Resource Groups:
A large number of organizations provide information and other resources to organic farmers in the Upper Midwest. This section is organized into four categories:Regional Organizations, National/ InternationalOrganizations, University Programs, and State and Government Agencies. Organizations are listed alphabetically within each category.

Regional Organizations

Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI)
PO Box 599
Crookston, MN 56716
(800) 279-5010 (218) 281-7600
www.auri.org
AURI provides assistance with new product development and market evaluation for organic products in Minnesota.

CSA Learning Center at Angelic Organics
1547 Rockton Rd
Caledonia, IL 61011
815/389-8455
Fax: 425/969-0317
learn@CSALearningCenter.org
www.CSALearningCenter.org
An organization that works on education, food security, and farmer training programs.

Family Farm Defenders
PO Box 1772
Madison, WI 53701
608-260-0900 608-260-0900
familyfarmdefenders@yahoo.com
www.familyfarmdefenders.org
Grassroots organization supporting family farmers, rural justice, workers rights, consumer safety and food sovereignty.

Food Alliance Midwest
400 Selby Avenue, Suite Y
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 265-3682
Fax: (651) 228-1184
bob@foodalliance.org
www.foodalliance.org
Certifier of environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible agricultural practices. Connecting consumers with ranchers,and building demand for healthy, sustainably grown foods. A regional affiliate which certifies farms throughout the Midwest and administers a market development and public education campaign.

Foundation for Agricultural & Rural Resources Management & Sustainability FARRMS
301 5th Ave SE
Medina, ND 58467
701/486-3569 fax: 701/486-3580
info@farrms.org
www.farrms.org
FARRMS is a non-profit organization providing organic production and processing courses, loans transitional farmers and other programming, which supports sustainable and rural communities.

Grassworks, Inc.
Paul Nehring, Coordinator
210 River Drive
Wausau, WI 54403
(715) 261-6009
Fax: (715) 261-6016
pmnehring@mail.co.marathon.wi.us
An association to facilitate the exchange of information among grass-based farmers. Grassworks promotes managed grazing by organizing an annual conference and providing education, information and on-farm research.

Healthy Farmers Healthy Profits Project
460 Henry Hall
Madison, WI 53406
608/262-1054
mgmiquelon@wisc.edu
http://bse.wisc.edu/hfhp
Provides free literature on work efficiency tools and methods; tools on display.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance
PO Box 648
Rochester, IL 62563
217/498-9707 Fax: 217-498-9235
www.illinoisstewardshipalliance.org
Citizen organization that promotes a safe and nutritious food supply, family farming, and healthy rural communities by advocating socially just and ecologically sustainable production practices.

Illinois Sustainable Agriculture Society
Rt. 3 Box 253
Mt. Sterling, IL 62353
217/773-3869
ecoag88@yahoo.com
A group of farmers and others dedicated to conservation and profitability on agricultural lands.

Iowa Network for Community Agriculture (INCA)
Kevin Jensen, Information Coordinator
88 Lake View Place
Ames, IA 50010
515/450-0092
info@growinca.org
A grassroots, volunteer organization promoting local food in Iowa through community-based partnerships, new grower support, and local food education. INCA sponsors a quarterly newsletter, a listserv, summer field day, and an annual conference.

Land Connection, The
1227 Dodge Avenue, Suite 200
Evanston, IL 60202
info@thelandconnection.org
www.thelandconnection.org
Based in both Chicagoland and Central Illinois farm country, The Land Connection works to ensure successful farmers, healthy farmland, and an abundance of delicious local and organic food by training beginning farmers and facilitating smart, sustainable, pro-farmer farmland transitions.

Land Stewardship Project
2200 Fourth St.
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
(847) 570-0701 Fax: (847) 570-0711
www.landstewardshipproject.org
Nonprofit membership organization promotes farmland stewardship and sustainable agriculture. Newsletter, workshops, videos.

Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition
(MACSAC)
PO Box 7814
Madison, WI 53707
608/226-0300
info@macsac.org
www.macsac.org
Support and outreach organization for CSA farms in south-central and southwest WI. Publishes and sells a cookbook, which promotes local, seasonal eating and includes over 300 original recipes for 53 vegetables and herbs.

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
W2493 County Road ES
PO Box 990
East Troy, WI 53120
262/642-3303 Fax: 262/642-4028
mfai@michaelfieldsaginst.org
www.michaelfieldsaginst.org
A public nonprofit education and research organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the culture of agriculture. Projects include: agricultural research and education in sustainable, organic and integrated farming systems; student training; grassroots public policy support for sustainable agriculture; and sustainable food systems development.

Michigan Agricultural Stewardship Association
Chuck Cornillie
12947 Byron Road
Byron, MI 48418
517/546-8747
cornilllie86@yahoo.com
MASA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping farmers implement sustainable farming practices.

Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS)
1405 S. Harrison Rd., Suite 115
East Lansing, MI 48823
517/432-0712 Fax: 517/353-7961
miffs@msu.edu
www.miffs.org
MIFFS is a network of individuals and organizations working to create and support healthier food and farming systems in Michigan.

Michigan Land Use Institute
205 S. Benzie Blvd., PO Box 500
Beulah, MI 49617
231/882-4723
Fax: 231/882-7550
webinfo@mlui.org
www.mlui.org
The Institute focuses its work on land stewardship, energy development, resource protection, agriculture, transportation, and environmental and economic policy.

Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance (MOFFA)
Pat Whetham, 2003 Chair
PO Box 626
Gaylord, MI 49734
810/659-8414
www.moffa.org
pwhetham@aol.com
A 200+ member nonprofit organization promoting local, organic food systems in Michigan.

Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES)
PO Box 339
Spring Valley, WI 54767
715/772-3153 Fax: 715/772-3162
info@mosesorganic.org
www.mosesorganic.org
A farmer-run nonprofit educational outreach organization dedicated to organic farming. Organizes Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference (UMOFC). Sells books and signs. Provides resources for organic production, transition and offers certification workshops. Farmer Hotline available to address issues regarding transitioning to organic production. MOSES is the publisher of this directory.

Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (MSAWG)
Margaret Huelsman
4645 N Illinois St
Indianapolis, IN 46208
(317) 536-2315
Fax: (317) 536-1856
mhuelsman@msawg.org
www.msawg.org
Organized to promote a system of agriculture that is economically profitable, environmentally sound, family-farm based, and socially just. Members are based in one of the north-central states or are wth national organizations with a strong Midwest presence.

Minnesota Food Association
14220 B Ostlund Trail N
Marine on St Croix, MN 55047
(651) 433-3676
Fax: (651) 433-5050
cmorton@mnfoodassociation.org
www.mnfoodassociation.org
Works to connect rural and urban citizens on issues of agriculture policy and environmentally sound food systems. Publishes a quarterly newsletter.

The Minnesota Project
1885 University Ave #315
St Paul, MN 55104
(651) 645-6159
mnproject@mnproject.org
www.mnproject.org
The MN Project connects people with policy to nurture collaborations to build strong local economies, vibrant communities and a healthy environment.

Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society
PO Box 194
LaMoure, ND 58458
701/883-4304
lnnpsas@drtel.net
www.npsas.org
Grassroots educational organization coordinates a network of growers in North and South Dakota. Emphasis on promoting organic production through farmer-to-farmer contacts. Winter conference and quarterly newsletter.

Practical Farmers of Iowa
PO Box 349
Ames, IA 50010-0349
515/232-5661 Fax: 515/232-5649
www.practicalfarmers.org
info@practicalfarmers.org
"Healthy food, diverse farms, vibrant communities." Sponsors on-farm research, educational programs, conference and quarterly newsletter about sustainable and organic agriculture.

Research, Education, Action and Policy (REAP) on Food Group
Miriam Grunes, Executive Director
PO Box 5632
Madison, WI 53705
info@reapfoodgroup.org
www.reapfoodgroup.org
A non-profit organization dedicated to building a regional food system that is healthful, just, and environmentally sustainable. REAP connects producers, consumers, policy-makers, educators, businesses and organizations to nourish the links between land and table.

Sustainable Farming Association (SFA) of Minnesota
Mary Jo Forbord, Executive Director
29721 302 St
Starbuck, MN 56381
320/239-4054
mforbord@sfa-mn.org
www.sfa-mn.org
A farmer-run organization that promotes economically viable and ecologically sound farming. Information is shared among farmers through local chapters. Visit SFA's website to find local chapters.

Tillers International
10515 East OP Ave.
Scotts, MI 49088
269/626-0223 800/498-2700
dyer@tillersinternational.org
tillers@tillersinternational.org
www.tillersinternational.org
Tillers International operates an educational farm in Michigan that offers internships and classes in farming with oxen and horses, blacksmithing, woodworking and others sustainable living skills.

Wisconsin Natural Foods Associates
910 W. Grand Ave.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
715/421-2061
info@wisconsinnaturalfoods.org
www.wisconsinnaturalfoods.org
Informs people of the relationship between soil conservation, clean air, pure water and human health.

Women, Food and Agriculture Network (WFAN)
59624 Chicago Road
Atlantic, IA 50022
712/243-3264
CoWfan@metc.net
A network of women joined "to link and amplify women's voices on issues of food systems, sustainable communities and environmental integrity."

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National/International Organizations

ATTRA The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
--a project of NCAT
P.O. Box 3657
Fayetteville, AR 72702
800/346-9140
georgek@ncat.org
www.attra.ncat.org
Provides free publications on specific organic and sustainable production methods, crops, marketing, and organizations. Also has educational programs, apprenticeship listings, and an extensive informational website. Technical specialists will prepare custom resource packets for subjects not currently in print. Created and managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).

American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA)
Karen Black, Executive Director
36475 Norton Creek Rd
Blodgett, OR 97326
(541) 453-4557
grit@apppa.org
www.apppa.org
Resources, information and networking for those interested in raising birds on pasture.

Center for Food Safety
Andrew Kimbrell
660 Pennsylvania Ave, SE Suite 302
Washington, DC 20003
202-547-9359 ext. 16 Fax: 202-547-9429
office@centerforfoodsafety.org
www.centerforfoodsafety.org
A national non-profit working to curb the proliferation of harmful food production technologies and promote sustainable alternatives.

The Cornucopia Institute
Mark Kastel
PO Box 126
Cornucopia, WI 54827
608/625-2042
Fax: 608/625-2943
kastel@cornucopia.org
www.cornucopia.org
The Cornucopia Institute is dedicated to the fight for economic justice for the family-scale farming community. Through research, advocacy, and economic development our goal is to empower farmers both politically and through marketplace initiatives.

GreenTrade
www.greentrade.net
Contact: Nadia Tarrieu
8 rue du Professor Roux
92370 Chaville
France
Tel: 33 1 47 50 02 73
Fax: 33 1 47 50 28 67
An international marketplace for the organic industry. Presented in English, French and Spanish, and with more than 3,500 companies referenced in its directory, www.greentrade.net provides offers to buy and sell certified organic products from all over the world. The site has information about regulations, organizations, organic markets and industry news.

Humane Society of the United States
Robert Hadad, Director of Farming Systems
Farm Animals and Sustainable Agriculture Section
700 Professional Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
301/258-3113
rhadad@hsus.org
www.hsus.org
HSUS works to protect animals from abuse and exploitation. The Farm Animals and Sustainable Agriculture Section educates about more humane, organic and sustainable food systems and promotes the protection of farm animals, the environment, family farmers and rural communities.

Independent Organic Inspectors Association
Margaret Scoles, Executive Director
PO Box 6
Broadus, MT 59317
406/436-2031
ioia@ioia.net
www.ioia.net
Trains certification inspectors for the organic industry. Training program includes curricula, accreditation and publications.

Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP)
2105 First Ave South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612/870-3400 Fax: 612/870-4846
iatp@iatp.org
www.iatp.org
A nonprofit organization which promotes rural communities and ecosystems around the world through research and education, science and technology, and advocacy.

International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM)
Head office: Oekozentrum Imsbach
66636 Tholey-Theley
Germany
Tel: +49-6853-919890
Fax: +49-6853-919899
HeadOffice@ifoam.org
www.ifoam.org
IFOAM represents the worldwide movement of organic agriculture and provides a platform for global exchange and cooperation. The Federation's main function is coordinating the network of the organic movements around the world. Major activities within IFOAM are carried out by IFOAM's World Board of Directors, various committees and task forces.

International Organic Accreditation Service
102 1/2 1st Ave. South
Jamestown, ND 58401
701/252-4070 fax 701/252-4124
info@ioas.org
www.ioas.org
An international nonprofit organization that accredits organic certification bodies worldwide. The 40 certification bodies in the global IOAS program include QAI, OCIA, FVO and CCOF.

LocalHarvest.org
221 21st Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831/475-8150 fax: 831/401-2418
info@localharvest.org
www.localharvest.org
A nationwide directory of small farms, farmers' markets, and other local food sources, helping consumers get fresh farm produce right near where they live.

National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture
PO Box 396
Pine Bush, NY 12566
845/361-5201 Fax: 845/361-5204
campaign@sustainableagriculture.net
www.sustainableagriculture.net
A network of diverse groups that seeks to shape national policies that will foster a sustainable food and agricultural system-one that is economically viable, environmentally sound, socially just, and humane.

National Association of State Organic Programs (NASOP)
c/o Seth Winterton, NASOP President
Washington State Department of Agriculture
(801) 538-7141
sethwinterton@utah.gov
NASOP provides any State or Commonwealth government official with resources regarding promotion or regulation of the production, processing, handling and certification of organic products and services. The Association assists with the administration of organic programs, facilitates communication among members' respective agencies and represents common interests to other national organizations and federal agencies.

New Farm, The Rodale Institute
611 Siegriedale Rd
Kutztown, PA 19530
610/683-1416
amanda.kimble-evans@rodaleinst.org
www.newfarm.org
NewFarm.org presents compelling success stories with expert resources for crop and livestock production, direct marketing, local food systems, policy campaigns and community-building collaborations.

Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (NODPA)
30 Keets Rd
Deerfield, MA 01342
A resource for organic dairy farmers, organic milk producers, and consumers interested in organic dairy farming and products.
www.organicmilk.org
info@organicmilk.org

Organic Ag Info
www.organicaginfo.org
The site provides current, accurate, scientifically-based or practically validated information about organic agriculture. Contains information on production, economic data, research results, farmer anecdotes, certification information, transition strategies, as well as many other subjects related to organic agriculture.

Organic Center, The
46 E Killingly Rd
Foster, RI 02825
401/647-1502
rmdavis@organic-center.org
www.organic-center.org
www.theorganicreport.org
An independent nonprofit established by the Organic Trade Association. Its mission is to communicate credible, peer-reviewed organic benefits to society, resulting in the conversion of agriculture to organic methods, improved health for the earth and its inhabitants and greater awareness and demand for organic products.

Organic Farmers Agency for
Relationship Marketing (OFARM)
See entry under "Brokers, Buyers, Cooperatives and Processors"

Organic Farming Research
Foundation (OFRF)
P.O. Box 440
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
831/426-6606 Fax: 831/426-6670
research@ofrf.org
www.ofrf.org
OFRF is a nonprofit foundation that sponsors research related to organic farming practices, publishes research results for organic farmers and growers interested in adopting organic production systems, and educates the public and decision-makers about organic farming issues.

Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)
PO Box 11558
Eugene, OR 97440
541/343-7600 Fax: 541/343-8971
info@omri.org
www.omri.org
OMRI lists and offers trademarked seal to approved products for use in the production of organic food and fiber. Uses USDA National Organic Program criteria to evaluate products. Compiles and verifies online list of certified organic seed sources and varieties. Free web listing of OMRI Brand Name Products.

Organic Trade Association (OTA)
P.O. Box 547
Greenfield, MA 01302
413/774-7511 Fax: 413/774-6432
info@ota.com
www.ota.com
Membership organization represents organic industry in US and Canada. Promotes awareness of and expands market for organic products; represents industry on legislative, policy, and regulatory issues.

Seed Savers Exchange
3094 North Winn Road
Decorah, IA 52101
563/382-5990 Fax: 563/382-5872
www.seedsavers.org
Grassroots organization interested in preserving old time and heritage fruit and vegetable varieties. Seed farm and heirloom apple orchard open to visitors.

Sustainable Agriculture Network
210 Hills Building
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT 05405-0082
802/656-0484 Fax: 802/656-9091
sanpubs@uvm.edu
www.sare.org
SAN is the national outreach arm of the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE). SAN publishes a variety of farmer-ready handbooks, free bulletins, reports highlighting SARE projects, and resource guides.

Sustainable Alternative Farming Institute
3903 W Ridge Trail Rd
Clark, MO 65243
800/633-2535
Fax: 573/687-3148
info@safi-usa.com
www.esafi.com
Non-profit organization for the benefit of family farmers. Dedicated to the preservation of the small family farm, rural community and the sustainability of our society at large. Produces a newsletter.

Winrock International, The Wallace Center
1621 N Kent St, Suite1200
Arlington, VA 22209
703/525-9430 Fax: 703/525-1744
information@winrock.org
www.winrock.org
Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to increase economic opportunity, sustain natural resources, and protect the environment. Winrock matches innovative approaches in agriculture natural resources management, clean energy, and leadership development with the unique needs of its partners.

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University Programs

Agro-Ecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant
Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
PO Box 410
Greenview, IL 62642
217/968-5512
cvnghgrn@uiuc.edu
www.aces.uiuc.edu/asap
ASAP facilitates and promotes research and education, which protects IL natural and human resources and sustains agricultural production forever.

Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
University of California - Santa Cruz
1156 High St
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
831/459-3240
apprenticeship@ucsc.edu
http://casfs.ucsc.edu
This six-month, full-time program is held at the 25-acre farm and 3-acre Alan Chadwick garden on the UC-Santa Cruz campus. The apprenticeship course includes classroom instruction, in-field training, and hands-on experience in the gardens, greenhouses, orchards, fields and marketing outlets.

Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Cris Carusi
1535 Observatory Dr.
Madison, WI 53706
608/262-8018 Fax: 608/265-3020
cecarusi@facstaff.wisc.edu
www.cias.wisc.edu
CIAS is a sustainable agriculture research center at UW-Madison that brings together farmers, researchers, and policy makers to study farming practices and profitability.

Iowa State University Extension
Dr. Kathleen Delate
106 Horticulture Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1010
515/294-7069
kdelate@iastate.edu
http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/organicag/
Dr. Delate's position in ISU Extension is devoted to organic agriculture. ISU Extension also offers fact sheets and other materials on sustainable agriculture.

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
209 Curtiss Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1050
515/294-3711 Fax: 515/294-9696
leocenter@iastate.edu
www.leopold.iastate.edu
Provides funding for research on sustainable agriculture through competitive grants program in Iowa. Offers publications, newsletter, field days and workshops.

Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA)
University of Minnesota
411 Borlaug Hall, 1991 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108
612/625-8235 or 800-909-6472 Fax: 651/625-1268
www.misa.umn.edu/
misamail@umn.edu
MISA brings together many diverse interests of the agricultural community to promote sustainable agriculture.

North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center
PO Box 219
Carrington, ND 58421
701/652-2951 Fax: 701/652-2005
recenter@ndsuext.nodak.edu
www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu
Center researches crop and animal ecosystems to help family farms maintain profitability.

North Dakota State University Extension
Darnell Lundstrom, Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator
PO Box 5437
Fargo, ND 58105
701/231-7173 Fax: 701/231-8378
www.ext.nodak.edu
agnrdir@ndsuext.nodak.edu

South Dakota State University Extension
E. Kim Cassel, Sustainable Agriculture Prorgam Leader
SDSU Ag Hall 152
Box 2207D
Brookings, SD 57007
605/688-4147 Fax: 605/688-6733

University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center
Elwell Agroecology Farm
23669 130th St.
Lamberton, MN 56152
507/752-5074
Fax: 507/752-5097
www.organicecology.umn.edu
riddl003@umn.edu
fernholz@frontiernet.net
Projects include: solution-based and on-farm research and trials, organic field days, and Minnesota Organic Farmers Information Exchange (MOFIE).

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State and Government Agencies

Illinois Department of Agriculture
Kent McFarland, Bureau of Marketing
PO Box 19281, State Fairgrounds
Springfield, IL 62794
217/782-6297 or 217/782-6675
Organic Contact at the IL Department of Agriculture. Provide certification services.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Organic Certification Program
Maury Wills, Bureau Chief
Wallace State Office Building
502 E 9th St
Des Moines, IA 50319
515/281-5783 Fax: 515/281-6178
maury.wills@idals.state.ia.us
www.agriculture.state.ia.us
Organic agriculture contact at Iowa Department of Agriculture.

Michigan Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909
Colleen Collier, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, Organic Regulation
517/373-0280 CollierC@michigan.gov
Christine Lietzau, Agriculture Development Division, Organic Marketing and Sustainable Agriculture,
517/373-9800 LietzauC@michigan.gov
Contact regarding organic regulation.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Sustainable Agriculture and IPM Program
Meg Moynihan
625 Robert St N
St. Paul, MN 55155
651/201-6616 800/967-2474 Fax: 651/201-6120
meg.moynihan@state.mn.us
www.mda.state.mn.us/esap/organic
Organic technical assistance (production, certification) and fact sheets available; organic certification cost share, conferences, workshops, and on-farm research grants. Organic farmers on staff. Publishes annual report, "Greenbook," about on-farm sustainable and organic agriculture demonstrations.

Minnesota Grown Opportunities
c/o Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert St N
St. Paul, MN 55155
651/201-6616 800/967-2474 Fax: 651/201-6120
www.mda.state.mn.us/mgo
Offers information about diversification to Minnesota farmers, including alternative crops, livestock, and farming methods. MGO is a three-way partnership among MDA, University of Minnesota, and Ag Utilization Research Institute.

North Dakota Dept. of Agriculture
Patrick S. O'Neil, Organic Coordinator
State Capitol,
600 East Blvd. Dept 602
Bismarck, ND 58505-0020
701/328-2231, 800/242-7535 Fax: 701/328-4567
ndda@nd.gov
www.agdepartment.com

South Dakota Dept. of Agriculture
Jon Farris, Director of Division of Agriculture Development
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501
605/773-5436 Fax: 605/773-3481
Jon.Farris@state.sd.us
www.state.sd.us/doa/ag_dev
Organic agriculture contact at the SD Department of Agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program
North Central Region SARE
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
13A Activities Bldg.
1734 N. 34th Street
Lincoln, NE 68583-0840
402/472-7081 800/529-1342 Fax: 402/472-0280
ncrsare@unl.edu
www.sare.org/ncrsare
Administered by USDA-CSREES, SARE sponsors grants for farmers, researchers and ag professionals that advance farming and ranching systems that are profitable, environmentally sound, and good for families & communities.

USDA Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
10301 Baltimore Ave., Room 132
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
301/504-6559 Fax: 301/504-6927
afsic@nal.usda.gov
www.nal.usda.gov/afsic
A library information center specializing in resources related to organic and sustainable agricultural enterprises, crops, and cropping systems.

USDA Economic Research Service (ERS)
Catherine Greene, Agricultural Economist
1800 M Street NW suite 4051S
Washington D.C. 20036-5831
202/694-5541 Fax: 202/694-5775
cgreene@ers.usda.gov
www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/organic
Publisher of data on organic production, including "U.S. Organic Agriculture" with a listing of the number of certified acres by state. Other useful statistics summarized in reports available through the website.

USDA National Organic Program
1400 Independence Ave SW
Room 4008 South
Washington, DC 20250
202/720-3252
Francine.Torres@usda.gov
www.ams.usda.gov/nop
This government agency oversees national organic standards, accredits organic certification agencies, and provides general information on its policies and activities through its website.

USDA--Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
The NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources. In MN and IA, cost-share payments are available to farms in transition to organic.
To find your state office go to www.nrcs.usda.gov

Wisconsin Office: 8030 Excelsior Dr
Madison, WI 53717
608/662-4422
mike.sundquist@wi.usda.gov
www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov

Minnesota Office: 375 Jackson St. Suite 600
St. Paul, MN 55101 651/602-7900
www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov

Iowa Office: 693 Federal Building, 210 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309 515/284-4260
www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov

Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D)
The purpose of the RC&D program is to accelerate the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, improve the general level of economic activity, and to enhance the environment and standard of living in designated RC&D areas. Current program objectives focus on improvement of quality of life achieved through natural resources conservation and community development which leads to sustainable communities, prudent use (development), and the management and conservation of natural resources. To find out more about specific program initiatives, contact your area RC&D program office.
RC&D program offices are listed online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/rcd/offices.html

USDA Risk Management Agency
910 Minnesota World Trade Center
30 E 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
651/290-3304
www.rma.usda.gov
RMA Provides resources for farmers for protecting their operations from risk, through Federal Crop Insurance and information on other risk management strategies

Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
2811 Agriculture Drive
PO Box 8911
Madison, WI 53708-8911
608/224-5120 fax: 608/224-5110
laura.paine@datcp.state.wi.us
www.datcp.state.wi.us
Funds on-farm demonstration and educational efforts to increase public awareness of the benefits of sustainable farming through the Agricultural Development and Diversification Grant Program.