Univ. of N.H. takes the lead on organic farming

[carzen]

Jersey cows, with their sandy brown fur and molasses eyes, are among the bovines who have quietly produced organic milk for decades in New England without much interest from the academic world.

That's finally changing. The University of New Hampshire has 48 pregnant Jerseys at its Burley-Demerrit Farm, the nation's first organic dairy farm at a major land grant college.

The research comes as more dairy farms, especially in New England, switch to organic production - either for philosophical reasons or to benefit from the better prices organic milk can fetch. More farms are also meeting the growing market for organic fruits and vegetables.

Now a few researchers at the nation's premier agriculture schools are taking notice and a handful of colleges are adding courses in organic techniques. A few, including Washington State and the University of Florida, launched majors in organic farming this fall.

"They've gone from tilting at windmills to being a major component of agriculture," said Ned Porter, Maine's assistant commissioner of agriculture, where 20 percent of the state's dairies are now organic.


http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=UNH+takes+the+lead+on+organic+farming&articleId=e6bf502c-d240-4641-85a3-c2ce62d3e40c

[4morewars]

1. Breaking: Monsanto to file suit to stop them.

A spokesperson from Monsanto claimed, "these hippies must really hate america."

[pawlter]

2. Maybe

But they aren't making any money. I wish the "organic movement" well, but until the price comes down on organic products, I'll stick with what I grow myself to consume. I'm still looking for a study that will show me the difference. I like organic methods, but the finish product still is the same?