Calling all Long Island farmers! Are you thinking about transitioning your farm to organic management or taking the final leap towards organic certification? If so, there is no time like the present. Just two percent of Long Island farmland is certified organic, while consumer demand for organic is at an all-time high. Products with organic labeling continue to command premium pricing, and Long Island growers are poised to take advantage of this fast-growing market by becoming USDA Certified Organic.
The NOFA-NY Long Island Organic Transition Program is aimed at supporting farmers in the process of adopting organic practices and increasing the availability of local organic products. NOFA-NY will provide farmer-to-farmer mentorship, technical assistance, and funding to cover certification costs.
We are now accepting applications for the NOFA-NY Long Island Organic Transition Program. Farmers who seek guidance in evaluating their production practices and assistance with their certification application are encouraged to apply!
Please email your completed application to NOFA-NY’s Organic Transition Educator, Teddy Tomao, at ttomao@nofany.org.
This program offers:
- Farmer-to-farmer mentorship
- Technical assistance throughout the application process
- Educational workshops, webinars and field days
- Funding to cover certification costs in the first year
Thank you to Ryan Lertora of Jamesport Farmstead and Patty Gentry of Early Girl Farm for presenting a lively farmer-to-farmer discussion about overcoming the barriers to organic transition and the importance of knowledge sharing within the organic farming community.
For more information, contact:
Teddy Tomao, Long Island Organic Transition Educator
1010 James Street, Syracuse, NY 13203
315.988.4000 x 503 | ttomao@nofany.org
Office Hours: Mon-Wed, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM