Committee on Organic and Sustainable Agriculture

2008-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Minutes: COSA Conference Call, Thursday, Nov. 20, 11 AM EST

Meeting was called together by the new COSA Chair, Joseph Heckman, at 11 AM. COSA members on the call included Kathleen Delate, Patrick Carr, Liz Sarno, and Jane Sooby.

The next call is scheduled for December 18 at 1 PM EST per requests from members who cannot make the 11 AM call due to teaching commitments.

“History and Sociology of Organic Agriculture” Symposium and Roundtable
The call was focused on organizing the “History and Sociology of Organic Agriculture” COSA Symposium and Roundtable for the annual meeting of the Tri-Societies (T-S), which includes ASA, CSSA and SSSA, November 1–5, 2009, in Pittsburgh. J. Heckman will ask the T-S for the traditional COSA Roundtable time of Monday, November 2, 2009.

It was decided that the format for 2009 would be an afternoon Symposium with 5 to 6 invited speakers (see J. Heckman’s e-mail of 11/5/08 for full description of speakers’ topics), allowing them 30 minutes to speak, followed by the evening Roundtable and reception with a keynote speaker (possibly Hugh Campbell) and break-outs at tables to follow up on key issues emerging from the presentations [to be determined prior to the roundtable]. This format is in response to the frustration expressed by many after last year’s inadequate conversation with the speakers (i.e., no question and answer period). It was decided that if you invite a speaker from a long distance, they should be allotted at least 30 minutes to talk, and a chance to respond to audience/COSA members’ questions.

Invitations to speakers have been sent or will be sent soon to the following people:

Dr. Hugh Campbell, Sociologist, University of Otago, New Zealand (demographics/social issues of organic ag; emphasis on gender and value-added components)
Garth Youngberg–Jane Sooby will provide contact information
David Cox (Ohio)
James Strick (Pennsylvania)
Joseph Heckman, Rutgers University
Kathleen Delate, Iowa State University
Liz Sarno, University of Nebraska and OCIA

Alternative speakers were discussed in the case of the aforementioned speakers’ unavailability, including Tim LaSalle-The Rodale Institute.

Funding: Liz, Kathleen and Joseph are ASA members, so funding will not be needed for them. J. Heckman will pursue sponsorship opportunities, including traditional sources such as the Tri-Societies in general, Division A-8 of ASA (Integrated Ag Systems), Section S205.1 (currently a co-sponsor) and SARE. Support from the T-S depends on the number of talks and posters in your particular section at the annual meeting: the higher the number, the greater the level of funding. Kathleen Delate is the Chair-Elect of A-8 and will consult with Sharon Clay, current Chair of A-8, regarding co-sponsorship. Pat Carr also suggested the Women in Agronomy section, since Hugh Campbell will be addressing the strong presence of women in organic agriculture compared to conventional counterparts.

Other organic NGO and industry groups, such as OFRF and OTA, will be approached for co-sponsorship. Jane Sooby will find out what would be required for OFRF–how a proposal would be developed, if this is feasible.

Reception food will again be sourced as organic and local, as much as possible. We will need to follow up and verify with conference catering to avoid any substitutes the day of the Symposium without our knowledge.

K. Delate is also co-organizing with Sharon Clay an A-8 symposium on “Pest Management in Organic Systems” and is accepting names of potential speakers. COSA members on the call provided several excellent suggestions.

Organization of the New “Organic Management Systems” Division
K. Delate reported on the status of the new “Organic Management Systems” division within the Tri-Societies. Currently, divisions can only be established within one society, such as ASA, although discussion is underway within the T-S to create new sections or umbrella groups that cross society boundaries, as is envisioned with the new OMS section. A letter has been sent to the new President-Elect of the ASA, requesting advice on putting forward the provisional division. K. Delate will follow up with a call after Thanksgiving.

Organic Agriculture Research/Education/Extension Award
J. Heckman presented an idea to create an Organic Agriculture Research/Education/Extension Award within the T-S structure. The group felt that this would be an excellent method to increase recognition for organic agriculture efforts, particularly for new tenure-track scientists. Pat Carr will follow up with the T-S regarding methods and protocols for initiating this process.

The next call will be on December 18 at 1 PM EST.

Submitted by K. Delate.

Organic Management Systems: Section/Division in ASA-CSSA-SSSA? Survey Results

2008-07-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Summary:
ASA members ask the question: "Should there be an Organic Management Systems Division in the American Society of Agronomy?"

Sixty-two responses were received by the deadline of December 15, 2007 (summary attached). The majority (58/62) favored some form of "organic" recognition within the societies by answering "yes" to either question 1 or 2.

Questions

1- I think we should consider changing the name of A-8 to "Integrated Ag and Organic Systems" and not start a separate division
Yes: 31
No 28
Maybe: 2
No Response: 1
Total: 62

2- I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division
Yes No Maybe no response Total responses
Yes: 27
No: 33
Maybe: 1
No Response: 1
Total Responses: 62

3- I am interested in serving on the Organic Discussion Group
Yes: 30
No: 27
Maybe: 2
No Response: 3
Total Responses: 62

4- I would like to see "Local Foods" included in the new name
Yes: 9
No: 38
Maybe: 4
No response: 11
Total Responses: 62

Summary:
Number stating yes to either question 1 or 2 (I.e., approve of recognizing some form of 'organic'--either in A-8 name or as separate division): 58

***Comments from Survey Posted With Permission (if you have questions, please contact Kathleen Delate)***
PLEASE NOTE, SURVEY COMMENTS BELOW WERE WRITTEN ACCORDING TO QUESTION NUMBER

Kathleen DelateAssociate ProfessorDepts. of Agronomy & HorticultureOrganic Specialist106 Horticulture Hall, Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA 50011Phone: 515-294-7069; FAX: 515-294-0737Webpage: http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/organicag/
It appears that many long-term members of A-8 would not want to change the name of A-8, since "Integrated Ag Systems" has been 'working' for them, so we should probably look at creating a new division that has the word 'organic' in it. I am not opposed to adding 'sustainable' or 'ecological' or 'biological' to the name (such as "Organic and Ecological Systems") but these other terms can be confusing to some, as they are not defined as succinctly as 'organic.' We are still debating the definition of 'sustainable' in classes at Iowa State University, while there is pretty universal agreement on what constitutes an organic system (as someone said, "Like it or not, the USDA-NOP/E.U. 2092/91 rules have organized 'organic' for us). Within organic systems, there will always be the challenge of making them as 'sustainable' and 'ecological' as possible; this does not rule out, however, the need to have a separate 'organic' division within the Societies, similar to what the ASHS (Horticulture Society) has. There, as would be the case in ASA/CSSA/SSSA, the 'organic' division is the home for presentations/symposia that "address the science of organic/ecological systems in general, ecosystem services, more applied efforts with a focus on organic production/marketing, and/or concerns of certified organic systems." "Local foods" have been included in may of these discussions/presentations so I'm not sure if we need to include it in the name, but I would not be opposed to it. In order to prevent the new division being associated with a 'movement' (as one person wrote), members would be responsible for reviewing papers, symposia, etc. to assure that only peer-reviewed science is presented, as we did for the Organic Ag symposium.

Doug Collins
Crop and Soil Sciences - WSU
Puyallup Research Center7612 Pioneer Way Puyallup, WA 98371
dpcollins@wsu.edu
phone: 253-445-4658
cell phone: 206-387-9569
Comment: Thanks for organizing the survey

Pat Carr
Agronomist/Adjunct Professor,
Cropping Systems-Organic Farming
North Dakota State University
Dickinson Research Extension Center
1041 State Avenue
Dickinson, ND 58601
ph. 701.483.2348 xx143
fax 701.483.2005
mobile 701.590.0405
1. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division. Yes, though I think the group might want to explore a different name for this new division to encompass other ecologically-minded farming methods. I'm concerned after visiting with (xx) that some colleagues might react negatively to a new division focused exclusively on organic farming (personally, I WANT a division focused on organic farming but am a bit concerned about the 'political' ramifications of moving in that direction). 3. I am interested in serving on the Organic Discussion Group (yes/no). Yes. 4. I would like to see "Local Foods" included in the new name. No; I guess I would prefer to see this emphasis in a description of the new division. I think local food emphases, which I suspect many A8 members support, is a separate topic from organic/ecological production methods.

David Clay
Plant Science Department
South Dakota State University
Box 2207A
Brookings, SD 57007
Telephone: 605-688-5081
E-mail: David_Clay@sdstate.edu
I would be willing to join this discussion. Note below our current description.Division A08 focuses upon holistic and integrated systems approaches in agricultural research and technology development. Collaborative program development with agricultural professionals, crop advisers, and natural resource conservationists, including farmers and those who provide agricultural and natural resource information, services, and products. Its purpose is to enable interaction among agricultural and natural resource scientists, professionals and practitioners for the purpose of fostering collaboration and mutual understanding in research and development of integrated agricultural systems.

Doug Karlen USDA-ARS
National Soil Tilth LabIowa State Universirty
2150 Pammel Drive
Ames, IA 50011
Ph: (515) 294-3336
E-mail: doug.karlen@ars.usda.gov
1. Yes - but be sure to get vote out to all Division A-8 members and start with a name such as "Integrated and Organic Ag Systems". 2. NO, we have too many Divisions in the tri-societies already. 3. No - I simply don't have the time to additional opportunities. 4. No - not needed in the name, just include it as part of the marketing for all local ag systems.

Stuart Turner
CPAg #025755903
Kilawea Dr
West Richland, WA 99353
509-539-5524
Agforensic@aol.com
I am a CPAg working with several large organic fruit and grape producers, as well as the largest handler of bio-solids in the PNW. There are some unique issues beyond these crops, especially on program grain crops. We cannot get insurance coverage in many areas like the conventional producers have...organic fertilizers seem foreign to Rain & Hail and like companies. There are some major challenges ahead, I like the idea of continuing to integrate production, sustainable ag and Organic...rather than a divorce and separate entity. The animal ag - especially CAFO/AFO people are closely integrated here with nutrient recycling - especially dairy in my area with a predominance of large, freestall style operations milking 4-12,000 head. Let me know if there is anything specific I can do to assist as this develops, I am one of the few - not extension, university, or ag chem/fertilizer related consultants out there where the rubber meets the road.

William Anderson
Prof. of Agronomy
Plant and Earth Science Department
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
314 Ag Science
410 South Third Street
River Falls, WI 54022
715-425-3941
I'm interested. I teach Crop 368/568 Sustainable Agriculture at the UW-River Falls campus, which contains a segment focused on organic production systems. We are developing an Organic Production Systems course as well, and recently added a Sustainable Agriculture option within our Crop and Soil Science major. We grow some organic alfalfa/brome on our college farm. 4: I'm not sure "local foods" belongs -- I like to support the local food movement, whether or not the local foods are organic. I'm not sure they are logically tied together...

Joji Muramoto
Associate Researcher
Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems (CASFS)
University of California, Santa Cruz
PICA-UCSC, 1156
High St.Santa Cruz, CA 95064 USA
ph: 831-459-2506
fax: 831-459-2867
Email: joji@ucsc.eduwww.agroecology.org
This is good going and I'm so thrilled to see this happening. 1. I think we should consider changing the name of A-8 to "Integrated Ag and Organic Systems" and not start a separate division. NO: First I'd like to know how much presentations were related to organic ag. in A8 sections this year (or even the last 5 years..). 2. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division. YES: I believe this is time to create a separate division. I also would like to know more about ASHS's organic division. How has it been managed? By whom? How many members? 3. I am interested in serving on the Organic Discussion Group. YES: Given the overwhelming work load I have, I'm not sure how much actual activities I can do for the group. However, I'll happy to be a part of the Discussion Group. 4. I would like to see "Local Foods" included in the new name. YES: Great idea. We should ask questions like "Is organic sustainable?"

Joseph Heckman Ph.D.
Extension Specialist - Soil Fertility
Cook College, Rutgers University
Department of Plant Biology & Pathology
The State University of NJ
59 Dudley Road - Foran Hall
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520
Phone: (732) 932-9711 ext. 119
Fax: (732) 932-9441
heckman@AESOP.Rutgers.edu
I think that if organic gains division status in ASA, that this will be another milestone in the organic movement. One problem with having a division name include both words "sustainable" and "organic" is that it seems to imply that organic ag is not sustainable. And it may not be with organic in its current form, but as much can be argued about the non-sustainable nature of conventional agriculture. I have heard it said, but I have not been able to confirm, that organic pioneer Eve Balfour was the first person to talk about sustainable in connection to agriculture. Nevertheless, historically I think that the whole sustainable movement grew out of the organic movement. With this in mind, I think that an organic ASA division can stand on its own as a division without including the word "sustainable". I think, in regards to formation of an organic division, the most important point to make is that organic needs its own division because of its uniqueness. Organic has matured into a well defined form of agriculture that has a growing market for its products. Agronomists have a responsibility in research and extension work in support of organic agriculture. The voice of consumers in the market place may ultimately be more important than whether or not crop and soil scientists like or dislike organic agriculture in its current form. The word "ecological" was not in widespread use during the early period of organic farming concept development yet organic agriculture developed out of observations using nature as a model (implying an ecological basis) for organic farming systems. I think ecological and agroecological grew in part out of the organic movement but the proponents of ecological or agroecological agriculture seems reluctant to give the organic farming movement much credit. Some of the "rules" for organic practices sometimes seem to lack an ecological basis but I think some of this results from a need to set rather rigid "rules" for certified organic to prevent fraud in the market place.

Perry Miller
Associate Professor of Cropping Systems
Dept. Land Resources and Environmental Sciences
Montana State University
PO Box 173120,
334 Leon Johnson Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717-3120
Ph. 406-994-5431
Fax 406-994-3933
1. I think we should consider changing the name of A-8 to "Integrated Ag and Organic Systems" and not start a separate division. No. (You really have two questions here so might be hard for you to interpret responses I would not support this A8 name change to IAOS but also question whether it is wise to start a splinter organic division.) 2. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division.Not convinced at this time that this would be a good idea. So, No, but open to discussion. My knowledge on this issue is not perfect. 3. I am interested in serving on the Organic Discussion Group. Perhaps. I think it's critical for someone here at MSU to be involved but it may make more sense for someone else to represent us.

Anil Shrestha
PM Weed Ecologist
UC Kearney Agricultural Center
University of California, Davis
Phone (559) 646-6534
FAX (559) 646-6593
E-mail: anil@uckac.edu[mailto:anil@uckac.edu]
I think we should consider changing the name of A-8 to "Integrated Ag and Organic Systems" and not start a separate division. Yes, I would prefer not to have a separate division as this would take away audience and lead to more problems attending conflicting concurrent sessions. A new division would take away audience from A-8. 2. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division. No, a lot of organic research is being done in horticultural crops. Would having a separate division within ASA be inclusive of folks from ASHS? Unless this division would try to bring together people from ASHS. Again would ASHS members be open to membership in a new ASA Organic division. If yes, then a separate division is necessary else having organic systems within A-8 may be better.

Bonnie Ball Coelho
Southern Crop Protection & Food Research Centre
1391 Sandford St., London, ON
Telephone: 519-457-1470 (217)
fax: 519-457-3997
ballb@agr.gc.camailto:ballb@AGR.GC.CA
no comment

Milt McGiffen PhD.
Vice Chair for Extension
Department of Botany and Plant Sciences
University of California
Riverside, CA 92521-0124
FAX: 951-827-5717
Cell: 909-560-0839
Lab Phone: 951-827-5989
Email: milt@ucr.edu
http://www.plantbiology.ucr.edu/people/faculty/mcgiffen.html
I think that "Organic" should have some sort of identity within the societies. A separate division seems right. Beyond that, I do not know which option to choose.

Dana Dinnes
National Soil Tilth Lab
Ames, IA
Dana.Dinnes@ars.usda.gov
Although I agree with having a formal division to emphasize the organic systems science, I view the Local Foods issue as more of a rural sociology science and thus is not good fit within the Tri-Societies. I still would be interested in reading papers on that field, however. In the discussions I have sat in on in regard to creating a new division, it seems that one of the bottom-line decisions factors has been based upon how many research papers were recently published for that field of science. So, being curious about this I did a quick search on the ISI Web of Science and got these numbers of published research papers from the key phase for the time period of 2000-2007: Organic agriculture = 2048 papers; Organic systems = 20579 papers; Organic farming = 1792 papers. Seems to me that should justify serious consideration for creating a new division.

Michel Cavigelli
Research Soil Scientist
Sustainable Agricultural Systems Lab
Animal and Natural Resources Institute
Bldg 001, Rm 140
BARC-West10300
Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705
301-504-8327 office
240-304-9480 cell
301-504-8370 fax
michel.cavigelli@ars.usda.gov
Thanks for your part in organizing the symposium and for the invitation to give a presentation. I got a lot of good feedback after the talk. With respect to the idea of having an organic division, I did not attend the A-8 meeting where that was discussed but I am not a big fan of the idea. I think that A-8 as is serves the organic community well if not better than a division that specifically has the name organic in it-after all, you were able to organize this symposium within that existing framework. It is not clear to me that having a separate organic division would have much benefit beyond what A-8 already offers. Some specific comments in response to your email. 1. Organic agriculture is now its own specialization-with faculty positions around the country specifically dedicated to organic ag research and education; national and international conferences specifically on organic ag research and education present peer-reviewed research (i.e., the IFOAM Organic World Congress in Italy, 2008); and students are requesting specific curriculum in organic agriculture (e.g., Washington State University now offers a B.S. in Organic Agriculture).There are lots of specializations within agronomy or any science but that alone is not sufficient reason to have a new division. By this argument we would have a separate division on, for example, soybean breeding. There are faculty hired specifically as soybean breeders, there are meetings for just soybean breeders but this is not adequate reason to have a division on soybean breeding. Granted, organic is a broader topic than soybean breeding but the purpose of A-8 is to house integrated systems research such as organic. 2. Coordinated efforts around organic agriculture within the Tri-Societies will result in organizing presentations on organic ag to avoid overlap in session topics (as occurred on more than one occasion at ASA this year); a directed revenue stream to support national and international speakers at the annual meetings; and recognition of organic agriculture as a bona fide topic at the Tri-Societies meetings. Is there anything about A-8 that does not allow this already? (Especially compared to 1988 when I first presented at the A-C-S meetings) organic is currently a bona fide topic without its own division.3. Although not a unanimous opinion, members of the Committee on Organic and Sustainable Agriculture (COSA), a committee within the Tri-Societies, have suggested that a separate division on sustainable/organic agriculture be developed within the Tri-Societies because of the strong interest in sustainable/organic agriculture topics they have observed each year at the COSA Roundtables they have held at ASA annual meetings. COSA would continue to function as a committee and continue with their own Roundtables or workshops, with a particular emphasis on policy and philosophical issues within sustainable/organic agriculture in contrast to the new division, which would emphasize research results. I don't like the idea of calling a division sustainable agriculture (all others are not sustainable?) but I prefer the current A-8 Integrated Systems name. That is distinct from the other divisions much more so than sustainable or organic because it has explicit in the name that there is integration among the various components of the system. Organic might have that implicitly but there are certainly plenty of examples of organic farms not being as well integrated or as sustainable as they could be. Especially as more conventional farmers are interested in transitioning to organic, I think emphasizing the integrated whole is even more important. Is this really true? Again, A-8 seemed to serve this need without the need for a new division. 1.No to a separate division. No to this division title. This title, to me, suggests that organic systems are not integrated systems and/or vice-versa. What's wrong with keeping the name as is? 4. No. Integrated Ag Systems addresses this important topic already.

Joseph Omielan
Univ of KentuckyPlant and Soil Sciences Dept
1405 Veterans Dr - Room 318
Lexington, KY 40546-0312
Phone: (859) 257-5020x80823
FAX: (859) 257-7874
E-mail: joe.omielan@uky.edu
no additional comment

Laurie Drinkwater,
Associate Professor,
Dept. of Horticulture,
Cornell University
led24@cornell.edu
Maybe. Two questions here. This is an interesting idea that would be worth considering. My sense is that we would not succeed in identifying a name that will include everyone who has become associated with A-8. 2. NO. At this point, I do not find the arguments for an organic section compelling, although after more discussion I could be convinced otherwise. Considering that "organic" is 1) a legally defined marketing label, 2) a social movement with a lot of baggage and 3)not based on a clear scientific framework, it just doesn't seem like a useful conceptual framework for a section within ASA. Many organic proponents argue that ecological principles serve as the foundation for organic agriculture, however in practice this is simply not true. I agree that a majority of scientists do apply ecological concepts to research in organic systems and many organic farmers apply ecological principles in designing their cropping systems but the organic rule that defines US organic ag. does not reflect ecological principles. For example, the USDA rule does not include ecological concepts of energy flows and nutrient balance and permits many practices which are not ecologically sound. As a scientific professional society, I think we need to clearing distinguish between scientific knowledge and US agricultural policy. 3.YES. I am interested in participating in a discussion about how can we form a section that will serve as a forum for ecological approaches to agriculture, which encompasses organic ag. 4. NO. If we use a broader term such as ecological agriculture, we do not need to list every aspect of the systems.

Dale Hess
Agroecologist
Director of Collegiate Programs
Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College
P.O. Box 263Wolf Lake, IN 46796
Tel: 260-799-5869 ext 117
Fax: 260-799-5875
Web: http://www.goshen.edu/merrylea/
Thank you for considering these issues!In response to the four questions: 1. I think we should consider changing the name of A-8 to "Integrated Ag and Organic Systems" and not start a separate division. No - as I would add my voice to those who consider that in the long run a separate division is justified (point 2 below) given the significant differences between conventional and organic agriculture; and what I expect to be the growing importance of ecological agriculture.2. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division. Yes - but I think that certified organic systems are just one facet of a broader movement to produce food locally in an ecologically, economically and socially responsible way. Perhaps the name should reflect this: e.g., Organic and Sustainable Systems Division? 3. I am interested in serving on the Organic Discussion Group. Yes, I am open to this. 4. I would like to see "Local Foods" included in the new name. Yes, this should certainly be considered! We emphasize local, sustainably produced foods in our region; not all are certified organic.

Stefan Seiter
Oregon State University – Department of Horticulture
Main Campus Albany
Phone (voice mail): (541) 917-4765
E-mail address: stefan.seiter@linnbenton.edu
Website: http://cf.linnbenton.edu/mathsci/aghort/seiters
Name: My preference is ecological agriculture division or organic agriculture division - don't use sustainable, don't use integratedYes outside groups and those from other sessions, divisions etc. dealing with "organic" should be included.

Ronald B. Sorensen,
Ph.D. Research Agronomist
P.O. Box 509: 1011
Forrester Dr.
SEDawson, GA 39842
229.995.7411 (voice)
229.995.7416 (fax)
229.995.7414 (sec)
email: ron.sorensen@ars.usda.gov
1. I think we should consider changing the name of A-8 to "Integrated Ag and Organic Systems" and not start a separate division. YES. In my opinion, organic farming will always be a small aspect of the total agricultural research arena. Organic will always be with us but I do not believe it will be a cure all or be all and will ebb and flow with peer pressure, commodity groups and political movements. Right now, organic has a large following and great research is being accomplished. We need to acknowledge the organic presence and organize the society such that all research has an avenue to present and disseminate research information. However, I do not believe the Society needs a separate division unless there is enough individuals to support a division and that the division will have "staying power" for the long term. We will only know this with time.3. I am interested in serving on the Organic Discussion Group. Yes. I am not well versed in organic research but am interested in the concept.

Scott Kronberg,
USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND
Scott.Kronberg@ARS.USDA.GOV
No additional comment

David Archer
Agricultural Economist
USDA-ARS-NGPRL
PO Box 4591701
10th Avenue SW
Mandan, ND 58554-0459
email: david.archer@ars.usda.gov
phone: 701-667-3048
fax: 701-667-3054
No additional comment

Guodong Lui
guodong@ufl.edu
No additional comment

Carol Miles,
Ag. Systems Specialist, WSU,
Vancouver, WA
milesc@wsu.edu
No additional comment

Hiroshi Hasegawa
hasegawa@affrc.go.jp
No additional comment

Hans-Peter Kaul
hans-peter.kaul@boku.ac.at
As a member of ASA and Div. A8 from Europe, I'm glad to add my foreign view to the questioned ASA organisational issue. 1. I think we should consider changing the name of A-8 to "Integrated Ag and Organic Systems" and not start a separate division. YES, because it helps to make the organic production system more visible WITHIN agronomy. 2. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division within the Tri-Societies. No, because this splits people and discussions which have to be >combined rather than separated. 3. I am interested in serving on the Organic Discussion Group. NO, simply because I'm not working on organic systems. 4. I would like to see "Local Foods" included in the new name. NO, because ist is an imporant, but not THAT important aspect. I could similarly argue to include "biofuels", "conservation agriculture", "corn-soybean rotations", or whatever...

Jacques Wery
wery@supagro.inra.fr
2. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division within the Tri-Societies (yes/no). NO. Not a separate division but A8 can sponsor Specific Symposium on Organic Agriculture in collaboration with specific OA organisations. 4. I would like to see "Local Foods" included in the new name. NO. But the concept could be developped by A8 and there is room for a specific session on that during a n ASA meeting As the new president elect of the European Society for Agronomy (ESA:http://www.esagr.org/) I am interested in discussing joint ASA and ESA actions on OA and IAg with ASA.

Corey Cherr, UC-Davis
cmcherr@ucdavis.edu
2. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division within the Tri-Societies: No - but I understand the market and funding reality may require it. 3. I am interested in serving on the Organic discussion Group: Yes - I have also worked as an organic inspector since 2004, and so have an additional perspective to research. 4.I would like to see "Local Foods" included in the new name: Yes - At the risk of trying to include too much, I think its important to recognize the motivation behind organic agriculture is social and economic as well as ecological.

Vethaiya Balasubramanian
vbalasubramanian@irrialumni.org
1.Yes. It is better to rename the A-8 as stated above. 2. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division within the Tri-Societies. No, because it will increase the number of divisions. Also organic agricluture will be part of international agriculture. 3. I am interested in serving on the Organic Discussion Group.Yes, I can participate in the discussion group after 21 December.4. I would like to see "Local Foods" included in the new name. No. I don't think it is necessary to include this term in the new name.

Permission to post comments but no name

- 1. I think we should consider changing the name of A-8 to "Integrated Ag and Organic Systems" and not start a separate division. I agree not to start a separate division, and it is not necessary to change the name and add "organic systems", because integrated Ag Systems include organic practices. 2. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division within the Tri-Societies. Yes, that's not a bad idea. I like to see "Local Foods" included in the new name: not sure.

- No additional comment

- Thanks for your visionary proposals

- 1. I think we should consider changing the name of A-8 to "Integrated Ag and Organic Systems" and not start a separate division: Yes to proposed name. This is consistent with NP207 content, if that has any relevance to the non-ARS world. 2. I would like to see a separate Organic Management Systems division:No. 3. I am interested in serving on the Organic Discussion Group: No, but I have a non-ASA colleague who's big in organic research who might be. 4. I would like to see "Local Foods" included in the new name: No. Other: This isn't relevant to your survey, but I'll put in my two-cents worth anyway. AJ has in my experience become so difficult to get published in and editors so adversarial, that I would probably advise organic people to publish elsewhere. Hopefully things will change for the better sometime.

- Perhaps change A-8's name but I don't know if I'm in favor of the proposed name change.

- The first paragraph of your survey results appear to be a bit misleading. You indicate that a majority (58/62) were in favor of an "organic" recognition. The "58" appears to be determined by the "yes" answers to questions 1 and 2. By the same method of counting the "no's," there would be "61" no answers. So it seems there are more "no" than "yes" votes, by your counting approach.

COSA Roundtable 2007: Biofuels in a Community Context: Integrating Economic, Social and Environmental Aspects of Production

2007-10-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

An Event at the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America Annual Meetings: https://www.acsmeetings.org/.

Committee on Organic and Sustainable Agriculture (COSA)

What is the definition of “Sustainable Biofuels Production”? How do we measure sustainability? The goal of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Committee on Organic and Sustainable Agriculture (COSA) Annual Roundtable event, on Monday, November 5th at 6 pm in the Marriott, Blaine Kern (CD) is to answer these questions and more! The event, entitled Biofuels in a Community Context: Integrating Economic, Social and Environmental Aspects, will identify the many aspects of soil conservation, policy, and the local economy that biofuels production can impact.

Roundtable panelists, Rob Mitchell, Research Agronomist; Jason Hill, Research Economist; Susan Andrews, Ecologist; Kelly King, Biofuels Entrepreneur; and Julie Sibbing, Conservation Policy Expert will present their perspectives on these aspects and suggest sustainability criteria to assess sustainable biofuel production. Please join us at the COSA Annual Roundtable on Monday evening for this exciting event!

Event Agenda:

6:00 Cash bar and Networking Reception
6:30 Introductory Remarks on the Opportunities for Localized Biofuel Production and Panelists
6:45 Panelist Presentation of the many Aspects of Biofuel Production
8:00 Panel Discussion and Development of Sustainability Criteria
8:30 Adjourn

More about the Panelists:

Rob Mitchell, Agronomist
Soil and Crop Management Systems to Sustain Agricultural Production and Environmental Quality in the Northern Great Plains
Improved Plants and Production Practices for Grasslands and Biomass Crops in the Mid-Continental Usa
Switchgrass for Biomass: Farm Scale Production Practices Affect Feedstock Costs and Quantities in the Northern Great Plains

Jason Hill, Economist
Corn Can't Solve Our Problem
Senate Ag. Committee Testimony on the Northern Plains Priorities for the Farm Bill
Carbon-Negative Biofuels from Low-Input High-Diversity Grassland Biomass

Susan Andrews, Ecologist
Soil Quality Assessment Framework
White Paper: Crop Residue for Biomass Energy Production
Webcast: Responsible Harvest of Crop Residue for Biomass Energy Production

Kelly King, Biofuels Entrepreneur
Pacific Biodiesel
Revolution Green a documentary.
Why Biodiesel?

Julie Sibbing, Conservation Policy
Bio-energy Policy and Wildlife
Senate Ag. Committee Testimony on Conservation Title of 2007 Farm Bill
Innovation for the Next Generation of Biofuels

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
American Society of Agronomy
Crop Science Society of America
Soil Science Society of America
American Society of Agronomy - Division 8 Integrated Agricultural Systems,
USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
USDA National Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education,
USDA Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

COSA Committee Minutes 10/10/07

2007-10-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Called to order at 9:04am Pacific

Participants: Kim Leval, Julie Dawson, Michelle, Kelly King, Julie Sibbing, Diana Jerkins, Jane Sooby, Pat Carr, Caron Gala, Jason Hill, Susan Andrews

1. Introductions and welcome

2. Interim Chair – Michelle will help as interim Chair until the end of the year; RE: Recruitment of new Chair – Michelle/Caron will send out the duties of the Chair so folks who might be interested will know what is expected.

3. Membership from Sustainable Agriculture Community – Kim is talking with the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (SAC)and Center for Rural Affairs about joining COSA; also OFRF is considering joining

Kim outlined the interest in becoming a division
Pat outlined some of the changes in consideration of divisions for example forming an organic division
Div. meeting for A8 on Wed. at 11am - room 210 at the Convention Center
Michelle will announce the A8 meeting with S3 via email; Pat will send announcement to Michelle
COSA business meeting 9am on Monday, Marriott, Magnolia Room 208

4. Roundtable – Jerry Glover not able to come. Jason Hill will be speaking to perennials and biomass. Speakers went over their topics. Topics to be covered: switchgrass, perennials and diversity, effects of residue removal and carbon sequestration, sustainable biofuels production and impact on rural communities and local economies, wildlife implications, policy implications.

-Panelists will develop a short paragraph (1/2 page) to describe what they will be speaking to; please send to cgala@agronomy.org
-Funding and logistics: With Jerry not coming and not being replaced we will have a total of $2,500 in expenses for speaker travel and $800 left over to use for whatever the Committee decides. Julie Sibbing needs assistance with on-line registration and housing. We went over the logistics and how to register and how to get housing. Kim recommended http://www.hotwire.com/ for hotel rooms at the last minute.
-Structure of the roundtable – we will have panelists speak for 15 minutes each and then there will be questions and a discussion; panelists should send a short paragraph - motion passed to make this schedule change. Caron will send out a new agenda to the panelists and the COSA committee. Caron will send out the full list of questions in case we need them to jump start discussion with larger group.

****panelists signed off

5. $800 to allocate: We will use that money to pay for food and a no-host bar. We will not have powerpoint capability available but handouts are fine.

6. Expenses – Panelists need to turn in their expenses and form right after the annual meeting and the forms – Caron Gala is the contact for this.

7. Caron will ask OFRF if they will contribute to COSA for food for the reception

8. Kim will send her files to Caron for archives

9. Michelle and Julie will work out the facilitation of the meeting over email

10. Michelle will handle the agenda for the COSA business meeting over email.
Agenda items:
-Elect new leadership
-Nominations
-annual report
-funding
-becoming a division

Call closed at 10:34am Pacific.

Notes submitted by Kim Leval

Oct 1st Conference call notes

2007-10-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

Dear COSA –

On our last conference call, Oct 1st we discussed the funding situation for our November Roundtable. The following recommendations were made and action items planned:

1. Caron will step in as Presiding Officer for the Roundtable in place of Kim
2. Julie Dawson will do the intro and welcome
3. Kim will seek a Chair to be her replacement (in process)
4. We recommend that we not cover the registration costs for our panelists; but only travel
5. We recommend that we not provide food for the reception unless we raise more money

Please respond if you are not in agreement with the recommendations #4 and #5 no later than Monday, Oct 8th by noon Pacific (3pm Eastern).

If everyone is okay with #4 and #5 I will send a message out to our panelists after noon on Monday, Oct. 8th letting them know that they will need to cover their own registration.

Also, Traci Bruckner at the Center for Rural Affairs is stepping in to help as I transition to my new job. She will be the contact at the Center should you need to reach someone there. Thank you all! Kim

NOTE: I am taking a new position with Rural Development Initiatives, Inc. based in Eugene, Oregon. My last day with the Center is October 16, 2007. After that time you can leave a voicemail at 541-683-5066 for personal business. For matters related to the Center for Rural Affairs please contact Traci Bruckner at 402-687-2103 extension 1016
Kim Leval, Senior Policy Analyst
Rural Policy Program
Center for Rural Affairs
My Home mailing address:
PO Box 10836
Eugene, OR 97440
Ph: (541) 687-1490 (this number will be disconnected soon)
Fax: (541)686-1380 (soon to be disconnected)
Email: kimleval@qwest.net (new personal email: tiakim1@yahoo.com)
CLICK HERE to join the National Rural Action Network
Values. Worth. Action.

COSA August call minutes

2007-09-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

Notes from COSA Committee call with biofuel roundtable panelists
August, 22, 2007
Notes submitted by Kim Leval (please send her any additions or corrections)

Present on call: Caron Gala, Julie Dawson, Jason Hill, Kim Leval, Kim Kroll, Jerry Glover, Kelly King, Diana Jerkins, Susan Andrews, Pat Carr

Agenda:
Review the Roundtable Event
Discussion about the panel and logistics
Fundraising and travel expenses

1. Review of Event

Kim gave an overview of the roundtable event and the model and what to expect; also reviewed the agenda and timeline for the event

2. Introductions of panelists:

Julie Sibbing – National Wildlife Federation; impact of biofuel production on wildlife

Jason Hill – University of MN; different perennial systems

Susan Andrews – NRCS/Soil quality; Effect of corn residue removal on soil functions; conservation practices that could mitigate

Jerry Glover - At the Land Institute - Diverse perennial systems; soil ecology; yields of materials; long term viability of these systems to have high yields

Rob Mitchell – USDA/ARS/Switchgrass in Midwest/10 different plots of switchgrass/agronomist

Kelly King, Pacific Biodiesel; community based biodiesel model; utilizing local resources; on non-profit side works with the national and international Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance

3. Shared different ideas for the panel and breakouts

Could have a breakout table with just general bio-fuels production as the topic and determining sustainability criteria across that general topic

Could have different topics with panelists assigned to a table and each table would work on criteria for that topic

Another model – in breakouts panelists introduce themselves and their work and then discuss the potential criteria and then the breakout group would discuss that set of topics and determine some criteria

Susan suggested – she would like to think about some questions and send them around to the COSA members and other panelists for discussion over email.

We all agreed with Susan’s idea and so all panelists are encouraged to develop their questions and send them around to the group for input and discussion.

We can have a free-range email discussions and then as the list of questions become more developed we can post them to our COSA blog and invite comments and more discussion; this blog discussion could be on-going and provide a record of the conversations.

The blog can be found at www.cosagroup.blogspot.com and the username: cosagroup@gmail.com and the password: carrot

Our website is www.cosagroup.org

Kelly asked if panelists could have at least 10 minutes each. We all agreed that would be a great idea. So we are going to develop written materials on COSA and our work and the work of the COSA sub-committees that we can hand out at the reception and talk with people about at the reception. We can encourage people to pick these materials up and to join our efforts. Kim and Caron and other COSA members will work up these materials so we won’t need to take time at the beginning of the session and that will allow more time for panelists.

A draft and revised agenda for the roundtable might look like this: (this also depends on how long we have use of the room)

Monday, November 5th

Meet with panelists at the room at 5pm to prepare
5:50 –Reception begins (COSA handouts are passed out to each person attending as they enter the room)
6:20 – Welcome and introduction of panelists
6:25 - Panel – 6 panelists speak on a diversity of topics related to biofuel production in a community context
7:25 – Summarize Objectives for break-outs
7:30 – Breakout into Discussion groups by topic area
8:15 – Reconvene and discuss sustainability criteria
8:35 – Adjourn

Kelly suggested that the COSA members who will be assisting each of the panelists be identified. That COSA member will help them at the event and assist them as we go forward – think of it like a buddy system! So, let’s identify who will be the buddies for each of our panelists.

4. A word from our sponsors…
Diana and Kim Kroll – WSARE, National SARE and CSREES co-sponsoring this session; right in line with what they like to see; interdisciplinary discussions within scientific societies
Pat Carr, A-8 Integrated Agricultural Systems Division of the American Society of Agronomy

5. Travel and Logistics
Susan Andrews – indicated she does not need travel funds
Kim and Caron are working to raise funds to cover panelist travel and registration fees.
Everyone needs to register for the meeting and we will work to reimburse as much of the costs as possible. Call or email Kim for more details about reimbursements, etc. We usually reimburse at the end of the event; save all your receipts and then there is a form and then those expenses are turned in and reimbursed within a month (think December).

6. Funders
Farm Aid (Kelly King will be at Farm Aid – get application to her by Friday to speak with Annie Nelson (Willie Nelson’s daughter) – both Kim and Kelly will be at the Farm Aid concert on Sept. 9th in New York and will try and meet up. On the 10th at the Hard Rock Café in NYC there will be a fundraising rock concert for the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance (Kim will try and get more details from Kelly and might be able to attend).
Kim and Caron are submitting a proposal to the Farm Foundation today to help with the costs. Kim will take this proposal and turn it around into the Farm Aid format and get that to Kelly so she can take it to Annie Nelson this Friday.

Adjourned at 10:52am Pacific

Kim Leval, Senior Policy Analyst
Rural Policy Program
Center for Rural Affairs
PO Box 10836
Eugene, OR 97440
Ph: (541) 687-1490 Cell: 402-870-0658
Fax: (541)686-1380
Email: kimleval@qwest.net
CLICK HERE to join the National Rural Action Network
Values. Worth. Action.

correction to July minutes

2007-08-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

One correction to the July conference call minutes:

where it says "Joseph expressed interest in doing some type of COSA event that explores organic philosophy and sociology and joins with...." it should read - "joins with the SSSA committee called the Council on History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Soil Science."

July 6, 2007 COSA Conference Call Minutes

2007-08-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

COSA Minutes – July 6, 2007

Present on call: Kim Leval, Chair; Walter Goldstein; Julie Dawson; Frank Kutka; Joseph Heckman; Kathleen Delate; Caron Gala

1. Announcements
- plant and animal breeding subcommittee meeting after this conf. call briefly to discuss subcommittee purpose
- check out website for new updates
- question about lobbying – can we lobby on behalf of COSA? Can we do a research fly-in
- Kathleen met with Harkin about COSA farm bill priorities as a private individual
-Minutes from May approved; no COSA meeting in June
-Events – SAC info for Summer meetings

2. Status of Roundtable Speakers
-Jerry Glover/Land Institute – how much $ does he need? Caron will contact
-Susan Andrews – already at the meeting; no funds needed
- Rob Mitchell – already at the meeting; no funds needed
- Jason Hill – needs around $750
-Julie Sibbing - needs around $550
-Kelly King - needs $1,000 to $1,200

3. Review of Roundtable
-Questions – We have three questions that the full group needs to review.

4. Fundraising update for Roundtable speaker travel and other
-Dianna Jerkins – funding from CSREES national program - $1,000
-Kim is working with Phil R. at WSARE – funding forthcoming, amount unknown at this time
-Kathleen is contacting Organic Valley and Pioneer
-Caron will ask Farm Foundation for donation

5. Discuss Tri –Societies Structure and COSA
-Division status means that we would have formal status and a budget for symposiums or speakers and we would have representation on the Tri Societies (one of the societies) board
-Cons – restrictions on our policy priorities? How would our goals mesh with the larger organization.
- We’d likely fit under ASA and we could have a seat on their board
- How does our becoming a division compliment or duplicate what A8 is doing?
- Kim will ask Pat Carr about COSA becoming a division

6. Review Possibilities for Events 2008 annual meeting
-discussed that we need a call to specifically plan ahead for 2008 and 2009
- We need a special COSA call to talk about 2008 and 2009 meetings and planning ahead for funding for workshops, symposium, speakers, etc. The 2008 meeting is in Houston, TX Oct. 5-9 and the 2009 meeting will be held in Pittsburgh, PA Nov. 1-5 Joseph expressed interest in doing some type of COSA event that explores organic philosophy and sociology and joins with other societies (sociological society?) for the 2009 Tri Societies meeting in PA.
-We talked about doing a workshop on participatory research methods with help from Laurie Drinkwater

7. Action Items
-send out SAC mtg info
-Caron will contact Jerry Glover about speaker funding
-Caron will send Kim the list of 3 questions and then Kim will send out to full committee for input
-Kim will send out the list of last year’s funders
-Kim will talk with Pat Carr about COSA possibly becoming a Division and how that will impact A8 and other Divisions
-Caron will find out what the process is for becoming a Division
-Kim and Joseph will work on making connections with the Animal Science Society and the folks who were at the ICL training about 4 or 5 years ago
- Kim will set up a special COSA call to talk about 2008 and 2009 meetings and planning ahead for funding for workshops, symposium, speakers, etc.
-Kathleen will try to contact Laurie Drinkwater through one of her interns that is working in Iowa this summer.
-Sub-Committee for Public Plant and Animal Breeding – will be meeting via telephone on the 9th or the 10th of July to discuss the new subcommittee and its work. Julie Dawson will set up the call and Walter and Frank will join it and Kim too.

Minutes Full Committee- May 2007

2007-06-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

May 24th 2007
Full Committee
Announcements (3 min) - None
Approval of minutes - Yeah

Discussion about COSA plans for our incoming Chair -
Please contact Kim (kimleval@qwest.com) if you are interested in being chair.

Status of Farm Bill
Please see COSA Policy and Outreach Subcommittee Minutes

Announcements for events
- None

Status of Speakers for Roundtable
Please contact the speaker that you previously contacted.
Invited Speakers:
Confirmed to attend:

Duane Hovorka, National Wildlife Federation;
Jason Hill, U of MN – with Tilman group;
Susan Andrews (already going to the meeting), NRCS/Soil quality;
Jerry Glover (already going to be at meeting), Greenlands/Bluewaters/Land Institute;
Rob Mitchell (already going to be at meetings), USDA/ARS/Switchgrass in Midwest/10 different plots of switchgrass/agronomist;
Kelly King, Pacific Biodiesel, Inc/Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance

Review of Roundtable
a. Questions for speakers – what do we have so far?
3 Questions so far - Caron will send out an email inquiring about additional questions
Patrick Carr of A-8 may have some suggestions
b. Breakout format review

Fundraising update for Roundtable Speaker Travel
5. Sponsorship of A-8 – Pat Carr would like to know what would we like A-8 to do in their co-sponsorship of our biofuels roundtable?

Sub-Committee reports (5-10 min)
Outreach Chair - Caron Gala
Systems Research & Participatory research Combined - Michelle Wander and Stefan Seiter
Plant and animal breeding - Julie Dawson and Kim Leval

New website, blog and other improvements in outreach and communication
- See the letter to the editor in Crops and Soils Magazine!

Discuss Tri-Societies Structure and COSA
How would Division status combined with Committee status?

It would be useful for COSA to keep Committee status so that non-members can be part of COSA
Tri-societies platforms are not reflecting COSA interests. Sustainable and Organic Agriculture need more exposure to leadership in the Tri-Society Structure.
Alex Avery Piece pointed out the information gap, along with some provisions of the farm bill priority platforms.
Do we have access to the minutes from the Executive committees and the Society Presidents?
Some influencial supporters of COSA (Tom Sims, John Duran, Jim Coors, etc.)
What is COSA's strenghts in the Tri-Society Structure?

Action Items!!!
Review of decisionmakers and how decisions are made within the Tri Societies
· Executive Committee (all presidents)
· Society Presidents
· Society Boards
- Caron email questions to COSA, poster, talk to Ian.

- Kim resend invite letter to everyone.

- Everyone! Use fundraising letter to contact at least 2 people!

==============================================================================================

Policy and Outreach Committee: June 2007 Call

2007-06-25T12:32:00.000-07:00

Discussion:

1. Touching base with the USDA Administration

Dr. Gail Buchanan and Dr. Colleen Heffernan were briefed about Organics

Ferd Hoefner (Policy Director for the Sustainable Agriculture Coalition) & Brise Tencer (Washington Representative for the Union of Concerned Scientists Food & Environment Program) talked with Buchanan/Heffernan.

The Government Accounting Office has been asked by Senator Harkin's staff to perform a study that evaluates spending on classical plant and animal breeding in the U.S.

Economic Reserach Service (USDA/ERS) defined the mechanisms for policy makers on the conservation of Plant Genetic Resources.

2. IFAFS (Sec. 401) in the New Farmbill

Monies "Transferred" to National Research Iniative - with 30% of NRI being "IFAFS" like.
Any increases in NRI come from the IFAFS program and it was/is mandated to be "integrated".

Options for Action: Letter to Key administrators about the importance of integrated programs.
Question: Does COSA have the authority under the tri-societies to do something like that or does it need to go through Karl?

3. Integrated Programs (Section 406) in new Farm Bill

4. Sustainable Ag and Organic Research Platform (SAC).

USDA research programs have not kept pace with the growth of organic agriculture in the marketplace. Although organic currently represents about 3 percent of total U.S. food retail market, the share of USDA research targeted to organic agriculture and marketing only
represents 0.6% annually. A coordinated strategy for scaling-up organic agricultural research,
outreach and development should provide a mixture of funding methods and programs to
gradually achieve an overall “fair share” spending total of approximately $120 million/year.
This should include $15 million mandatory funding for the Organic Agriculture Research and
Extension Initiative competitive grant program that funds research and extension projects to meet the production, marketing and policy needs of the growing organic industry. Classical plant and animal breeding should be listed as one of the priorities for competitive research grants under the National Research Initiative, as public resources for classical plant and animal breeding have dwindled, causing limited access to germplasm and the diversity of seed variety and animal reed development that organic and sustainable farmers depend upon. Adequate funding should be allocated to expand the Organic Production and Marketing Data Initiative which requires USDA to collect and publish segregated organic data to meet the needs of organic producers, processors, and consumers.

Other programs to keep an eye on.

- Integrated Organic Programs

- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)

- Agricultural Systems

- ATTRA

Action Items

- COSA letter for sign-on for Farm Bill Research platform? - Article in CSA News that would motivate a larger audience? Identify leaders to join in our efforts?
- Talking points and call in from Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (Senate) - Check out the SAC weekly updates!

Call in Asks:

1. National Organic Certification Cost-Share ($5 Million/yr. mandatory funding.)
2. Organic Conversion Stewardship Incentives ($50 Million/yr. mandatory funding, equal
split for financial and technical assistance.)
3. Fair Share for Organic Research (at least $15 Million/yr. mandatory funding for Organic
Research and Extension grants; amend the National Research Initiative to include
classical plant and animal breeding; adequate funding for organic data collection.)
4. Crop Insurance Equity for Organic (remove 5% surcharge and allow for organic price
payouts).
5. Conservation Security Program (full mandatory funding and integrated application for
organic producers.)

April 2007 COSA conference call minutes

2007-05-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Notes from – COSA conference call– 4/26/07

Present – Caron, Kim, Kathleen, Stephan, Diana F, Diana J, Kim Kroll, Phil, Karl G., Walter G., Joseph Heckman

1. Announcements –

a. Status of Letter to CROPS and SOILS
-Joseph Heckman letter submitted to editor (Matt Nillson, Managing Editor) last week, those signing on were sent a copy

b. Farm Bill update
Kim Kroll gave an update from SARE Ops meeting about farm bill
USDA farm bill language – administration proposal to consolidate
CREATE 21
NIFA
Gale Buchanan
Ag committees preparing May 1 draft due date for bill language – energy, conservation, research
Trying to get public plant and animal breeding in House Bill (Holden and Peterson) – Kim will send action alert to COSA

2. Status of Speakers for Roundtable
Confirmed to attend: Duane Hovorka, National Wildlife Federation; Jason Hill, U of MN – with Tilman group; Susan Andrews (already going to the meeting), NRCS/Soil quality; Jerry Glover (already going to be at meeting), Greenlands/Bluewaters/Land Institute; Rob Mitchell (already going to be at meetings), USDA/ARS/Switchgrass in Midwest/10 different plots of switchgrass/agronomist; Kelly King, Pacific Biodiesel, Inc/Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance

3. Format of Roundtable
a. Are we wanting discussion? Speakers with breakouts? Do we want to give more time to speakers? Idea to have each panelists to give a short presentation, then moderator gives the speakers questions for them to answer. We could do speakers and then breakouts. We could do short intro by each person and the topic they will be discussing– then do massive breakout 45 minutes with COSA member questions to help with breakout discussions with Speakers; then we’d come back together and do a report back/Q and A/wrap up.
b. Do we need speaker abstracts? Abstracts due Monday
c. Blurb for COSA roundtable– do we need something for the annual meetings book and the newsletter
d. Kim and Caron will work on a write up on the format and get that to the speakers; and will include a formal invitation to speakers

4. Fundraising for Roundtable Speaker Travel
a. Kim and Caron will write a letter requesting assistance (using last year’s letter)
b. Send letter to all COSA members
c. OFRF, Organic Trade Association, General Mills/Small Planet Foods
d. National SARE – we can pass letter to Jill
e. Organic Consumers Association

5. Organization of Subcommittee meetings to start planning future events
a. Who are subcommittee chairs?
Systems research subcommittee – Michelle, Chair
Plant and Animal Breeding Subcommittee – Kim and Julie, co-chairs
Participatory Research Subcommittee – Stephan, Chair
Subcommittee on Outreach – Caron, Chair
b. Chairs should contact folks for calls this month (April/May)

6. Ian Popkewitz and Elizabeth Tucker will be on the call to discuss web related activities to release information on COSA and COSA documents
a. Website – Ian can update and add things to website; suggests we add a mission button and then have refreshed content on homepage; this needs to change often; people look for new info; on google you can work your site up to the top if you have new info; we can go through Caron and get stuff to her for the website and she’ll get it to Ian. We need a link to the Tri Societies – Ian will add COSA to the affiliates link (on Agronomy, Crop and Soils); need to update our committee members with Susan Chapman so that we can have a correct list up on our website. Can we get an automatic news update link to our website. We’d like to post our poster and have a place where people can give feedback and comment. Don’t make widipedia our main repository for our data. What would we need to create a forum on our website about the poster.
b. Blog – blog we can update ourselves; running journal includes history
c. Other Venues – Wikipedia? Or other press or information portals. – can find just about anything (not peer reviewed); Wikipedia is tough on image posting; text is easier. Might be better to use it as an advertising spot…
d. A-9 –professional practitioners (certification) became a division – the question was posed by Joseph Heckman wondering if we should become a division. Joseph wondered if that would raise our status. Maybe we could create a division and keep the COSA committee. Several divisions have close working relationships (A5, S11 often joint programs); Divisions get their funding by how many papers are presented. We work jointly with A8.

7. Review action – items
-Kim will forward Seed and Breed Action Alert to all (done)
-Kim will ask Linda Nelson and Sara Uttech about what and when we need speaker bios for abstract for our roundtable (or if we need them); blurb to advertise our event in the annual meetings guidebook
-Ask Kathleen Delate to contact Susan Chapman to update our committee list on database and then on website
-Caron will email all about subcommittee participation
-Ask Julie Dawson to email all about submitting questions for breakouts with biofuel speakers
-Kim will draft fundraising letter
- Caron will draft speaker invite letter with outline of roundtable format
- Caron will write article for CSA news for June issue
-Caron will work with Ian and Beth to get our systems poster up on website
-Ask Joseph Heckman to draft up an article on our roundtable event for the fall newsletter…

Organic Crop insurance and data collection

2007-05-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

The USDA currently does not collect market data specific to organic agriculture. Without comprehensive market data from the Economic Research Service, crop insurance companies charge a 5% premium on organic acres while offering only market rate payouts. The Organic Trade Association, among other industry groups, cited market data as their top priority for the 2007 Farm Bill in a April 24 hearing before the Senate Committee of Agriculture , Forestry, and Nutrition.

COSA Poster (2006)

2007-04-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

Soil Science Society of America Past President, Dr. John Havlin views poster at 2006 Annual Meetings in Indianapolis, IN.

The poster developed from the breakout sessions during the Committee on Organic and Sustainable Agriculture (COSA) Annual Roundtable (2006).

Systems Research: Challenges and Oppurtunities

2007-04-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Managing complexity in systems research

i. Managing multiple perspectives

ii. Identify windows of interest rather than boundaries

iii. Changing systems to maintain multiple perspectives

iv. Mechanistic tools may not fit

Balancing Farming Integrity and Research Needs in Simulated Cropping Systems
i. Address both ecological and economic problems/ concerns

ii. Reward structure should balance quick success with long-term benefits

iii. Perform treatments on farm-relevant scales

iv. Communicate cross disciplinary approaches with example applications

v. Embrace a dynamic research model (e.g. crop sequences)

Keeping the Research Components Integrated During the Implementation Phase

i. Need a vision keeper, group capacity builder

ii. Publish process as well as research

iii. Pursue adaptive management research

iv. Need to share common vision, or commitment to solve a problem

v. Forge shared hypothesis, detailed objectives

Including Farmers as Equal Collaborators While Also Being Efficient in Using Their Time

i. Offer fair compensation for farmer’s time

ii. Clearly outline goals, objectives, and expectations

iii. Develop a project so farmers have vested interest

iv. Develop mutual respect and honor farmer knowledge

v. Respect farmer time constraints during the growing season.

Reducing the time required for meetings in interdisciplinary research

i. Use visual tools such as concept mapping

ii. Use highly qualified and motivated research staff

iii. Invest in human capacity, such as a good facilitator

iv. find the right time for collaborators

v. empower farmer and students to take responsibility for the agenda

Melding disciplines within a systems level research project

i. Encourage more merging of disciplines in school so that new faculty are accustomed to this process

ii. Since you need multiple perspectives to understand whole systems each discipline should take the time to appreciate the strengths of all the other disciplines.

Leaving Behind the Factorial Mentality in Designing Systems Experiments

i. Don’t forget factorials but use them wisely. Consider starting with systems then working backwards. Pulling out the smaller questions to use in factorials

ii. Need new sources of funding. Current examples include SARE and NRCS Innovation Grants

iii. Need alternate publications to support systems research

iv. Appreciate the synergy of systems/ narrative as science. There is still a need to use regular quantitative analysis.

Building Flexibility into Systems Level Research

i. Put a lot of time and focus into initial design and principles. If you stick to these principles, and they are strong, then fluidity will be accepted.

ii. Build on an idea of adaptive metrics (which tell us how well we are responding to the challenges presented to us by our environments.

Systems Research: Plant and Animal Breeding

2007-04-25T11:00:00.000-07:00

Train breeders skilled in cultivar development and knowledgeable in systems thinking

Continue to develop new cultivars
Maintain a critical mass of students at universities with major plant breeding programs and insure that there are opportunities for training in allied disciplines
Ensure that there are plant breeding faculty with the expertise to teach critical courses
Explore alternative models of education for post-baccalaureate students and farmer breeders
Reinvigorate education of international plant breeders through graduate student training and collaboration

Increase utilization of new public cultivars

Collaborate with stakeholders in trailing new varieties, seed production, and marketing
Develop the capacity of foundation seed and crop improvement organizations to market specialty crops and organic seed

Breed cultivars for organic and sustainable systems

Have listening sessions with farmers to understand their needs
Conduct on-farm trials in the target system
Work with interested farmers on participatory breeding projects to select cultivars or improved populations
Make breeders and policy makers aware of the importance of breeding annual and perennial cultivars adapted to complex rotation and diverse agro-ecosytems

Engage stakeholders to support plant breeding for sustainable and organic agriculture

Develop a white paper explaining the centrality of plant breeding to sustainable systems
Connect with sustainable agriculture organizations
Develop materials for the popular press and general audiences

COSA website and other updates

2005-05-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

This is my first ever posting to a blog! I wanted to share some ideas Victoria and I have about a COSA website.

Here are some ideas of what might go up:

1. The explanation of the COSA committee - which lays out our charge and structure
2. History of how COSA was formed
3. All members and contact info with dates of service (when they are up to rotate off or stay on as the case may be)
4. The blog posting that lists all those great organic and sustainable ag info sites and resources
5. Plans for the 2005 Roundtable and anticipated future events
6. An outline of our purpose, goals and activities and the outcomes we hope for
7. Update on funding or legislative issues. And links to organizations that post regularly on policy actions that can be taken to support organic and sustainable agricutlure
8. Funding opportunities in organic and sust. ag - links to NRI, CSREES organic and OFRF funding among others...
9. A place for international and domestic news

Does this look like a good start? What are your ideas to add? I'm sure we've forgotten important web components in this list -so please help us out!

I haven't reached Laurie Drinkwater on where things are at with the big systems research project. Has anyone else heard? I'll try other folks as well.

I also will check into NRI funding for future COSA activities and possible funding matches.

Happy Mother's Day! Kim

Minutes from April 8

2005-04-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

April 8, 2005
COSA conference call

Walter Goldstein, Julie Dawson, Cheryl Baker, Victoria Bhavsar, Kim Leval, Heather Darby

Announcements – none

Annual meeting funding and logistics
Karl and Kim have applied to ASA for funding of the roundtable in Salt Lake. The Western SARE PDP coordinator, Phil Rasmussen, was very supportive and offered help. He will check with Senator Bennett’s office to see if anyone from that office can attend the roundtable.

The roundtable will occur immediately before the Sperling Lecture (November 7, 4-7). Topics are in the minutes from our March conference call.

All discussion groups will be charged with brainstorming ideas for symposia proposals or organized sessions for 2006. COSA members will take those ideas and work them up.

Topic updates:
Farming systems – Still trying to contact Laurie Drinkwater.
Policy – Senator Bennett’s office is being contacted.
Education – On the agenda.
Science in NOSB – Kim will talk to Alex to see what’s going on.

Other Events and Contacts
On-farm breeding projects workshop – November 10 sponsored by
Marcello Carena marcello.carena@ndsu.nodak.edu
Molly John mmj9@cornell.edu

Website content
Kim and Victoria will think about this and circulate draft text.

Flyer for sustainable agriculture
The idea is to identify events and symposia that people can go to during the meeting, as a “map” to highlighted events. This would be included in the registration packet. Karl will be requested to look into the logistics of this.
Next year, we may ask people to check a box in their title-summary form to be included in the COSA flyer. COSA should not get into the position of evaluating people’s talks for sustainability focus.

In the future – have a graduate student talk and poster competition for sustainable agriculture. CSARE has some infrastructure left over from the 7th generation award.

Message on Behalf of CSSA President Jim Coors

2005-04-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Member of CSSA Divisions C1, C7, or C8:

I am requesting some input for an interesting workshop to be held at theupcoming CSSA annual meeting in Salt Lake City on Thursday, November 10,2005. Our assistance is needed for developing a few on-farm breeding projects. In particular, the Farm Breeder Club (FBC) of the Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society (NPSAS) has joined with CSSA to sponsor a workshop with the goal of developing four to five teams consisting ofat least one breeder and farmer to work on an agronomic crop ofimportance to the northern plains.

This is a challenging task that requires some real imagination and thought, and one that would also be very rewarding. I will provide one possible example in the hope that you will be inspired to come up with something as well, probably better. Over the years I have developed a unique open-pollinated corn varietythat has the low-lignin (bm3) gene as well as a tillering gene (gt1). This variety has the ability to regrow from below-ground nodes afterbeing cut for forage in mid to late June. Seed for the next season can then be harvested in the fall, or the crop can again be harvested as forage. There are a number of other interesting uses for this varietythat might utilize its high nutritional quality and unique ability to regrow. However, it does need some additional selection for regrowth potential, and this could easily be done on farm by the person who is developing a particular niche for it. Mass selection would be most effective in this situation.

There are any number of other interesting ideas out there. Breeders always have such projects tucked away in their nurseries, and now is thetime to bring them forward. For small grains, some sort of bulk breeding approach would seem particularly appropriate for an FBC farm-breeder team.

All we need at this point is an indication of your interest, and the briefest sketch of an idea (nothing more than I provided in my example) for a farmer-breeder project. Dr. Marcelo Carena (marcelo.carena@ndsu.nodak.edu) will be coordinating this workshop, andDr. Molly Jahn (mmj9@cornell.edu) has offered to help guide our deliberations when reviewing projects. So please send Dr. Carena your ideas, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Dr. Carena or me.

Sincerely,
Jim

Response to Comments:Caron Gala

2005-03-23T06:47:00.000-08:00

There were some questions regarding the list I placed on the web last friday

In response:
The definition that I am using to refine the search of "Organic Systems Research", is as follows:

any research that is undertaken and published in the world that includes the organic production as defined by either the USDA or the EU.

USDA Definition
a production system that is managed in accordance with the Organic Foods Production Act and regulations or to respond to site-specific conditions by integrating cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.

and

European Commission's definition
Organic farming favours renewable resources and recycling, returning to the soil the nutrients found in waste products. Where livestock is concerned, meat and poultry production is regulated with particular concern for animal welfare and by using natural foodstuffs. Organic farming respects the environment's own systems for controlling pests and disease in raising crops and livestock and avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilisers, growth hormones, antibiotics or gene manipulation. Instead, organic farmers use a range of techniques that help sustain ecosystems and reduce pollution.

http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/qual/organic/def/index_en.htm

These definitions leave significant room for interpretation. So to aid in the search of organic systems research and in the development of events for the next Annual meeting; the following items have been derived.

Members
1) Please share your definition of organic systems research if it differs from the above.

1) Please provide me (cegala@vt.edu) with information about systems research that you consider to be relevant to the committee.

3) submit topics related to this theme that should be discussed at the round table.

This list was composed with the aid of Michelle, and Heather.

Cheers,
Caron

Sub on systems: Stefan Seiter

2005-03-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Michelle,
I think you captured our charge very well and gave us a great start to move ahead.
Regarding next steps, it seems that we have a good amount of time to generate questions for the round table and I suggest to first brainstrom as a whole group. I am afraid that at this early stage one person's list of questions becomes THE LIST which others just modify here and there. Maybe we can create certain categories or areas of questions and then all of us can submit questions to each (or selected) of these question categories. I am not sure what these categories should be. Maybe we could use the STP model S for Situation (what is and what has been) - T for Target (what is the vision or where do we want to go)and P for Pathway (how do we get there - in the reality of our situation). We could also simply use "the past - the present - the future" or some other way of categorizing questions. Suggestions?

For me personally it is too early to make a committment on drafting the symposium proposal. Of course if some of us are ready to go more power to them.
Thoughts on past and present systems tools and methods later.

Stefan
Stefan Seiter
Linn-Benton Community College
Agricultural Sciences Faculty
6500 Pacific Blvd.
Albany, OR 97321
TEL: 541-917-4765
FAX:541-917-4776
Email: stefan.seiter@linnbenton.edu

Sub com on systems; from Paul Porter

2005-03-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

Michelle, You may know all this stuff, but I don't know that other members of the subcommittee do, so I'll ramble on...

Here is my understanding of how the system works in getting a symposium together at the Tri-society meetings: In general the symposium topics are proposed one year in advance by one or more individuals at the respective Division meetings each fall during the Tri-society annual meetings. The division chairs work with the people proposing the symposium topics in helping coordinate the dates and times (with other divisions and their symposia). The people proposing the symposium are given a sizeable amount of leeway (in terms of number of speakers, length and format of presentations, length of symposium, etc.). My understanding is that the Tri-society does want to limit the number of symposia sponsored by each division to 3 or less (but this can fluctuate some) each year. (A division can co-sponsor numerous symposia.) The division chair usually doesn't turn away any proposed symposium topics, and in fact, is more than willing to work with those people proposing the symposium. Sometimes potentially good symposia never materialize because of lack of follow-through by those proposing the symposium [or symposia or symposiums??]. Attached is a Word document of the ASA Division A-8 (Integrated Agricultural Systems) symposia since 1998. I was involved, with Jane Sooby (OFRF), in organizing the Organic Ag symposium in 2003 in Denver. We broke the symposium into 4 part over 2 days, and involved about 35 presentations (27 oral and 8 posters). It was a learning experience. Below you ask "Who among us is interested in using the outcome of the round table discussion to draft the symposium proposal?". I am (especially if a good team is identified). I will be Chair of A-8 in 2006, and therefore responsible for coordinating all the presentations and symposia sponsored by the division that year. Hope this is helpful.

Paul PorterUniv. of Minnesota612-625-6719pporter@umn.edu

Email sent to Sub committee on systems

2005-03-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Farming systems research subcommittee-
Heather, Alex, Stefan, Paul Porter, Michelle, Caron, Kim,
Karl for logistics-
A summary of what I understood to be our charge follows.
The Charge: Plan symposia for 2007, for farming systems
research, based on roundtable discussions.
It is clear that some affiliated with the tri-societies and
other national and international entities have a long history
with systems research. It is also clear that as organic
agriculture matures, entirely new dimensions of the system
call for attention.
The purpose of our sub-committee is to organize a
conversation on systems research to be held at this year's
round table. The product of this discussion will be a
proposal for a symposia (to be submitted to A-8?) for the
2006 meeting. To that end, we must decide how to facilitate
a constructive discussion of systems research that is germane
to organic agriculture.
So far is seems we are interested in providing some
background to participants that includes a combination of
looking back (highlights of what has been done by A-8, the
international ag division #?, and individual researchers) and
examples that are forward looking (current efforts supported
by Southern SARE, ongoing international efforts, and
strategies to address emerging systems issues).
An example of an interesting international effort I mentioned
during the call was that a previously informal EU network on
Organic Agriculture (European Organic Agrciulture University
Teachers which uses the acronym ENOAT) has decided that to
achieve desired outcomes of their teaching project they will
merge with the MRENet project which "aims to support the
development of a European dimension to teaching and learning
for disciplines relating to the multifunctional rural
environment by redefining the curricula to reflect
environmentally sustainable, ethically defensible and risk
conscious agricultural and forestry industries that foster
the wellbeing of rural communities, and of the biophysical
and socio-cultural environment in which they live."
* We might all forward such examples to Caron to assist her
with her compilation.
It might be also helpful if we can clarify what we mean by
systems research and maybe identify areas of particular
importance to organic agriculture. I don't know if someone
has already categorized systems research, but I suspect we
are not all thinking about soft-systems engineering. Below
is a start on a short list, please add/revise or scrap as you
see fit.
Looking back- these are still important tools
• Farming systems research - interdisciplinary
assessment of farming systems
• Participatory research - engage subjects in process
of defining, asking and answering questions
• Farming systems approach to research - use of designs
that are of practical relevance to farmers that are not
designed to study the individual components of production
systems. Sadly this is still controversial.
Now and in the future- here it gets wilder-
• Life cycle, energy analyses
• Food systems/food shed
• Farming, food and human health
• Regulatory net works, harmonization of certification,
administrative burden and farm scale
• Agriculture, human and community development
In addition to sending comments/additions/corrections to the
previous note, please let me know if at this time you want to
find an individual or two to provide an overview or instead,
prefer we find individuals share examples that showcase
promising strategies or identify areas of need.
Next steps:
Does any one want to take a shot at crafting the questions we
ask round table participants to discuss?
Who among us is interested in using the outcome of the round
table discussion to draft the symposium proposal?
And... Tasks underway:
Caron – research groups involved in systems research in last
5 yr
Kim – contact Laurie Drinkwater and seek NRI funding
opportunities
I'll try to summarize responses and move us forward by the
end of next week so please reply within a week.
Michelle

Prelim. Organic Systems Research

2005-03-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

Alright Folks,

Here is a preliminary list of sources for organic systems research. I plan on providing you all with a document list and emailing the serve with suggestions for individuals for the roundtable discussion and ad hoc seminar presentations sometime at the end of next week.

I would appreciate any suggestions that you have regarding the path I should pursue most. I prefer not to post individuals names on the blog due to privacy reasons. However, publications are public information, so those will go here.

Cheers,
Caron

Organic Systems Agriculture Research

University Research

University of Davis, California
Center for Agro ecology & Sustainable Food Systems

Wageninin University, Netherlands
Biological Farming Systems Group, Wageningen University
Address: Marijkeweg 22, Wageningen Building nr. 527, 6709 PG Wageningen, The Netherlands. Tel: +31.(0)317.478201 Fax: +31.(0)317.478213.
http://www.dpw.wageningen-ur.nl/biob/

Iowa State University- ISU Research Farms
http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/organicag/rr.html

North Carolina State University
Center for Environmental Farming Systems - Organic Unit
Address: Box 7609, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA. Tel: (919) 515-
9447.
With about 80 acres of certified organic land, CEFS is one of the largest
research/demonstration sites affiliated with a land-grant university (North
Carolina State University) in the USA.
http://www.agr.state.nc.us/research/cefsorganic.htm

On Farm Research – Producers
more to come here.....
Elm Farm Research Centre – Berkshire UK
http://www.efrc.com/?i=articles.php&art_id=36&go=Articles

Databases
SAREP Funded Projects Database
searchable by crop, topic, organic relevance
http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/grants/database/FPDB.ASP

USDA CSREES Current Research Information System (CRIS)
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/ProgView.cfm?prnum=3753

Govt. Agencies
Organic Farming and Marketing: Publications from USDA
http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/AFSIC_pubs/orgusda.htm

Non-profit Institutes
MORE TO COME
W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Food Systems Professions Education (FSPE)
Project.
http://www.fspe.org/projects/broch4.asp

The Rodale Institute
Farming Systems Trial - BOOK by Cass Peterson, Laurie E. Drinkwater, Peggy
Wagoner
The Rodale Institute; (1999)
http://www.rodaleinstitutestore.org/store/customer/product.php?productid=469

The First 15 Years, chronicles the one of a kind, side-by-side comparison of
conventional versus organic farming methods. A fixture at The Experimental
Farm since 1981, FST has been the site of a unique and far reaching
agricultural experiment.

People
MORE TO COME HERE TOO.....
David Chaney
Education Coordinator Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
dechaney@ucdavis.edu
Dave has worked for SAREP since 1987 and has been involved in a number of projects to extend practical information on sustainable agriculture to California farmers and ranchers. His academic background is in agronomy and international agricultural development. Dave's current focus is to coordinate SAREP's diverse educational programs, California's participation in the Western Region USDA SARE professional development program, and the development of educational materials on topics relating to sustainable agriculture. He is also the technical reviews editor for SAREP's newsletter Sustainable Agriculture.

International
Henry Doubleday Research Association - the organic organization - UK
http://www.hdra.org.uk/research/index.htm

Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) UK
http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/organic/research/index.htm

Institute for Biodynamic Research - The oldest private research institute on organic farming in Europe.
http://www.organic-research.com/links/linksframe.asp?link=http://www.ibdf.de/

Organic Farming at the FAO
http://www.organic-research.com/links/linksframe.asp?link=http://www.ibdf.de/
http://www.organic-research.com/research/Papers/index.asp

Misc.
Please see Organic Research webpage
http://www.organic-research.com/links/links.asp?id=41

Minutes from March 11 Call

2005-03-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

COSA Conference Call
March 11, 2005.
Next call April 8, 2005. 2:00 pm Eastern time

Participating: Karl, Kim, Victoria, Stefan, Caron, Michelle, Brise, Paul Porter (chair-elect of Division A-8, sitting in), Alex, Cheryl

Tasks:
Content is needed to generate a COSA website. Please consider this for our next conference call (Everyone)

Please make sure your contact information is correct at the COSA group list on the ASA website, at www.asa-cssa-sssa.org. Click on Member Services. Click on Committees (about halfway down). Search for organic or sustainable agriculture and you will find our committee.

Announcements:
New blog is available at www.cosagroup.blogspot.com. Please use the blog for posting work for comment, or for discussing issues that may require extensive emailing.

Salt Lake City events
Organize a morning and afternoon paper session leading up to roundtable. These events will consist of “volunteered” papers as far as the society goes, but will be requested by COSA. People will be asked to submit to A-8 with some identifier in a heading and the session will self-assemble. Inform A-8 chair that this is our intent.

Roundtable: similar to last year. Goal is to begin to organize symposia or other more focused events for 2007.
 Policy and funding updates (including NRI funding for systems research; include a representative from Senator Bennett’s office)
 Farming systems research discussion
 Science in NOSB discussion
 Possible discussion topic, education
Karl will request time, venue, facilities from ASA corresponding to last year’s roundtable event.

Farming systems research subcommittee:
Heather, Alex, Stefan, Paul Porter, Michelle, Caron, Kim, Karl for logistics.
Charge: Plan symposia for 2007, for farming systems research, based on roundtable discussions. Invite speakers for morning or afternoon sessions as dicussed above.
Tasks:
Michelle – send out first email
Caron – research groups involved in systems research in last 5 yr
Kim – contact Laurie Drinkwater and seek NRI funding opportunities

NOSB issue subcommittee:
Stefan, Alex, Michelle
Charge: Outline issues of science informing NOSB recommendations
Goal: Have the roundtable flesh out a symposium proposal that very quickly is forwarded to ASA to get on the docket for 2007.
Tasks:
Stefan – request Eric Sideman to participate
Alex – request Steve Scheurell to participate
Michelle – request Lynn Cody and Rose Koenig to participate

Policy subcommittee:
Brise, Kim, Karl
Charge: Outline funding and policy update during roundtable
Tasks:
Ask Phil Rassmussen (WSARE director) to identify participant from Sen. Bennett’s office.
Identify NRI funding and possible collaborations.
Research organic funding priorities and create informational content for website regarding status of such funding.

Collaborating with/relating to Division A-8
Division A-8 is not having a symposia specific to organic interests at the Salt Lake City meeting. Topics are real-time decisions in ecology and economics of forage systems and managing saline-sodic soils.

If systems research and participatory research is of interest (rather than organic specifically), A-8 has done several activities in the past. We should investigate what A-8 has done and build on it, possibly giving them an opportunity to communicate their current work. (For example, Laurie does one kind of systems research, Chuck Francis does another.)

Kim Leval will contact Laurie Drinkwater of the Organic Crop Production committee of ASA to determine the scope of their activities.

Suggestion: Create an A-8 panel who would talk about what they have done, perhaps at the roundtable. Then, over the next year, consider more in-depth workshops or other events for 2007.

Question: Are we considering domestic issues only, or thinking more broadly? Farming systems associations are still active in Europe (name?)

Posting to COSA blog

2005-02-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Hello COSA members! Welcome to the COSA blog.

This will be an easy way to share thoughts and keep track of dialogue.

To post to this blog, go to www.blogger.com. You will see on the upper right corner a place to log in. The username and password will be sent to you by email.

After you log in, you will see a list of blogs belonging to COSA. Right now, it's just this one, COSAgroup. Click on the link. You will be taken to a screen where you can write a posting such as this one. Write what you want. Preview your post if you like -- always a good idea. Please put your name at the bottom of your post.

When your posting says what you want, you can click the orange Publish Post button at the bottom of the screen.

To view the blog and to comment, go to www.cosagroup.blogspot.com. To comment on someone else's post, click the Comment link at the BOTTOM of the post. Posts can have as many comments as necessary.

Please be careful what you say. As with all electronic communication, blogs are NOT PRIVATE. Even though this one is not "publicly listed," anyone could find it fairly easily.

Please do not edit or delete someone else's post. If it happens accidentally, just post a comment or a new article to let people know. We will archive this blog monthly for safety's sake, so we can re-post anything we need to.

Blogs are a great way to communicate. They allow their readers to see many posts and comments almost simultaneously. Hopefully this one will let us get a lot of work done with minimum stumbling due to imperfect communication!

Have a great day.

Victoria B.