The Red River Valley has been synonymous with farming since the first settlers set up camp in the 18th century. Since then, the area has become one of the highest agricultural producing states in the nation; regularly appearing near the tops in production levels of crops like sugar beets, oats, sweet corn, canola, flaxseed, sunflower oil, and wheat. Throughout the month of March, the FM Extra has focused on agricultural literacy and appreciation. The series would not be complete, however, without a discussion about sustainable agriculture.

What is sustainable agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture was addressed by Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill. Under that law, “the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:

• satisfy human food and fiber needs;

• enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the

agricultural economy depends;

• make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and

integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls;

• sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and

• enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”

What about organic farming?

Organic farming holds a special place under the sustainable agriculture umbrella. The U.S. Department of Agriculture now defines standards for organic practices and for food labeled as “organic.” In North Dakota, organic farming is regulated by the ND Organic Advisory Board, a fifteen member group appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture.

According to the USDA National Organic Standard Board, organic agriculture is defined as: “an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity, which is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological harmony.” In other words, organic agriculture is grown with nature rather than against it.

In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Food Production Act, which established national standards for organic production and handling. The Act also established the National Organic Program (NOP) to enforce and administer the standards. Before a product can be labeled organic, it must comply with all FDA and USDA regulations regarding nutritional content and ingredient listing, and also comply with National Organic Standards. In addition, the farm where the product was produced must pass annual inspections by a government approved certifier whose job is to maintain the integrity of the organic label. The process of getting an organically produced product from the farm to the shelf is comprehensive, designed with the safety of the consumer in mind.

According to the ND Organic Advisory Board, “the basis of organic agriculture is healthy soil.” Organic farmers look at farming as a holistic system that is as healthy for the environment as the consumer. Organic foods are produced without using:

– chemical pesticides

– antibiotics, growth hormones, or synthetic parasite controls

– fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge

– bioengineering

– ionizing radiation

Organic agriculture emphasizes the use of:

– renewable resources

– diverse crops and crop rotations

– humane animal husbandry, access to outdoors, and adequate space

– the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations

To assist with the cost of organic certification, the 2008 Farm Bill allocated $22 million for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program, which provides funding for ¾ of the producer’s cost up to $500.

Brad Brummond, Chair of the ND Organic Advisory Board sees a very prosperous future for organic farming in North Dakota. In fact, Brummond has noticed a deficiency in the level of organic production compared to the demand. “We continue to struggle to meet demands for organic products out of North Dakota,” he said. “We are not doing very well in recruiting young farmers to organic farming.” As the world’s population continues to increase, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates a world population of 9 billion by 2044, the demand for alternative farming techniques will likely increase with it. That means a corresponding need for more farmers.

The ND Organic Advisory Board has identified some possible barriers to organic farming, including:

– marketing uncertainty

– weed control

– cost of certification

– social pressure to farm conventionally

– pressure to farm conventionally from financial lenders

– lack of knowledge about organic production

Despite the barriers, the USDA lists 152 certified organic farms in North Dakota in 2008. Their combined acreage of 216,568 shows a significant increase from 148,802 acres in 2006. Minnesota, on the other hand, had 543 farms in 2008, combining for 154,136 acres. Nationally, North Dakota rates first in production of organic oats, flax, sunflowers, buckwheat, and rye; while Minnesota is tops in organic soybeans and corn.

What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

According to the USDA, “Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production.”

Typically, members or share-holders of the farm pay a fee in advance to cover the cost of the farm’s operation in exchange for a portion of the production over the growing season. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing. On the other hand, consumers know exactly where their food is coming from and how it was produced.

Community-supported agriculture began in Europe in the early 1960s when groups of consumers, concerned about food safety and the urbanization of agricultural land formed cooperative partnerships to fund farming and pay the full costs of ecologically sound and socially equitable agriculture. In 1984, Jan Vander Tuin brought the concept of CSA to North America. The popularity of the concept grew rapidly alongside increased awareness of environmental issues, and according to the USDA, the United States had 12,549 certified CSA farms in 2007.

The Bluebird Gardens in Fergus Falls, MN is an example of a local CSA. Owned and operated by Mark and Diane Boen, Bluebird Gardens has been selling their products at local food markets for over three decades. Four years ago, however, they made the transition toward community supported agriculture and 2013 marks the second year that the farm is focused solely on the CSA aspect. With over 150 acres of vegetables and eleven high tuned greenhouses, Bluebird Gardens truly offers something for everyone.

Bluebird offers several different membership programs, ranging in price from $595 for a family share to $225 for a bi-weekly share. Depending on the individual program, members receive a weekly or bi-weekly box of fresh produce, delivered to a location of their choice, from June to mid-October, as well as the ability to pick products straight from the farm during a specified number of harvest events. The family atmosphere of the harvest events is very popular, affording families the opportunity to make lasting memories. “The CSA is a journey of healthy eating,” believes Boen. “Cherished memories gather around great food experiences.”

Bluebird Gardens practices biological farming, priding itself on its ability to offer consumer chemical free products. Boen states that tens of thousands of dollars are spent each year balancing the mineral content of the soil, a crucial ingredient of sustainable agriculture. “We choose to balance the minerals in the soil,” Boen said. “This builds the house for the biology so the earthworms, bacteria, and fungi in the soil can work their magic in their symbiotic relationship with the planet.” This year, the garden purchased even more equipment to better serve their members.

The goal of Bluebird Gardens is to connect people to the farm where their food is grown, and to take good care of the land in order to provide the highest quality, nutrient-rich vegetables. It is just one of the area’s opportunities for experiencing sustainable agriculture. More information on organic farming can be obtained at www.ndorganics.nd.gov, while more information about Bluebird Gardens can be found at www.bluebirdgardens.net.