About our project
Our team, consisting of members from the University of Minnesota, Marbleseed (formerly MOSES), the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (University of Wisconsin - Madison) and eOrganic, developed quality educational materials for farmers and students interested in or pursuing organic certification in 2017 and updated in 2026. Our goal was to reduce the risk and confusion of transitioning to organic farming and set more farmers on the course toward successful organic production. There are two components of our project – educational modules and decision case studies.
Educational modules
The first component is a series of educational videos that emphasize the fundamentals of organic agriculture and how to transition to organic farming. Important crop production topics are covered in this component, including rotation, soil fertility, and weed and pest management. The project also has several market-based modules that explain how organic markets work, who is currently serving these markets and how to access them. Participants have an option of viewing the modules on their own or educators can incorporate them into their lesson plans and workshops.
Decision case studies
Decision case studies are the second component of our learning materials. Each study highlights a “real life” dilemma that organic and transitioning farmers from the Upper Midwest have faced. Instructors can use the case studies in classes and workshops to spur students and farmers to think critically about issues they may face during transitioning. Each case study consists of a review of the farm background, an outline of a problem an organic or transitioning farmer may experience, evidence, and discussion questions to prepare students.
Acknowledgments
This project was supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Organic Transitions Program under award number 2013-51106-21005.
This project was also supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic Program under the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) in the Midwest region.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.