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title: Help Shape Wisconsin's First Organic Strategy
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| View in browser 🖇️Cliffhanger Alert! This Newsletter May Be Clipped! Click “View Entire Message” at the bottom of this email to read the entire email. Register for the Wisconsin Statewide Organic Strategy Summit  @ The Food and Farm Exploration Center Help shape Wisconsin’s first statewide organic strategy—join a call and complete a survey to share your priorities and ideas Help shape the strategy by joining a themed call and completing an online survey. We welcome your input, and there’s still time to register to attend the summit in person. We appreciate your participation! Wednesday, October 28, 2026 9:00–10:30 AM CDT Organic Grains & Oilseeds Farmers Zoom Add to Google Organic Grains & Oil Seeds Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Wednesday, October 28, 2026 2:30–4:00 PM CDT Organic Vegetable Farmers Zoom Add to Google Organic Vegetable Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Wednesday, October 28, 2026 4:00-5:00 PM CDT Organic Researchers Zoom Add to Google Organic Researchers Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Thursday, October 29, 2026 10:00–11:30 AM CDT Organic Manufacturers & Handlers Zoom Add to Google Organic Manufacturers & Handlers Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Thursday, October 29, 2026 1:00–2:30 PM CDT Organic Grains & Oilseeds Zoom Add to Google Organic Grains & Oil Seeds Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Friday, October 30, 2026 9:00–10:00 AM CDT Organic Health, Beauty & Cosmetics Zoom Add to Google Health, Beauty & Cosmetics Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Friday, October 30, 2026 11:00 AM-12:00 PM CDT Organic Agriculture and OMRI-Listed Inputs Zoom Add to Google Organic Input Suppliers Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Friday, October 30, 2026 1:30-2:30 PM CDT Organic Eggs Join Zoom Add to Google Calendar Organic Eggs Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Monday, November 2, 2026 8–9:00 AM CDT Organic Mushrooms Zoom Add to Google Organic Mushrooms Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Monday, November 2, 2026 9:00–10:00 AM CDT Organic Financing Zoom Add to Google Organic Financing Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Monday, November 2, 2026 12-1:00 PM CDT Organic Policy & Advocacy Priorities Zoom Add to Google Organic Policy Priorities Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Monday, November 2, 2026 2-3 PM Organic Certification & Transitioning Farmers Zoom Add to Google Calendar Organic Certifier Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Monday, November 2, 2026 4:00-5:00 PM Organic Livestock & Poultry Survey Zoom Add to Google Organic Livestock & Poultry Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Wednesday, November 4, 2026 10-11 AM CDT Organic Policy & Advocacy Priorities Zoom Add to Google Organic Policy Priorities Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Wednesday, November 4, 2026 12-1 PM CDT Organic-Friendly Retailers Zoom Add to Google Organic-Friendly Retailer Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Wednesday, November 4, 2026 2:00–3:30 PM CST Organic Manufacturers & Handlers Zoom Add to Google Organic Manufacturers & Handlers Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Thursday, November 5, 2026 9:00–10:00 AM CDT Organic Financing Zoom Add to Google Organic Financing Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Thursday, November 5, 2026 11:00AM-12:00 PM CDT Organic Conservation Zoom Link Google Calendar Organic Conservation Priorities Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Thursday, November 5, 2026 1:00-2:o0 PM CDT Organic Eggs Zoom Add to Google Calendar Organic Eggs Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Friday, November 6, 2026 8:00–9:30 AM CDT Organic Fruit Growers Zoom Add to Google Organic Fruit Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Monday, November 9, 2026 10:00-11:00 AM CDT Organic Mushrooms Zoom Add to Google Organic Mushrooms Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Monday, November 9, 2026 12-1 PM CDT Organic Certification & Transitioning Farmers Zoom Add to Google Calendar Organic Certifier Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Monday, November 9, 2026 4-5 PM CDT Organic Agriculture and OMRI-Listed Inputs Zoom Add to Google Organic Input Suppliers Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ November 10, 2026 12:00-1:00 PM CDT Organic Researchers Zoom Add to Google Organic Researchers Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Wednesday, November 11, 2026 12:00-1:00 PM CDT Organic Conservation Zoom Google Calendar Organic Conservation Priorities Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Wednesday, November 11, 2026 11:00 AM-Noon CDT Organic Livestock & Poultry Survey Zoom Add to Google Organic Livestock & Poultry Survey \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Wednesday, November 11, 2026 4:00-5:00 PM Organic-Friendly Retailers Zoom Add to Google Organic-Friendly Retailer Survey Wisconsin Organics Joins the Real Organic Project in Hudson, NY Executive Director Noreen Mucha and Board Member Chuck Benbrook attended the Real Organic Project’s “Saving Real Organic: In Defense of Science” conference at Churchtown Dairy in Hudson, New York. The gathering brought together farmers, scientists, and advocates to explore pesticides, corporate power, biodiversity, and the future of food. Chuck delivered a presentation responding to the conference’s central debate: whether feeding a growing population while protecting nature requires intensive industrial farming or a greater investment in organic and agroecological approaches. Welcome to our new intern Emmie Corbin! We are super excited to add Emmie Corbin to our team & growing organic movement in Wisconsin! Emmie is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in anthropology and environmental studies with certificates in public policy and science communication. She is involved with the student organization Catalysts for Science Policy (CaSP) and is a part of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies’ Community Environmental Scholars Program. Through her academic and extracurricular work,  she brings a diverse skillset in policy analysis and advocacy, constituent outreach, research, academic writing, data analysis, and administrative support.  Organic Trade Association Launches OrganicHandlers.org OrganicHandlers.org provides trusted information to support organic handlers and processors in their day-to-day operations and to plan their future. Initially funded by and built on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) standards and developed with content from Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) and its partners, the platform translates complex organic standards into clear and actionable information. OTA delivers this tool to the organic community to make organic compliance more accessible across the supply chain. NRCS Deadline Approaching The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers implement conservation practices that support soil health, protect natural resources, and build more resilient agricultural systems. Applications for fiscal year 2027 funding are open across the country, with a national deadline of December 18, 2026. However, individual states may set earlier deadlines, and some have passed or are approaching quickly. Funding opportunities are available through several programs, including: 🌿 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) 🌿 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) 🌿 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) 🌿 Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) 🌿 NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program (through EQIP and CSP) If you're interested in exploring these opportunities, reach out to your local NRCS office as soon as possible to learn about state-specific deadlines, eligibility, and application requirements.Find your local NRCS office: https://lnkd.in/gMAtTB2f Learn how to apply: https://lnkd.in/gTsZvWqx Natural Grocers comes to Appleton Natural Grocers celebrated the opening of its new Appleton store on September 30, 2026, marking its second Wisconsin location and expanding access to organic food in the Fox Valley. Located at 720 N. Casaloma Drive, the store offers 100% USDA-certified organic produce, natural groceries, supplements, and free nutrition education. Census and USDA to Release New Organic Data October 30, 2026  This data will provide national, regional and qualifying state-level data on organic acreage, production, sales and marketing practices, as collected through the 2025 Organic NASS Survey. Below is the new USDA data organizational chart. Kernel is a new five-year, nationwide mentorship program helping farmers, ranchers, and food handlers transition to organic production and achieve USDA organic certification. Launched October 1, 2026, by Arizona State University’s Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, it builds on the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) by connecting experienced organic producers with those seeking guidance. Participants receive one-on-one support tailored to their operations, while mentors are compensated for sharing their expertise. The program aims to expand domestic organic production and support the next generation of organic farmers. Organic & Food Safety Requirements: November 10, 9-4 PM Stevens Point, WI Wisconsin ag advisors — join us in Stevens Point on November 10. Meeting the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and USDA organic requirements at the same time is tough, and the two don't always agree. This free, hands-on workshop uses soil amendments to show where the frameworks overlap, where they clash, and how to guide growers through both. Agenda highlights: Produce safety on organic farms: the NOP and FSMA PSR Managing organic soil amendments while meeting food safety goals Local certification and food safety considerations Practices that support soil amendment use Speakers: Mallory Krieger (OATS), Donna Clements and Dr. Elizabeth A. Bihn (Produce Safety Alliance). Free, catered lunch, 9am–4pm. Register by Nov 2: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events/wisconsin-orei-workshop #WisconsinAgriculture #OrganicFarming #FoodSafety #FSMA #Extension See where your Congressional Candidates Stand on Pesticide Product Labeling, Support for Organic, and Protection from PFAs exposure U.S. Organic Agriculture: Market Growth, Production Trends, and Consumer Demand USDA’s Economic Research Service reports that U.S. organic food demand has grown substantially since the 1990s, with sales reaching an estimated $70.1 billion in 2025 and produce remaining the largest category. Despite long-term growth, certified organic acreage has declined in recent years, falling to approximately 7.2 million acres in 2025. Organic farms generally face higher production costs than conventional farms, but higher selling prices can help offset those costs, although wholesale premiums for some fruits and vegetables have narrowed. Organic purchasing spans diverse consumer groups, with mainstream retailers accounting for most sales and international trade playing an important role in meeting demand. Learn More Hidden in the Farm Bill A loophole buried in the Farm Bill would let new GMOs and engineered microbes dodge pesticide safety review entirely, and it’s still in the bill right now. The provision creates new federal definitions for “plant biostimulants” and “plant-incorporated protectants.” That second term is EPA’s own name for GMOs engineered to produce their own pesticides. Some biostimulants are low-risk, but the definition is loose enough to let gene-silencing RNAi sprays and genetically engineered microbes hide under that label. RNAi sprays silence genes with no guarantee the silencing stops at the intended pest, and engineered microbes, once released, can reproduce and spread on their own with no way to call them back. Congress has stripped related provisions before, and can do it again. The House passed its bill in April. The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its version in September, but the full Senate hasn’t voted, so the two chambers still have to reconcile their bills, likely after the November elections. Take Action NRCS Organic Management System Practice Code 823 Discontinued Code 823 was designed around the organic management system, rather than a single installation such as a fence or planting. USDA described it as providing conservation planning, technical support, and financial assistance for organic transition, potentially including compensation for foregone income during the transition period. NRCS support goes beyond 823 Organic and transitioning producers can seek NRCS assistance through broader programs, particularly EQIP and CSP. NRCS says organic producers are eligible for its programs and assistance, including the EQIP Organic Initiative; its Organic Initiative page says it can develop a conservation plan tailored to an organic operation or a transition to organic. The distinction matters: a producer might need help with soil health, nutrient management, pest management, grazing, or habitat whether or not an 823 contract is available. NRCS has other conservation practices relevant to those needs; for example, its 2026 proposed revision to Pest Management Conservation System, Code 595, explicitly added criteria for USDA organic operations. Eligibility, available practices, ranking, and payments still need to be checked with the state NRCS office for the particular application period. Diversified Organic Systems Substantially Reduce Nitrogen Pollution in Groundwater A recent study by USDA-ARS and Iowa State University, shows that a diversified organic rotation reduced tile drainage nitrogen loads by 50%, compared to conventional systems. Perennial pasture reduced nitrogen loads by 93%. This research provides strong evidence that organic farming systems with diverse rotations can substantially reduce nitrogen pollution in groundwater and still maintain food production. Read the Research Antigo's Organic IGL Farms in the News 3 Regulatory Items to Watch Twice a year, USDA previews its regulatory priorities in the Unified Agenda — and the latest edition has three items worth the organic community’s attention: a proposed rule on inert ingredients in pesticides for organic production, an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on compost production for organic agriculture, and a long-term action to rescind the National Organic Program's standards for mushrooms and pet food. Learn More Wisconsin Organics, Southeastern, Wisconsin, WI 53188, United States Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
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