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University’s Southwest Research
and Outreach Center leads with new organic agriculture coordinators
Lamberton, Minn.
– The University of Minnesota’s Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC)
has been a leader in the study of organic agriculture and ecology for
over 15 years. Continuing in that role, SWROC will soon have two new
staff members who will coordinate and support efforts to expand the
University’s statewide organics program in the areas of research and
outreach.
Jim Riddle and Carmen Fernholz are joining the SWROC staff as
organic agriculture coordinators. Fernholz, from Madison, Minn., will be
the organic agriculture coordinator for research management; Riddle, who
lives in Winona, Minn., will be the organic agriculture coordinator for
outreach. Based out of SWROC, their duties will involve other
organics-related activities throughout the University system and at
other research and outreach centers.
“Both Jim and Carmen are recognized, well-connected and committed
individuals who will make organic agriculture systems a priority,”
commented Pauline Nickel, SWROC head. “They will invigorate research and
educational efforts through strong partnerships within and external to
the University of Minnesota.”
Riddle’s experience in the field of organic agriculture extends
over 25 years. He began farming organically in 1980 and conducting
organic inspections in 1987. In the early 1990s, he became involved with
various government agencies and private organizations that establish
organic standards and policy, including the International Federation of
Organic Agriculture Movement.
Since 2001, Riddle has served on the National Organic Standards
Board. From 2003 to 2004, he held an endowed chair position in
agricultural systems for the University of Minnesota. He is a frequent
speaker at organic farming conferences and field days.
“Jim brings a national and international reputation for his work
on national organic standards to SWROC. He has a vast and valuable
knowledge of the practical application of organic systems,” said Nickel.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to bring more exposure to
the good work that the University of Minnesota is doing in this field,”
commented Riddle. “It’s an exciting time to be involved in the growth of
the organic market.”
Fernholz began farming organically in the early 1970s and was
certified as an organic producer in 1974. Between 1997 and 1998, he held
a senior fellow position in agricultural systems for the University of
Minnesota. Since 1985, he has participated in on-farm research with the
University of Minnesota, North Dakota State University, the Rodale
Institute and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Fernholz has been active in several associations and
organizations, including the Organic Growers and Buyers Association, the
Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) and the
Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota. He is a co-founder of the
Organic Farmers Agency for Relationship Marketing and started the
Southwest Minnesota Poultry Coop in 2000. He currently is the chair of
the West Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership. He also
does organic systems crop consulting and public speaking.
“Carmen is acknowledged and respected nationally for his long-time
leadership in organic systems and years of on-farm research with
University of Minnesota faculty.” said Nickel.
“I’ll be working hard to enhance connections between producers,
researchers and the staff at the University,” commented Fernholz.
“There’s lots of room for expanding what’s going on in the field into
the work that happens on campus. I believe we will really raise the
awareness of what’s going on with organics in Minnesota.”
Riddle and Fernholz will step into their new positions on January
17.
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