 |
 |
*Upcoming Webinars from e-Organic * 1.* A Look at the Newly Release Organic Pasture Rule by Kerry Smith, USDA* *When: *March 17, 2010 at 5PM Eastern Time *Why:* On February 12, 2010, the USDA announced details of the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations. This rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations to clarify livestock feed and living conditions provisions and specify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants. The final rule is the culmination of a process that was initiated in 2005 when the National Organic Standards Board recommended that ruminants obtain a minimum 30 percent dry matter intake for at least 120 days. The final rule becomes effective on June 17, 2010 (120 days after its publication). In this webinar, Dr. Kerry Smith, USDA AMS National Organic Program, will give an overview of the main components of the Pasture Rule. The webinar will end with instructions for submitting any comments viewers may have on the new Rule to the NOP, as well as taking suggestions for further webinars on this topic. *How:* Register online at *http://www.extension.org/article/26133* or visit *www.michiganorganic.msu.edu* events tab. 2. *Planning Your Organic Farm for Profit, by Richard Wiswall, Cate Farm* *When: *March 23, 2010 at 2PM Eastern Time This webinar focuses on a step by step guide to achieving a healthy bottom line, assessing markets and developing a production plant, a roadmap of how to grow what you plan to sell. * How:* Register online at *http://www.extension.org/article/26410* or visit * www.michiganorganic.msu.edu* events tab. 3. *The New Agriculture Network and Farmer Participatory Extension*, by Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, Liz Maynard, Dale Mutch, and Dave Campbell *When:* April 6, 2010 at 12PM Eastern Time *Why:* The information should be of interest to organic and land grant community leaders looking for ways to develop multi-state efforts that promote communication among these groups. New Ag Network coordinators will discuss the evolution of this network for farmers, researchers and educators in the Great Lakes Region. * How:* Register online at *http://www.extension.org/article/26432* or visit * www.michiganorganic.msu.edu* events tab. If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html