feed your bees, especially generalists like bumble bees. For specialists, like the squash bee, the specific host (squash or pumpkin) must be in the landscape.

Nesting Sites Nearly 70 percent of bee species nest underground. Most other bees choose to nest in wood tunnels, occupying existing holes in snags or chewing into the pithy center of stems [3]. Because many ground dwelling bees only range a few hundred yards from their nest, it can be even more important for land managers to provide nesting habitats directly on the farm.

Bumble bees often prefer undisturbed

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Small Striped Bee (Halictus). Photo: USGS Be Inventory, Alex Wild.

areas such as hay fields and pasture [4].

Many bees prefer to nest in sunny, bare patches of soil [5]. When you excavate a pond or ditch leave the piles of excavated earth. Ground dwelling bees may nest in bare areas of mounded earth. Consider keeping some dead snags. Some solitary bees nest in abandoned beetle tunnels in snags.

Cover Crops Include flowering plants in your cover crop mixtures and give them time to flower to provide additional bee forage.

Penn State’s Dr. Shelby Fleischer is working on building summer and fall cover crop mixtures that flower successively, providing continuous forage for bumble bees and honey bees. The current summer mix trial includes buckwheat, mustard, sunflower, sunhemp, and cowpea. The fall planted mix includes peas, vetch, clover, and an oat nurse crop. We are still learning about cover crops for bee forage.

Reduced Tillage Many native bees nest in the ground.

Sometimes they nest right in the area where the crop is grown and other times in attractive areas in field edges. Think about ways to avoid disrupting this nesting habitat in some areas of the farmscape.

For example, in one study farms that practiced no-till had triple the rate of squash bee visitation rates [6]. In other studies farms with pastures or hayfields had more bumble bees.

Irrigation During times of drought, irrigation may also encourage native bee pollinators.

In one of two years (a dry year) of a study of pumpkin pollinators in Virginia, fields with irrigation had significantly more squash bees than those that did not [7].

Researchers don’t know why irrigation might increase ground dwelling native bees, but they speculate it might be differences in soil temperature or ease of making a nest.

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This article is part of a five part series describing pollinators, pollinator threats and on-farm conservation strategies as part of a collaboration between Penn State’s Center for Pollinator Research and Penn State Extension Vegetable and Small Fruit Team. To read other articles in the series, visit extension.psu.edu or contact Tianna DuPont at std11@psu.edu for more information.

1. Kremen, C., N.M. Williams, and R.W. Thorp, Crop pollination from native bees at risk from agricultural intensification. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2002. 99(26): p. 1681216816.

2. Klein, A.M., I. Steffan-Dewenter, and T. Tscharntke, Pollination of Coffea canephora in relation to local and regional agroforestry management. Journal of Applied Ecology, 2003. 40(5): p. 837-845.

3. Web Soil Survey. Available from: http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ HomePage.htm.

4. Svensson, B., J. Lagerlof, and B.G. Svensson, Habitat preferences of nest-seeking bumble bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in an agricultural landscape. Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 2000. 77(3): p. 247-255.

5. Linsley, E.G., The ecology of solitary bees. Hilgardia, 1958. 27((19)): p. 543599.

6. Shuler, R.E., T.H. Roulston, and G.E. Farris, Farming practices influence wild pollinator populations on squash and pumpkin. Journal of Economic Entomology, 2005. 98(3): p. 790-795.

7. Julier, H.E. and T.a.H. Roulston, Wild Bee Abundance and Pollination Service in Cultivated Pumpkins: Farm Management, Nesting Behavior and Landscape Effects. Journal of Economic Entomology, 2009. 102(2): p. 563-573.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dave Johnson, PCO Advisory Board President Glory be!

Today is a rainy day, a divine strategy to force farmers to slow down and take a little break this time of year, and after this last week, I need it. It seems like it’s another year where winter ended abruptly and summer is here. The last week has seen rain free days in the 70’s, but it was less than two weeks ago we observed some sort of un-identifiable frozen precipitation here on the tier (northern tier of PA). For those of you in the sunny, river valley south where you gain 2–3 growing zones and weeks of frost free days both spring and fall, we always say if summer comes to the northern tier on a weekend, we’ll have a picnic.

As the newly selected PCO Board President, I look forward to continuing to work with a great staff and board as we strive to make PCO the best value, best

service, and pain-free certifying shop in the market. That is a tall order given the rising costs of everything, increasing diversity and needs of our members, and the always- changing rules and accepted materials lists of the NOP. PCO has some initiatives to look forward to this year to help with those goals.

Staff is working on a member survey to find out what PCO is doing well and where we are weak, and, based on our Strategic Plan a new Membership and Development Specialist has been hired to focus on marketing and increasing our membership base. A new database is being developed that should help us make submitting update paperwork easier, and provide the information and forms we need available in a quick, easy to access form.

We are also looking at our fee structure to make PCO the best value for the money in the certification marketplace. Upcoming field days and farm tours are always a special opportunity to get you thinking outside of the box and share ideas with fellow farmers. We as organic producers

ought to be on the leading edge of doing things better, healthier, simpler, wiser, and more harmonious with the natural order. I hope to see some of you at these great events. PCO and partner events are posted online at www.paorganic.org/educational-events and on page 28.

Another topic of interest to all organic farmers is a proposal for an organic checkoff program submitted to the USDA by the Organic Trade Association (OTA).

The idea behind this program is to provide a funding program for organic research and afford a unified voice promoting the organic industry. Find out as much as you can pro and con on this initiative by talking to your fellow farmers, suppliers, certifier, or inspector and share your views on this proposal. Prepare for the public comment period later this year by reading the full proposal. For a downloadable copy of the check-off program summary and proposal visit www.ota.com/what-ota-does/organic-check. You can request a paper copy from PCO or continued on page 28

“Ya concentrate most on the why,” Alex says, “the how comes along as ya go.”

The Why

Rememberin’ the reason for all that I do The how’s a small part of the show.

So why do I get up so early each morn Quite oft long before the day’s ea’n born ’n think of the cow’s, chickens, ole horse, ’n goats Got my pot ‘o coffee, bowl o’ raisins, milk, honey ‘n oats Then move round the farm, at a slow steady pace Takin’ care o’ those animals, this isn’t a race ’n occasionally think of the why, I’m doing this stuff at our farm.

It’s cause of the person who once told me, “Jonas, you saved my life,” now that’s a real solid bonus.

Another one said, “You saved my Dad’s life,” and I asked him, how?

“From the bone broth of an ole grassfed organic cow and the recipe how to make more.”

So these are the “whys” that get me on the move An’ keep this ole man in the organic groove Of doin’ what I do for me ’n my friends’ health It sure as heaven ain’t just for my own personal wealth.

Takin’ care of the land and the animals too Gives me a reason for livin’ I’m just tellin’ you.

— Jonas K. Stoltzfus, 5:00am, Saturday, August 3, 2013 Photo: Jonas Stoltzfus

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Box 361, 119 Hamilton Place Penn Yan, NY 14527 315-531-1038 Certified Organic Feed, Seed & Livestock Products from Northeast organic farmers for Northeast organic farmers â?– www.lakevieworganicgrain.com

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RECIPE CORNER Debra Deis, PCO Advisory Board Vice President

Mix and Match Vietnamese Spring Rolls If there is one food that is both delicious and guilt free, it is the rice paper wrapped rolls of Vietnamese origin. Despite a long description, these spring rolls are really easy and the recipe is flexible (in part because it isn’t true to the original). You can have them on the table in 25 minutes and they keep a day after assembly. The only things needed in advance are the rice paper skins, some kind of noodle and lettuce leaves. If you want to serve them at a party as finger food, it’s a good idea to add the herbs and pour a little of the dipping sauce into the roll prior to rolling them up. Otherwise it is messy.

You will need for four to six rolls: • Clear noodles. They don’t expand much in cooking so use enough to make 2 cups cooked. Follow package directions, or in a pinch, soak 5 minutes, then simmer until tender.

Drain and toss with a little sesame oil.

• 3 cups slivered vegetables, cooked but firm, or raw. Cucumbers, carrots, avocado, sweet peppers, asparagus and green beans are ideal.

You can also shred radishes or cabbage. I salt watery ingredients such as cucumbers and let drain a bit.

• 1 cup of little bits of leftover meat, shrimp or tofu. If using shrimp, slice in half lengthwise.

• Fresh herb leaves, whole or in big pieces: can include basil, Thai basil, lemon basil, lemon balm, parsley, chives, mint and cilantro. There are also all kinds of mystery Vietnamese herbs and arugula which was considered an herb before it became a salad green. Arugula and basil are my favorites.

• Rice paper wrappers from an Asian food store or some Giants and Wegmans. This quantity should use 4 to 6. I like to use the 10” diameter wrappers.

• Whole lettuce leaves I like butterhead or romaine.

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Dipping sauce: 1 Tbs honey dissolved in 2 Tbs hot water ¼ cup soy sauce 3 Tbs Fish sauce 2 Tbs orange or apple juice or sherry I Tbs rice vinegar or lemon juice Garlic, one large clove Fresh ginger, ½” 1 scallion, finely chopped While the noodles are cooking mix the liquid part of the dipping sauce in the order given. Grate some fresh ginger and garlic into that and stir in scallions.

Assembly: • After prepping all of the above, run 2 rice paper wrappers at a time under hot water for a few seconds.

Lay them down on a clean counter or poly cutting board. They will soften. Work fast at this point or they will stick to the counter.

• Spread a thin layer of cooked noodles over the center of the wrapper, in a rectangle, staying an inch away from the edges. Top this with a little of the vegetables and meat or tofu. Use less rather than more.

Traditionally the herbs would come later but for a party, add a layer of the herbs now. Fold in the outside edges and roll as tightly as you can.

The wrappers will stick together nicely and you can’t fail.

• For a party, cut into 2-inch pieces (scissors works better than a knife) and set on a lettuce leaf.

• For a sit down dinner, serve the rolls cut in half with lettuce leaves and herbs on the side. To eat, put the roll in a lettuce leaf with herbs.

I like to spoon in the dipping sauce as I go… but of course you can dip.

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Dear Aggy, I finally found some nearby fields to rent that have not had any prohibited substances applied in more than three years. I have already had my inspection for this year, but I’d like to be able to make a cutting of hay in about a month or so. Can I just go ahead and harvest that hay for my cows, and have the inspector look at this field next year? I know nothing has been done to this field.

— Ready to Roll Dear Ready, We’re happy that you were able to find some additional acreage to rent, especially since it sounds like the fields have already undergone the required 36-month transition period to be eligible for organic certification. Anytime there is a significant change to your Organic System Plan (OSP), such as adding fields, barns or other facilities you have to contact PCO to update your OSP to reflect those

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changes. Please keep in mind that you will not be able to harvest any organic crop from this field until it has been inspected

by PCO and approved for inclusion under your organic certification.

To request certification of your new fields, you will have to provide the following to PCO: Map of the new field, including an address & directions PCO’s Prior Land Use Statement

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I

SPR

PA

S

Adding new fields to my operation

NG M IL L

DEAR AGGY — Readers’ Letters

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signed by the person previously responsible for managing the land, showing that that land has been managed organically for 36 months. (If you are the person who has been managing this field during the transition period, you could submit PCO’s Field/Pasture history for the past three years.)

Description of planned activities on the land (fill out PCO’s Field and Pasture Record), and identify if anyone other than you will be responsible for managing the new field.

If the new location is not leased or owned by you, and/or will not be managed by you, then the new location might not be eligible for addition to your existing certification.

Please remember to contact PCO as soon as possible, so that an inspection can be scheduled prior to any possible harvest or grazing on the new field.

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Organic Updates Certification Update Upcoming Implementation Dates Kyla Smith, Certification Program Director There are two policy changes that have upcoming implementation periods that may affect your organic operation.

1. Handlers of Unpackaged Organic Products Implementation Date: July 22, 2015

This policy change will require handlers of unpackaged organic products (e.g. hay, grains, livestock, produce) to be certified unless that operation is excluded.

An operation is excluded if: • It only handles organic products that are enclosed in a package or a container; • The products remain in the same package or container for the entire period handled; and • It does not process organic products.

In addition to the excluded operations listed above, operations that only transport unpackaged organic products do not need to obtain certification if they do not handle (i.e. sell, process or package) organic products.

All other operations that handle unpackaged organic products and are not an excluded operation and are not simply transporting must be certified organic.

Therefore, if you are purchasing unpackaged organic products (e.g. hay, grains, livestock, produce) from an uncertified source after July 22, 2015, these products are considered nonorganic and may not be labeled as organic, used as feed for organic livestock or used as ingredients in organic products.

PCO-certified operations that sell, label or represent unpackaged organic products that have been handled by an uncertified operation may be subject to proposed suspension or revocation of certification and possible civil penalties.

2. “Certified Organic by …” Statement on organic product labels Implementation Date: January 1, 2016

This policy change clarifies that the “certified organic by …” statement required on retail labels must be below the information identifying the final handler.

PCO will be verifying your plan for coming into compliance (if not compliant already) with the requirement during your 2015 annual inspection.

Contact your certification specialist if you have any questions regarding how these policy changes may affect your operation.

Organic Soybean Checkoff Exemption An organic soybean producer that sells organic soybeans to a mill for further processing is eligible for exemption from assessment under the research and promotion program.

In order to be considered for the exemption the following items must be submitted to the United Soybean Board: • current organic certificate • list of organic commodities

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• properly completed exemption form, available electronically or in hard copy by contacting the the United Soybean Board at: Jennifer Reed-Harry, Pennsylvania Soybean Board 2215 Forest Hills Drive, Suite 40 Harrisburg, PA 17112-1099 Office: 717-651-5922, Cell: 717-940-9272 Fax: 717-651-5926 Email: jrharry@pasoybean.org Once received the United Soybean Board will review these documents and notify the producer if the request has been approved within 30 days.

Once approved, the producer must give their certificate of exemption from the United Soybean Board along with their current organic certificate to the mill they are selling their soybeans to.

The certificate of exemption is valid for the calendar year in which it is received. In order to receive exemption for the next year, an appropriate request (as described above) must be resubmitted annually by January 1.

Please contact Kyla Smith, Certification Director, at 814422-0251 or at kyla@paroganic.org, if you have any questions.

PCO’s Growth Results in New Staff As mentioned in the Spring issue of Organic Matters, PCO had a banner year last year in regards to an increase in number of certified operations. We have seen this growth continue in the first quarter and into the second quarter of 2015, by doubling the number of new certificates issued compared to the same time period last year.

As such we have hired 3 new certification specialists, Stephen Hobaugh, Colleen Scott and Tess Weigand. You can read brief biographies about them on the PCO website, www.paorganic. org/staff or in Organic Matters.

Our new staff will be out and about at PCO events; please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome them into our PCO community.

Avian Influenza Update Due to the continued spread of avian influenza, the National Organic Program has advised certifiers to refrain from conducting onsite inspections of poultry operations located in known counties of disease detection, as determined by USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS). Check out the APHIS website which lists the affected counties. To date, none of the affected counties are located in PCO’s certification region. Please contact Johanna Mirenda, PCO Policy Director at 814+777-3026 or via email at johanna@paorganic.org for more information.

Stay in touch!

Visit paorganic.org

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Organic Updates Legislative Update Organic Trade Association Policy Conference Johanna Mirenda, Policy Director The Organic Trade Association (OTA) recently hosted its annual Policy Conference and Hill Visits in Washington D.C. Over 200 OTA members from 100 distinct organizations attended the 3-day event. Keynote speakers at the conference included U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT). The conference also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Organic Food Production Act. OTA members advocated on Capitol Hill at over 100 congressional offices, as well as key agencies including USDA, the White House and several foreign embassies. Notable topics of discussion included Farm Bill appropriations and educating lawmakers on the state of the organic industry. For more details on the conference, please visit: https://ota.com/programs-and-events/policy-conference-hill-visit-days

Standards & Policy Update Johanna Mirenda, Policy Director

Hydroponics-Aquaponics Task Force The National Organic Program (NOP) is soliciting nominees to participate in a task force to examine hydroponic and aquaponic practices and their alignment with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations and the Organic Foods Production Act. The USDA organic regulations do not include specific provisions for organic hydroponic or aquaponic production. However, these production systems have obtained certification under the USDA organic regulations by complying with the existing requirements for organic crop production. The task force will inform the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) of their findings and advise on what practices should be allowed or restricted in organic hydroponic and aquaponic production.

NOP Memo on Nanotechnology The NOP published a policy memo regarding the status of nanotechnology under the USDA NOP regulations. Nanotechnology is science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is about 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanomaterials can occur naturally, for example in volcanic ash and ocean spray, or they can also be produced intentionally with specific properties through certain chemical or physical processes.

Synthetic engineered nanomaterials are currently prohibited.

As with other synthetic substances, no engineered nanomaterial will be allowed for use in organic production and handling unless the substance has been: 1) petitioned for use; 2) reviewed and recommended by the NOSB; and 3) added to the National List through notice and comment rulemaking.

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Origin of Livestock Proposed Rule — open for public comment until July 27 The NOP published a proposed rule to amend the requirements for the transition of dairy animals into organic production under the USDA organic regulations. It would update the regulations by explicitly requiring that milk or milk products labeled, sold, or represented as organic be from dairy animals that have been organically managed since the last third of gestation, with a one-time allowance for producers to transition conventional dairy animals to organic milk production after a one-year transition period. Public comments will be accepted until July 27, 2015.

What to include in written comment Clearly identify the docket number (AMS-NOP-110009;NOP-11-04PR) and the docket title (USDA NOP Origin of Livestock Proposed Rule) To Submit Online Go to www.regulations.gov Search for AMS-NOP-11-0009;NOP-11-04PR Click “Comment Now” Follow the instructions. Type comment into the open text field (up to 5000 characters), or attach a separate file (separate files must reference the docket number AMS-NOP-110009;NOP-11-04PR at the top of your comment. Enter other required information: First Name, Last Name, City, Zip Code To Submit By Mail Clearly identify the docket number (AMS-NOP-110009;NOP-11-04PR) and the docket title (USDA NOP Origin of Livestock Proposed Rule) at the top of the page.

Mail to: Scott Updike, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP, Room 2646— So., Ag Stop 0268, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0268.

If you have any further questions, please contact PCO Policy Director Johanna Mirenda at 814-778-3026 or via email at johanna@paorganic.org

Advertise in Organic Matters Organic Matters is the quarterly newsletter of Pennsylvania Certified Organic, a non-profit organization serving growers, processors and handlers of organic products. Issues contain articles on the latest news and research in the organic industry, often highlighting our certified members. Approximately 1,000 copies of each publication are distributed directly to members and those requesting information about organic agriculture, and made available to the public at conferences, exhibits and educational programs in the Mid Atlantic region.

Contact the PCO office for details: 814-422-0251.

www.paorganic.org

Organic Updates

Standards & Policy Update NOSB Meeting Results The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) held their twice-annual public meeting in La Jolla, Califonia in late April.

Several notable recommendations were passed. NOSB recommendations are not final until the NOP implements the recommendations through rulemaking.

The petitions to add Exhaust Gas, Calcium Sulfate, and 3docene-2-one to the National List for crop producer were all rejected.

The petitions to allow Acidified Sodium Chlorite as a teat dip and Zinc Sulfate as a hoof treatment were both passed.

The petition to allow restricted levels of Methionine to be calculated as an average over the life of the flock was passed.

The petition to remove Glycerin from 205.605(a) and add to 205.606 was passed.

The petitions to add Whole Algal Flour, PGME, Triethyl citrate to the National List for handling were all rejected.

The listing for Egg White Lysozyme, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Cyclohexylamine, Diethylaminoethanol, and Octadecylamine were all recommended to be removed from the National List for handling.

Full versions of the documents referenced here are available electronically on the NOP website (ams.usda.gov/nop) or in hard copy by contacting the PCO office.

www.paorganic.org

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Organic Updates worked as a barista for a small locally owned roastery and cafe before returning to State College. Colleen enjoys reading, baking, chess, thrifting, geocaching, space, and learning.

New Faces

n Tess Weigand, Certification Specialist

tess@paorganic.org Tess joined the Certification Team in April 2015. She graduated from Penn State in 2012 with a major in Agricultural Sciences and minors in Agronomy and Leadership Development.

Shortly after graduation she relocated from southern Lancaster County to Coburn, where she lives with her boyfriend Shaun and cat, Hendrix. Previous to Tess’s current position at PCO she worked in the vegetable seed industry. Tess owns Happy Valley Hop Yard, where she spends most of her free time growing hops. Her other hobbies include mountain biking, tending to her horses, backpacking, bluegrass, and attempting to fly fish.

PCO welcomes new staff Colleen Scott, Certification Specialist; Tess Weigand, Certification Specialist; and Garrick McCullough, IT Specialist.

PCO Extends a Warm Welcome to New Staff n Colleen Scott, Certification Specialist

colleen@paorganic.org Colleen has been a Certification Specialist at PCO since March 2015. She attended Penn State University where she earned a bachelors degree in Food Science as well as a bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences. Colleen spent a year and a half as an intern at Godiva Chocolatier and also spent a summer interning at Del Monte Foods. After graduating, she moved to Seattle and

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n Garrick McCullough, IT Specialist

garrick@paorganic.org Garrick joined PCO as the Information Technology Specialist in April of 2015. He graduated from Penn State in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, and has previously worked as an IT Generalist in both the healthcare and finance fields. More recently he has worked with the College of Ag Science at Penn State, assisting researchers and farm extension offices. Outside of PCO, Garrick is a local DJ and also volunteers for the Centre County Elections Board. He currently resides in Bellefonte with a very grumpy cat and spends his personal time reading, writing, playing music and auto-crossing.

www.paorganic.org

Organic Marketplace

FOR SALE

PCO certified 2015 baleage and dry hay, 3x3x6, various type and cuttings, John and Will Dietz.

717-424-1228, mrdnine@juno.com. York County.

A five bedroom brick/frame house, barn and out buildings are situated on this Central Pennsylvania Conservancy preserved farm.

REAL ESTATE

SERVICES

CROPS Organic roasted soy beans, $1000 per ton in totes. Organic Hay, Oatlage, and Sorghum-Sudan grass bailage out of the field. Delivery available contact Ned Fogleman- 717-994-4630. Central Pa. Juniata County.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC HAY. Are you planning for your 2015 hay needs? Order your 2nd/3rd cutting now… Marz Farm is offering the following products: • Small square bales: 1st cutting $3.50 per bale or $185 ton; 2nd/3rd cutting $4.50 bale or $235 ton • Bedding or mulch hay large ($45 bale or $125 ton) or small ($2.25 bale or $125 ton) bales • All square bale hay is stored in doors. Forage tests will be available for all products over $175 ton. We ship throughout the country and have multiple delivery quantities available or pickup at the farm. Free samples. Contact Tony Marzolino: 607-657-8534 farm, 315-378-5180 cell, or tmarzolino@yahoo.com. Located in NY Southern Tier between Binghamton and Ithaca, Tioga County.

• Large square bales (3’µ3’µ7’): 1st cutting $72.50 bale or $175 ton; 2nd/3rd cutting $90 bale or $225 ton

www.paorganic.org

Historic 1847 brick home in rural Juniata Co. sits on 14 PA Certified Organic acres! Features wood floors, 4 bedrooms, 6 fireplaces, front & rear stairways, open foyer. Potential for large family or a B&B! $249,900. MLS#10253973 http://3857rt35s.c21.com Ask for Kristen 717.994.6627. Juniata County.

FARM FOR SALE — 69-acre certified organic grass fed beef farm. Owners are looking for someone to pick up the soul of this farm and improve on it as only a younger person/s can do.

Lots of potential here.

Included is a 23.5 KW Solar system, a full line of farm machinery, and a closed herd (for 20 years) of 55 beef cattle that have been acclimated, bred, and thrive on this farm. Third party certifications on this farm are PCO, AWA and AGA. Owner financing as well as mentoring can be negotiated, so that this farm can continue to provide nourishing food to a growing group of loyal customers. Owners make hay on some 80 acres of certified organic hay fields nearby for winter forage. Contact: jstoltz@pa.net or 717-536-3618.

Perry County.

USDA Organic Butcher Shop — Kistler’s is an experienced butcher shop that processes pigs, sheep, and beef. Call for pricing, scheduling, etc.

Contact Dennis Kistler at: 717-789-4367 or kistlersbutchershop@yahoo.com. Perry County.

Ag plastic recycling — I can use black and white bunker covers, bale wrap, plastic twine, clear stretch film, greenhouse covers, flats, and pots.

Call for details. 717-658-9660. Franklin County, PA. For Hire — Agricultural trucking services by Jim Weiss Trucking. Flatbed, lowboy and van trailer services. Custom hauling or regular deliveries. Equipment or any ag commodities. Reasonable rates, great service, and always on time. 30+ years experience in the ag industry. Call anytime 607-725-1760.

TO ADVERTISE Contact the PCO Office for information on advertising in the Marketplace. Call 814422-0251 or email pco@paorganic.org

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www.paorganic.org

PCO Welcomes 2nd Quarter New Members!

CERTIFIED MEMBERS Allen Dunlavy Nicholas Meats Loganton, PA

Brad Johnson Kalmbach Feeds Inc. Upper Sandusky, OH

Darryl Dunn ECOP LLC Pantego, NC

Deirdre & Trey Flemming

Michele Coia-Veston

Andrew Buckwalter

Danny C. Byler

Jerry Colabine

Easy Pak Services of NJ Dayton, NJ

Lititz, PA

Byler’s Farm Dewittville, NY

Risser Poultry Beaver Springs, PA

Harold Brosius

Gerald Kraybill Dillsburg, PA

David Haynes

Reuben J. Peachey

Marlboro Mushrooms West Grove, PA

Tyrone, PA

Lynn Trizna

Marilyn Breedlove-Giampa

St. Luke’s Rodale Insitute Organic Farm Easton, PA

Spring Hill Farm Gilbertsville, NY

David Hartman

Penn Yan, NY

Turbotville, PA

Nathan Layton

Gerald Kraybill

Donald T. Evans

Perkasie, PA

Dean Stoesz

Dillsburg, PA

Stephen J. Beiler

Lighthouse Vocational New Holland, PA

Bevan Jones

Hill Top Farm Worcester, NY

Menno S. Yoder

Capital Wheatgrass, Inc. Lorton, VA

Alvin Z. Horning

Rheems, PA

Alan Parker

RRR Farms Sherburne, NY

Elsa Sanchez University Park, PA

Woodward, PA

Dervin Horning

Country Fresh Mushrooms Toughkenamon, PA

William Petty

Farrell Lynn

Michael Harris

McVeytown, PA

Paul E. Fisher

Berks Packing Co. Reading, PA

Lone Maple Farm Binghamton, NY

George Henszey

Blue Mountain Meadows Newburg, PA

Petty Lee Farms Waverly, NY

Anthony Oberholtzer

James Foote

Gil Galili

Bethel, PA

Fort Plain, NY

Juice from the RAW Brooklyn, NY

Dan Miller

Jason Zimmerman

Friedens, PA

Branchport, NY

Arthur Metzger

Jeffrey Mattocks

Metzger Heritage Farm Coudersport, PA

Bainbridge, PA

Abner Glick

Brian McCreight

New Providence, PA

Quarryville, PA

Washington Bord, PA

Larry Finnerty

Elizabethville, PA

David E. Yoder

Gouverneur, NY

Levi King

Grandville, MD

Mark Nuneviller

Lititz, PA

Andrew Buckwalter

Collegeville, PA

Abner King

Buckhill Farm Lititz, PA

Mathew Moore

Lititz, PA

AgChoice Farm Credit Lewisburg, PA

Eli L. Stoltzfus

Matt Grayson

Levi D. Hostetler

Nutipharms Savannah, NY

Salisbury, PA

Two Gander Farm Donningtown, PA

Palace Foods Inc. Reading, PA

Jay Steinberg Milliard Lakewood, NJ

TRANSITIONING MEMBERS

Jerry Colabine

Aaron G. Fisher

Risser Poultry Beaver Springs, PA

Loganton, PA

Larry Szrama Landies Candies Buffalo, NY

Alvin Martin

Noah Peachey

Uncle Henry’s Pretzel Mohnton, PA

Der Sond Hof Watsontown, PA

Benjamin Carrow Clayton, DE

Reuben J. Peachey Tyrone, PA

Brian McCreight Washington Bord, PA

Joseph Wilson

Thomas Lee Jackson Nazareth, PA

Karsten Haigis Haigis Fine Foods LLC Chadds Ford, PA

Josiah B. Ebersol

Joshua Crissinger

Manheim, PA

Millville, PA

Corrie Warren

TomLyn Farms LLC Mansfield, PA

Samuel F. Lapp

Ecoganic Farm Werrenton, VA

George Knarich

Swatara View Myerstown, PA

Doug Goss

Knarich Family Farm Laurens, NY

Matthew Surawski Richfield Springs, NY

ADVOCATE MEMBERS

Stephen Joe Beiler

Bella Vista Farm Milroy, PA

Jonas Zeiset

Mervin Gardner

Ivan Borkowsky

Lewisburg, PA

Muncy, PA

Parvin Patel

Loganton, PA

Daniel Lapp

Michael Hallock

Simply Organic Schuykill Haven, PA

RI Mushroom Co Newport, RI

Vaidik India Organic Gujarat, India

Gerard Felise

Elm Family Farm Lititz, PA

Mark Heater

Noah J. Brenneman

Millerton, PA

Meyersdale, PA

Emanuel Kanagy

Reuben Miller

Mifflintown, PA

Rippling Brook Farm Millersburg, OH

SUSTAINER MEMBERS

Richard & Laura Tregidgo

DairyAyr Farm Jordanville, NY

Abner S. King

North Slope Farm Holtwood, PA

Marvin Barron

Anthony Marzolino

Dornsife, PA

Mount Vision, NY

Marz Farm Berkshire, NY

Tom Jackson

Samuel Zook

SJB Farm Allenwood, PA

Elam P. Fisher

Wendy Hurst Charles & Alice Inc. Lancaster, PA

Daniel Troyer Edmeston, NY

Jeffrey Peeters

Rose Arnt

Peeter’s Farm Westford, NY

Tulkoff Food Products Baltimore, MD

John E. Fisher

Mark Hansen Pinnacle Organics LLC Virginia Beach, VA

Hannah Reiff Gardens Dreams Urban Farm & Nursery Pittsburgh, PA

Paul Z. Weaver Greenfield Dairy Middleburg, PA

Eli C. Miler Fonda, NY

Sahil Bhalla Tropical Green Organics LLC Sterling, VA

www.paorganic.org

Loganton, PA

Keith Gerhardt Lititz, PA

Miranda Powers

Robert Nicolosi

Steven L. Lapp

Little Barn Organics Nazareth, PA

Grazeland Jerseys Holland Patent, NY

Brenton Henry Genereaux

Riki Shanks

Brian Magaro

Hanover, PA

Enola, PA

Simon Kinsinger

Chris Firestone

Meyersdale, PA

Wellsboro, PA

Zatta Farm Avella, PA

Valerie St. Clair

Daniel S. Yoder

Joseph Conklin

Somerset, PA

Garrett, PA

Newville, PA

New Bethlehem, PA

BUSINESS MEMBERS Nicolosi Fine Foods, Inc. Union City, NJ

Kevin Swank Joe Van Gogh Coffee Hillsborough, NC

Marc Laucks Marc Laucks and Company, Inc. York, PA

David Mathes DBC Ag Products Lancaster, PA Business

Willie R. Byler Bombay, NY

Martin Zatta

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Calendar Kutztown, PA 610-683-1400 Rodaleinstitute.org

July n JULY 7

Pasture Walk: Elam F. Stoltzfus Farm 10 am–12 pm 968 Eisenberger Rd. Strasburg, PA 17579 n JULY 15

Pasture Walk: Franklin Wadel Farm 10 am–12 pm 1894 Prospect Rd. Washington Borough, PA 17852 For more information on the July 7 and 15 pasture walks contact Terry Ingram (717) 413-3765 or the Farmer Hotline at (888) 809-9297. To learn more about CROPP Cooperative go to www.farmers.coop. n JULY 16

Deer & Pest Control on an Organic Farm Morris Farm Irwin, PA 412-365-2985 Pasafarming.org n JULY 17

Rodale Institute Annual Field Day

n JULY 28

Pasture Walk: Oberholtzer Farm 6–8:30pm (includes dinner) Wilmer Oberholtzer Farm 524 Maze Rd Thompsontown, PA 17094 814-515-6827, 888- 809-9297 www.farmers.coop n JULY 29

Pasture Walk: Stoltzfus (Elmer, Daniel J., John) Farms 10am–3pm (includes lunch) Daniel J. Stoltzfus Farm 125 McHenry Lane Mill Hall, PA 17751 814-515-6827, 888- 809-9297 www.farmers.coop

PASA Summer Conference Reducing Tillage: Practical Tools & Techniques Featuring Gary Zimmer, Midwestern BioAg 814-349-9856 Centre Hall, PA Pasafarming.org n AUGUST 7

PCO Member Day Grange Fairgrounds Centre Hall, PA See pages 2 & 3 for more details. n AUGUST 7 & 8

PA Organic FarmFest Grange Fairgrounds Centre Hall, PA See centerfold for more details. n AUGUST 12–14

August n AUGUST 6

Organic Vegetable Production — Plant Disease Scouting, ID & Management Good Work Farm Zionsville, PA n AUGUST 6 & 7

Penn State Ag Progress Days Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center Rock Springs, PA 814-865-2081 Agsci.psu.edu n AUGUST 21–29

Centre County Grange Fair Grange Fairgrounds Centre Hall, PA 814) 364-9212 grangefair.net

n AUGUST 25

Organic Valley Field Day Alvin Peachy Farm Allensville, PA www.farmers.coop 888-809-9297

September n SEPTEMBER 5

PASA’s 3rd Annual Dairy Dash 5K & Memory Walk Lambs Creek Recreation Area Mansfield, PA 814-349-9856 pasafarming.org n SEPTEMBER 7

PCO Office Closed — Labor Day Spring Mills, PA 814-422-0251 paorganic.org n SEPTEMBER 16–19

OTA All Things Organic Conference & Natural Products Expo East Baltimore, MD Expoeast.com n SEPTEMBER 24

PCO Adopt-a-Highway Centre Hall, PA 814-422-0251 paorganic.org

President’s Message continued from page 17

OTA. There is still more soil fitting awaiting, seeds to plant, cultivation, and the imminent harvest of those early crops and hay, so we all should get our noses out of these ramblings and get some dirt under our fingernails. Until next time, keep digging in that organic matter.

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Non-Profit Org US POSTAGE PAID CENTRE HALL, PA PERMIT NO. 33

106 School Street, Suite 201 Spring Mills, PA 16875