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The Latest Issue of Organic Matters is Available Now



Check out the great articles in this issue:

Growing Hemp: A Good Fit for Organic Crop Rotations, page 2
Hemp Permitting: What You Need to Know Before You Start to Grow, page 3
Planning & Refining Rotational Grazing Systems, page 4
PCO Meets with Policy Makers on Capitol Hill to Advance Organic Agriculture Initiatives, page 6
Spring 2019 National Organic Standards Board Meeting, pgae 8
Governor Wolf's Vision for Longtime Prosperity for PA Ag Comes to Fruition, page 10

Would you like to receive a paper copy of Organic Matters delivered directly to your mailbox? Sign up to become a PCO member today and enjoy this great benefit, among many other. 
Cover Crop Incentive Program Survey – make your voice heard!
 
Cornell University, with support from Sustainable, Agriculture, Research, and Education (SARE), is conducting a survey for all fruit, vegetable, field crop, grain, and mixed crop-livestock producers in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Vermont to identify the biggest challenges that farmers face, as well as the best solutions in regards to cover crop incentive programs. You do not need to have experience with cover crops to participate.
 
Cornell's goal is to understand what the most important factors are for farm owners and managers when deciding whether or not to use incentive programs. Notably, the survey also provides an opportunity to share your experience managing issues related to cover crops and incentive program requirements.

 
Key findings from the survey will be published and communicated to grower organizations and other farmer advocates so that recommendations, actions, and outcomes reflect what you identify as being most helpful for your operation. Whether your farm is small or large, organic or conventional – your responses to this survey can be a powerful tool for change.
 
 

PCO is Hiring- Join Our Team!
 
Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO), Spring Mills, PA, is a nonprofit, USDA-accredited, organic certifying agency that educates and certifies growers, processors and handlers of organic crops, wild crops, livestock and livestock products. Founded in 1997, PCO has ensured the integrity of organic products and provided education, inspection, and certification services that meet the needs of its more than 1600 members. PCO has grown to be one of the top five certification agencies in the U.S. with an incredibly talented and dedicated team of 60. PCO is in the unique situation as a nonprofit that generates the vast majority of its revenue from a fee for service which allows for opportunities for future development of innovative services. 

Executive Director Opening
Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO), is seeking an Executive Director to further its mission to “Ensure the Integrity of Organic Products and Serve our Farming Community” and to empower staff, clients and the organization to realize their fullest potential. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for the industry and a vision for its future. A demonstrated track record of excellent communication skills and the ability to build, cultivate and steward relationships in a variety of settings are essential to the role. 
 
Essential Requirements:
 
Experience in and a working knowledge of organic agriculture
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is needed
Demonstrated track record of successful team leadership experience
Proficiency with technology
 
Desired Experience:
 
Working with a mission-driven organization 
Participating in a compliance driven, highly regulated industry
Collaborating with a Board of Directors
A demonstrated history of community involvement
 
If you are passionate about organic farming and want to lead a highly dedicated team in growing the organization & impacting the organic farming community, this opportunity may be right for you! 
 
Please forward resume and cover letter to our consultants: www.NorthGroupConsultants.com/jobs  
 

E-news Sponsor Opportunities!

We can feature your full color 600 x 600 pixel display ad here with a live link to your website. Spread the word about your business while supporting PCO! To advertise/sponsor, contact april@paorganic.org or visit the advertising page of our website.



Events


August 7, 9am-1pm

Soil Health Field Day

Stroud Preserve

West Chester, PA


August 13, 5:30-8pm

Packhouse Design & Post-Harvest Handling

PCO-Certified Blackberry Meadows Farm

Natrona Heights, PA


August 14, 3-5:30pm

Raising Organic Pastured Poultry

PCO-Certified Carversville Farm Foundation

Mechanicsville, PA

 

September 7, 6-9pm

Organic Pioneer Awards

Rodale Institute

Kutztown, PA

Rodaleinstitute.org

 

September 11, 3-5:30pm

Introduction to CBD Hemp Production

Wild Fox Farm & Provisions

Barto, PA

 

September 19, 10am-3pm

Regenerative Grazing From the Ground Up

PCO-Certified Spring Creek Farm

Wernersville, PA

 

September 28, 9am-noon

7th Annual Dairy Dash

Lambs Creek Recreation Area

Mansfield, PA

 
 
For a full listing of events, visit the PCO online calendar.

Classifieds

CROPS
PCO-certified organic baleage. Individually wrapped. 4 x 4 mixed hay. First cutting, $45/bale. Dry first cutting, $25/bale. Jim Hepp. 570-746-1651. Bradford County.
 
EQUIPMENT
 
-13 Foot S-tine harrow like-new condition. Excellent for seed prep.  $3,000.00. 
-642 Ford Combine “Claas” 14-foot grain head, 4 row corn head. 2,000 hours- excellent condition. 
-1710 John Deer 11 shank chisel plow, excellent condition. Please contact Ron Gargasz (landline) 724-530-7220, (cell) 724-730-6488, or email at rgargaszfarms@gmail.com. Lawrence County.

SERVICES
 
Ag plastic recycling — I can use black and white bunker covers, bale wrap, plastic twine, clear stretch film, greenhouse covers, flats, and pots. Call for details. 717-658-9660. Franklin County, PA.

OPPORTUNITIES

Farm Manager/Herdsman. Beef cattle operation, long-time PCO members, equipment operation, hay fields certified, recordkeeping, SW PA, send resume to srce5@aol.com, 724-250-8267. Contact Arthur Keys, Keystone Farm. Washington County.
 

To see the complete classifieds listings or to post an ad, click here

 


Member News

A Warm Welcome to Our July New Members
 
Newly Certified
Pete & Gerry's Organics LLC (River Valley Farm)
Pleasant Pond Farm
Pocono Organics LLC
Randall Wenger
Robert Martin 3
Samuel Glick
Steve's Paleo Goods
Steven Glick
Sue Reisinger
Sunnyhill Farm
Tom Giovagnoli
Wendell Hursh
 
Grassfed
Ehstview Dairy
John P. Scanlon

Sustainer
Aurora Organic Dairy
John Fraser

Business
Mushroom Central Supply
 
PCO is planting the seeds for a brighter food future.
Become a member today.
 

 
Copyright © *2019* *E-News:PCO*, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
106 School Street, Suite 201  
Spring Mills, PA 16875  
814-422-0251
www.paorganic.org
newsletter@paorganic.org
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PCO · 106 School Street, Suite 201 · Spring Mills, PA 16875 · USA

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