ORGANIC FARMING COMBATS GLOBAL WARMING...BIG TIME
From The New Farm®, www.newfarm.org
Data from The Rodale Institute® confirms that organic methods are far more effective at removing carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere and fixing it as beneficial organic matter in the soil. The Rodale Institute announces a partnership with Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Agriculture to explore ways these findings can benefit farmers and the environment. One possibility: carbon credits could be in your agricultural future.
http://www.newfarm.org/depts/NFfield_trials/1003/carbonsequest.shtml

FULL TEXT OF THIS ARTICLE AVAILABLE FOR REPRINT HERE

WHY WE CERTIFY. A MUST-READ FOR ANYONE WHO CARES ABOUT THE FUTURE OF ORGANIC
From The New Farm®, www.newfarm.org
There's an emerging level of "sneaking non-compliance" with organic rules. There's resistance and frustration with niggling NOP rules. Lots of farmers are asking "Why bother with certification?" Mary-Howell Martens offers a passionate and thoughtful response to that tough question.
http://www.newfarm.org/columns/Martens/1003/index.shtml

GRAINS

OHIO GRAIN FARMER REPLACES INPUTS WITH SWEAT
From The New Farm®, www.newfarm.org
Dean McIlvaine likes it that way, and he’s a lot better off financially, too. It took a while for Dean's diversified 830-acre organic grain farm to get in a groove, but now he’s cookin’: rich soils, resilience in bad weather years, organic premiums, a better bottom line... and the priceless pleasure of more time in the fields.
http://www.newfarm.org/features/1003/ohio farmer/index.shtml

FLOWERS

LILIES MAKE EVERYONE SMILE
From The New Farm®, www.newfarm.org
Pennsylvania grower Paul Shumaker finds a fragrant niche in cut lilies-- and more. After 18 years cultivating Never Should Have Started Farm, Paul has his own potting mix, an intuitive sense of a flower’s needs and most importantly, a flawless reputation. Make no mistake, growing lilies isn’t a once-and-done easy job. Bulbs can be expensive, too. Paul imparts some wisdom and tells you how he inspires gasps of appreciation from customers.
http://www.newfarm.org/columns/cut_flowers/oct_2003/lillies.shtml