According to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of NY (NOFA-NY), organic farming "seeks to maintain and improve the productivity of the land by encouraging and enhancing natural biological processes. Organic farmers nurture healthy plants by working to create a foundation of healthy soil. Great attention is paid to nurturing the soil with composts, cover crops, rock minerals and natural fertilizers. Plant disease and pests are controlled through the use of crop rotations, resistant varieties, cultivation, biological pest controls and botanical controls. The use of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides are prohibited in certified organic production."

The number of organic farmers in NYS continues to rise, driven in part by the increasing demand from consumers for produce that is free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture program has been working with organic farmers to determine their needs and offer alternatives to conventional production methods.




More Organic Content

Farm Financial Education for Women - Annies Project

November 12 - January 14, 2019
9:00am to 2:00pm
Kingston, NY

This 4-part series is designed for women who are farm owners or farm managers, or who anticipate moving into a decision-making position on a farm.  The program runs from November through January.

Certificates will be awarded from Annie's Project to those who complete all sessions and who have applied to have the program qualify for FSA borrower training.

Reduced Tillage on Muck Soils: Results and Farmer Discussion from 2018 Trials

December 13, 2018
10:15am-12:00pm
Pine Island, NY

Join Ethan Grundberg and Chuck Bornt of CCE ENYCHP on Thursday, December 13th for a review and discussion of the 2018 reduced tillage trials on muck soils. They will cover cover crops used, equipment, cultural practices and the goals and results of the trials. 

The Heirloom Orchard: A Three-Day Series on Estate Orchard Management

December 15, 2018
5:00PM-8:00PM
Highland, NY

Join Peter Jentsch & Dr. Srdan Acimovic, homeowners and management professionals for a three-week series, each evening discussion and workshop focusing on 3 hours devoted to establishing
and maintaining new or existing estate orchards using 3 with apple and cider tastings, hands-on experience in our research orchards. Dec 8th, 15th, 22nd.

ENYCHP Fruit and Vegetable Conference Feb 19-22

Join us for the 2nd Annual Eastern NY Fruit and Vegetable Conference! This year we will be expanding our conference to include a third day and many exciting new sessions. Speakers, topic details, and registration information will be available soon. Mark your calendars, and don't miss this great line-up!

Resources from CCE ENYCHP!

We are developing new ways to connect with the CCE ENYCHP team this year! We have a Youtube page located at this link. Check out videos on Table Grape Production, Pest Updates and the 20 Minute Ag Manager - in 4 Minutes series. 
The text alerts will be reserved for important crop alerts that could impact management decisions immediately. For instance, if there were an outbreak of Late Blight in the area, this would be transmitted to vegetable growers.

Farmers can choose the crop for which they wish to receive updates. Additionally they can request that Ag Business Alerts be sent to them. These alerts might include due dates for crop insurance deadlines, market opportunities etc.

Text alerts are easy to access. Just click on the link below and fill out a very short registration form. It takes just seconds to do - access to important information has never been so easy!!