Farm Commons Webinars on May 14 and 15 on Launching a CSA and Home Delivery of Farm Goods
Many farms are considering launching CSAs or home delivery, and Farm Commons, which is an organization devoted to farm law, is offering 2 webinars on these topics this week. The first webinar is on legal issues related to starting a CSA, such as insurance and liability, zoning and sales, taught by an experienced CSA farmer. The second webinar is about legal issues related to home delivery of farm goods, whether you are delivering your own produce or working with others. Click on the links below to find out more information and register in advance.
- May 14: Launching a CSA during COVID-19: The law on your side: Register here
- May 15: Adding home delivery of your farm goods, without adding legal risks: Register here
Oregon Tilth Webinar May 14th: Organic Supply Chain Labor Issues and COVID-19
Labor is one of the key inputs for the entire organic supply chain, beginning with the workers in the fields, continuing through packing, processing, distribution and retail. Given the current operating reality of COVID-19, learn how industry leaders are pivoting to practices that protect their work forces and ensure a safe, available food supply. We’ll also hear about labor availability, and receive an update on the processing of H2A visas. Find out more and register here.
Oregon Tilth recently presented more webinars related to COVID-19 concerns which were recorded:
- Oregon Tilth Webinar Recording on Online Sales Platforms for Farmers
- Using Lean Tools in Food Businesses during COVID-19
Helpful Resources for Farmers during COVID 19
Many organizations have compiled excellent collections of resources for farmers during COVID 19, including websites, recorded videos, and webinars. Here are some that we have found to be particularly useful on everything from food safety, legal issues, alternative marketing to finding financial assistance.
- NCAT ATTRA COVID Response
- CCOF Crisis Resilience Resources
- MOSES Organic Farm Podcast and COVID-19 Resources
- Oregon Tilth COVID-19 Support Resources
- North Carolina State University Extension COVID-19 Food Safety Resources
- Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network: Alabama Small Farms Resources During COVID-19
- Organic Farmers Association COVID-19 Resources for Farmers
Video Creation Resources for Agricultural Educators during COVID-19
Many educators have had to suddenly switch to online teaching or need to conduct virtual events such field days. Eric Brennan of the USDA ARS has been making educational and engaging videos for many years. Some of his more recent ones discuss topics such as cover crops and intercropping. Now he has now created several videos that demonstrate how scientists and teachers can use his simple methods and equipment to create their own videos. While Eric uses the Camtasia video editing program, his principles can be applied to whatever program you have.
- A Novel DIY Video Making Method for Busy Teachers, Professors & Scientists
- Using Camtasia to make Visually-Interesting, Engaging, Educational Videos during COVID-19 & beyond
Social Media Toolbox Workbook
This workbook, created by University of Arkansas Extension is a step-by-step guide for farmers interested in expanding their social media presence, with many time-saving tips on how to do this efficiently. The workbook is designed for all skill levels, to help make the most of social media marketing, without making the task too difficult, and in turn offers farm benefits through sales, interest, new and repeat customers. Download the free Social Media Toolbox here.
Western SARE COVID-19 Survey Report
Western SARE conducted a survey of its state coordinators and grant recipients to find out the effects of COVID-19 on food production and distribution in the Western Region and how communities are adjusting to new conditions and regulations. Find the report summary with a link to the full report here.
Barley Zine!
Finally, something not related to COVID-19! This new barley zine was edited and illustrated by Katie Gourley, in collaboration with members of barley research projects based at Oregon State University: Barley World and Multi-Use Naked Barley for Organic Systems. This spring 2020 edition contains a wealth of barley information and inspiration, including history, definitions of barley-related terms, and recipes for creating your own grain salad as well as breads, crackers desserts and beverages using barley! You can download the free zine and many other barley recipes and resources at http://www.eorganic.info/node/23566
Proceedings and Recordings from the 2020 Organic Agriculture Research Forum
The Organic Agriculture Research Forum at the SSAWG conference took place in late January. Funded by NIFA OREI, the conference was organized by the Organic Farming Research Foundation and Tuskegee University and featured many presentations on organic research. Topics included quinoa greens, participatory plant breeding, and presentations from another NIFA OREI project on strengthening organic farming in the southeast--and more! Read more details about these project by downloading the proceedings from the conference which are available along with archived recordings here.
May 27th eOrganic Webinar on Dairy Fats in Organic Milk
We've had to postpone this webinar twice, but it's been rescheduled for May 27th! Join us as Jana Kraft and Allison Unger of the University of Vermont discuss the fatty acids in dairy milk and their potential health benefits. The webinar takes place on May 27th, 2020 at 2PM Eastern Time, 1PM Central, 12PM Mountain, 11AM Pacific Time. It's free and open to the public, and advance registration is required. Register now at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P_IjX5feRx-OQfM4DfRTjw
eOrganic Resources
Find all eOrganic articles, videos and webinars on our new website at http://eorganic.org
Connect with eOrganic on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
Have a question about organic farming? Use the eXtension Ask an Expert service to connect with the eOrganic community to get an answer!
