New Organic Knowledge — the Impact and Future of Organic Research
Molly Jahn, Dean, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tim LaSalle, Chief Executive Officer, Rodale Institute
Jessica Lundberg, Chairwoman, Lundberg Family Farms

While many view organic farming as simply reclaiming old knowledge, the reality is that growers must constantly integrate new understanding of soil ecology and agro-ecosystem dynamics into the management of their operations in order to succeed in the marketplace and be good stewards of their land. Organic researchers have to carve out program space for systems-level thinking at universities and USDA agencies amid continuing institutional skepticism, persistent reductionism and severely restricted funding. Meanwhile, growing organic companies are expanding their own internal research programs, from basic growing techniques to proprietary breeding.

This session will address the trends in public and private research investment, the flow of proprietary and nonproprietary information among the organic production, research and extension communities, and how that knowledge impacts the growth of organic, stability of supply and influences state and nation farm policy.