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About OTFA | OTFA Programs | OTFA Memberships | OTFA History | OTFA Board
Welcome to the Organic Tree Fruit Association Web Page. OTFA is a new non-profit membership organization. Our purpose is intended to give forward thinking organic tree fruit growers an organization to sponsor events, represent the organic tree fruit industry, and influence organic policies and public perception of fruit production. Our goal is to create an organization that is governed by its paid members and representative of the organic tree fruit industry.
One of the goals of OTFA is to provide a communication network for organic tree fruit growers of all sizes. OTFA will sponsor the Organic Tree Fruit Network. The Network website, listserve, and E-newsletters will be offered as a free service to anyone interested in growing tree fruit organically.
We are in the process of developing our bylaws and policies. Anyone interested in becoming a member will be able to participate in the process of forming and shaping this new non-profit membership organization. We welcome your participation.
Background information and current activities of the Organization are available on this page, along with a membership invitation letter and application form. Read our information and then make your decision about becoming a paid member. I hope you find the information on the Network site of value and I invite you to become a member of OTFA.
Thank you:
Harry Hoch, acting chair of OTFA
About OTFA
Organic tree fruit growers provide local
markets with delicious, nutritious apples,
plums, pears, cherries and apricots.
Demand for these high-quality
products is on the rise!
Learn how to increase production, integrate
organic practices, manage disease and pest
problems, find new markets or start your
own orchard. Share your knowledge and
experiences with others.
OTFA is a non-profit membership organization
dedicated to serving the interests of
organic tree fruit growers and
advancing the organic tree fruit
industry through education, research and advocacy.
OTFA Programs
EDUCATION
As an OTFA member, you will have the opportunity
to learn from experienced tree fruit growers and
agricultural professionals, access current research,
find resources and network with other growers.
SEMINARS Intensive full-day courses provide indepth
information on wide range of production
and management issues.
FIELD DAYS See for yourself how successful
orchards throughout region utilize organic
management.
"JUST PICKED" This quarterly newsletter features
grower profiles, event listings, latest research
and production-oriented information.
OTFA WEBSITE Stay connected, participate in "the
grower hour," research specific production
problems and find resources.
FACT SHEETS Comprehensive, concise information
on organic production, management and
certification issues.
RESEARCH
OTFA has initiated the Organic Tree Fruit Research Program to address challenges of managing orchard
diseases and pests organically in humid regions of
the U.S. The program will facilitate research
appropriate to these regions by identifying and
cataloging potential:
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on-farm tree fruit research sites
- tree fruit research programs
- scientists interested in organic research
- specific projects that would benefit from
collaborative, multi-state testing.
Become an OTFA member and be at the cutting
edge of solving disease and pest management
problems in organic tree fruit production.
ADVOCACY
OTFA members have a professional organization
capable of representing their interests in political
discussions about the policies and programs that
affect small growers most, such as:
National Organic Program (NOP)
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
Have a voice through OTFA!
OTFA Memberships
BECOME AN OTFA MEMBER TODAY!
You don't need to be a grower to join.
If you want to learn more about organic tree
fruit issues or would simply like to support
organic tree fruit growers, please join OTFA
as an Active Non-Grower Member or as an
Associate Member.
Please note: Active Grower and Active Non-
Grower Memberships include full voting
rights within the organization. Associate
Membership does not include voting rights.
All Membership levels receive a $10.00
discount at OTFA events.
Download a basic membership form.
Download the full member brochure.
OTFA History
Articles of Incorporation
Bylaws Final
Research Collaborative
Revised Budget/Work Plan
Meeting Minutes:
Email Votes:
OTFA Board
Jackie Hoch, President -
Hoch Orchards and Gardens, La Crescent, MN
Tom Rosenfeld, Secretary - Earth
First Farms, Berrein Center, MI
Greg Mund, Treasurer - Mund Farm, Montague, MI
Jim Lindemann - Gardens of Goodness, LLC, McFarland, WI
Tom Galazen - North Wind Organic Farm, Bayfield, WI
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