2014 Envirothon Sustainable agriculture systems and organic farming Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey | 334 River Rd, Hillsborough, NJ |

What is sustainable agriculture? Federally defined… Satisfy human food and fiber needs Enhance environmental quality and natural resources Efficient use of resources, incorporate natural biological cycles and controls Sustain economic viability of farm operations Enhance quality of life of farmers and society Source: “Sustainable Agriculture: Definitions and Terms.” National Agricultural Library, ihttp://

Focusing on Resources Natural resources –Soil, water, air, energy –Plants, animals Human resources –Personal goals –Community health

The Strategy – Whole Systems 1.Cultural 2.Mechanical 3.Biological Crop rotation Variety selection Fertility Crop rotation Variety selection Fertility Cultivation Traps Physical barriers Cultivation Traps Physical barriers Predators Parasites Competitors Predators Parasites Competitors

Nutrient Management – Build Soil Organic inputs –Mulches, cover crops –Rotational grazing/manure –Compost, inputs Crop rotation –Diverse inputs –Light/heavy feeders –Nutrient scavenging Protection –Field operations/tillage

Beneficial insect habitat –Protected areas –Diversity in habitat Integrated Pest Management –Scouting –Spray timing/type/method –Cultural controls: row covers, crop rotations, trap crops Great Road Farm Pest Management - Insects

Pest Management – Bacteria/Fungi Good food –“active” compost –Variety of root exudates Good shelter –SOM building practices Cultural methods –Resistant varieties, crop rotations, inoculations

Weed Management - Plant Communities Many Little Hammers –Tillage alternation –Flame-weeding, hand- weeding Economic thresholds –Prevent seed production while practicing tolerance Soil management –Keep crops competitive

Water Management Irrigation efficiency –Timers, calibrated –Directly applied Crop choices –Better scavengers, less water use Buffers –Field borders, grassed waterways, livestock fencing Soil management –Improve water holding capacity

Take Home – Resilience! Cultural, mechanical, biological methods FIRST Build Soil Quality Encourage Diversity: land use, plant types, inputs Consider the human element!

What is Organic Farming? Farming holistically – stressing biological, mechanical and cultural farming methods that are tailored to the farm’s unique self. Federally defined, enforced Allowed, Prohibited Materials Contamination Prevention Natural Resource Conservation Livestock Treatment, Wellness Records, 3 rd Party Inspections

The Cornerstones Regulatory Record-keeping –Reflect practices, inputs Transparency –Consumer demand for unified standards Agronomic Soil Quality –Organic Matter Content Whole Systems Planning –Interaction of soil, plant, water, animal resources

Is Local the Same as Organic? Certification is federally regulated Illegal to misrepresent a product Local is undefined Political boundaries? Distance? Know your farmer! Understand the environmental impacts of farming Reward ecosystem services

Direct Marking of Local Food Community Supported Agriculture Programs Pay ahead – weekly distribution Customer shares risk Farmers’ Markets Variety of vendors, product offerings Customer enjoys the experience Pick Your Own (PYO) Customer harvests! Agritourism