This course prepares agricultural advisors to support organic farmers in the Southwest through certification, regional networks, and arid-climate production strategies.
What you will learn
This course provides an exploration of what you need to know to successfully advise organic farmers in the Southwestern region of the United States. This region is comprised of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California. Crops discussed include cotton, peanuts, rice, small grains, forage crops, and forage crops.
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An understanding of the National Organic Program regulations and certification process, with practical frameworks for guiding farmers through each stage
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Cultural competency skills for working effectively with the Southwest's diverse farming communities, including Native American, Hispanic, and historically marginalized populations
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Direct connections to the Southwest organic community, including successful farmer networks, regional support organizations, and peer advisors throughout the six-state region
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Practical communication strategies for addressing the emotional and psychological dimensions of organic transition, from managing farmer stress to celebrating successes
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Access to an extensive resource network of federal programs, state-specific support systems, research institutions, and market development opportunities tailored to Southwest agriculture
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Real-world problem-solving approaches drawn from experienced organic farmers and advisors working successfully in challenging arid environments
VIDEOS
QUIZ
CERTIFICATE
Featured Farmers and Advisors
Throughout this course, you will hear from working organic farmers and subject matter experts who will share their personal experience and knowledge about each of the topics discussed in the lessons.
Rob Warren
TEXAS
Matthew Grieshop
CAL POLY, SLO
Justin Tuggle
TEXAS
Jennifer Reeve
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
Bob Whitney
TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE
Theodore Weibe
TEXAS
Anders Lundberg
CALIFORNIA
Joe Frey
NEVADA
Yadi Wang
NEW MEXICO
Funder Acknowledgement
This work is supported through the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS National Organic Program (NOP).
FAQs
How long will it take me to complete the lessons?
We estimate that each lesson will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. This includes reading the online written materials, viewing the 15 minute instructional video, and taking the quiz. We estimate that total time investment for the course requires 2 hours to complete.
When will my access expire?
Never!
Do I need any qualifications to start the course?
We do not have any formal prerequisites to take this course. We recommend that you have an understanding of general agriculture principles and experience working in agriculture. This course assumes prior knowledge of field crop production practices and offers an extension of that knowledge into organic-specific practices and requirements.
Will this course enable me to find employment as an organic advisor?
This course will help set you apart from other advisors and consultants. It will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to consult organic field crop farmers.
What do graduates do when they have completed this training?
Past OATS trainees put their knowledge to work in many different ways. Some are employees of input companies, some are independent consultants, and yet others are agricultural educators. Our trainees put their new knowledge to work by expanding their client base to include transitioning and certified organic producers.
Will I obtain a certificate or official course credits?
After completing the online materials, achieving a passing score on the course final quiz, you are eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion. Certificates are non-accredited.
What if I have more questions?
Contact training@organicagronomy.org to learn more.