Knowledge and experience

A diversity of knowledge and experience is required for a successful organic transition. Organic production, in many ways, requires a vastly different set of assumptions, tools and techniques. A farmer’s lack of knowledge or experience in applying inputs, timing harvest, dealing with disease or identifying markets can result in increased risk and lower rates of return. The approach to organic production requires more multi-year thinking in terms of looking forward (building soil fertility) and backward (understanding root causes of pest problems). The switch to organic production may be occurring alongside other changes in your business (such as increasing direct marketing).

Switching to organic practices can not only impact ‘what’ you need to know, but ‘how’ you learn. As opposed to following instructions from input suppliers and standard models and calculations that will work on any operation, organic farmers tend to rely on fellow farmers and networks and a process to understand their farm’s situation and needs.

The following strategies and tactics can be employed to manage the risks associated with knowledge and skills:

• Recordkeeping
• Transitioning Parts of Operation
• Find a Partner/Mentor
• Build Your Network
• Planning Your Entry
• Don’t Overgrow Your Capacity
• Start Off Small
• Learning Opportunities
• Have a Back-Up Plan