Capital Press (link no longer available)
By Sean Ellis

KUNA, Idaho — Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould says the department is holding its first-ever “Idaho Organic Week” to showcase the diversity and availability of Idaho’s organic products.

Thursday’s kick-off press conference at Rice Family Farm in Kuna appeared to be a good choice to highlight that diversity.

More than 35 different organic crops are grown on the 18-acre farm and the operation provided a good opportunity for ISDA officials to emphasize the state’s growing organic scene.

More than 250 organic operations in the Gem State produce dozens of different types of certified organic products, including vegetables, meats, milk, cheese, wine and non-food crops such as hay and barley.

“I think it surprises people to find out what is organically grown in Idaho,” said Brandon Lamb, manager of ISDA’s organic certification program.

Lamb said the weakening economy has not adversely impacted the state’s organic industry, which is growing about 9.5 percent per year.

The ISDA is encouraging organic producers and farmers to plan special events and activities to take advantage of Idaho Organic Week, which is June 18-24.

According to the latest USDA statistics, there are 254 organic operations in Idaho with 111,000 cropland acres and 37,000 acres of pasture and range land. Their combined total sales are $71.25 million.

Idaho ranks in the top 10 in the nation for several organic commodities, including barley and grain seed (No. 1), other cattle and calves (No. 3), dry edible beans (4), potatoes (5), spring wheat (6), milk cows (7), beef cows (8), milk from cows (9) and onions (10).

Several organic operations in Idaho were highlighted during the kickoff media event. Together, they painted a picture of organic farming as a process that, while difficult at times, is a labor of love and can be profitable for those who do it right and are willing to put in the time.

Rice Family Farm owner Lee Rice said while the paperwork and weed control are difficult hurdles, organic farmers can turn a profit “if you do it right and you have a good, quality product. I think we’re coming out on top at the end of every year predominantly because we’re direct marketing a lot of stuff.”

To become certified organic, a grower needs to have a good record keeping system to document every step of production, according to Cathy Wilson, manger of Flora Company, a Boise nursery.

“This requires an attitude of cooperation and willingness to comply,” she stated in a news release. “It is a lot of work for the grower, it is time-consuming and there is expense involved.”

More than paperwork and time, “I would say that it takes passion to be organic,” stated Mitch Lucero, co-owner of A+ Ranch, a family-owned organic turkey operation in Richfield, Idaho. (My wife) Acee and I love the land and every animal that we care for on it.”

 

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