Asilomar, California
January 29, 2009
New eOrganic resource is
designed for farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals,
certifiers, researchers and educators seeking science- and
experience-based information.
A new Web site about U.S. organic agriculture production
provides research, news and learning modules from land- grant
universities nationwide.
eOrganic will launch at regional organic farming and production
conferences in January and February, 2009. It is one of many Web
communities within eXtension (pronounced E-extension),
http://www.extension.org,
a national initiative of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System.
Kansas State University´s
K-State Research and Extension is a partner in eXtension.
"This new resource is for anyone who wants to learn more about
organic agriculture, one of the fastest growing segments of U.S.
agriculture," said Oregon State University vegetable specialist
Alex Stone. "eOrganic is designed for farmers, ranchers,
agricultural professionals, certifiers, researchers and
educators seeking science- and experience-based information. Our
goal is to be a reliable resource that is responsive to the
changing information and technology needs of the organic
industry and community. The site is focused on general organic
agriculture, dairy production and vegetable production. We
expect to continually expand the information available."
Organic farming systems use ecological practices that enhance
and promote optimum health of soil, plants, animals and people,
encourage biodiversity, rely primarily on natural inputs and
largely exclude the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
The new eOrganic site features:
- Frequently Asked
Questions: Organic agriculture experts from throughout the
nation provide simple, clear answers on topics such as crop
production, pest management, nutrient use, soil amendments
and organic certification.
- News and Upcoming Events:
Organic agriculture continues to gain prominence in the
news. eXtension eOrganic brings together news from
land-grant universities. National, statewide and local
organic events are listed.
- Ask an Expert: Experts
nationwide respond to individual organic agriculture
questions within 24 hours of submission.
- Video Clips: More than 100
video clips explain organic agriculture practices.
- Articles and Lessons:
Learn about organic agriculture, successful varieties,
production system practices, government rules and
regulations from more than 150 articles. Extension organic
agriculture specialists from across the nation compiled the
content that goes through a review before it's released.
Experts from Clemson University, Ohio State University,
Oregon State University, Penn State University, University
of Florida, University of Illinois, University of Minnesota
and University of Vermont worked on the new site. Staff from
USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension
Service also contributed.
"All across America, farmers and
ranchers are seeking practices that enhance the long-term
ecological, social and economic sustainability of agriculture,"
said Danielle Treadwell, Organic and Sustainable Vegetable
Specialist, University of Florida. "The Web content in the
Organic Agriculture Resource Area offers a wealth of innovative
strategies from the nation´s most successful organic researchers
and practitioners that can improve the bottom line. We believe
this work will inspire others to make positive changes to
improve the health of our natural resources, each other, and our
planet."
The eOrganic site joins other eXtension sites at
http://www.eXtension.org
including information on the financial crisis; animal manure
management; beef cattle; corn and soybean production; cotton
production; dairy cattle; disasters; diversity across higher
education; entrepreneurs and their communities; family
caregiving; geospatial technology; horses; horticulture;
imported fire ants; parenting; personal finance; science,
engineering and technology for youth; and wildlife damage
management.
eXtension is an educational partnership of more than 70 land
grant universities helping Americans improve their lives with
access to timely, objective, research-based information and
educational opportunities. eXtension's interactive Web site,
http://www.extension.org,
is customized with links to local Cooperative Extension Web
sites. Land-grant universities were founded on the ideals that
higher education should be accessible to all, that universities
should teach liberal and practical subjects and share knowledge
with people throughout their states.
K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas
State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative
Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute
useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by
county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county
Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and
regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the
K-State campus, Manhattan. |
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