More than 100 certified organic farms lie within the six Southeast Minnesota counties that received disaster declarations (Fillmore, Winona, Houston, Steele, Olmsted, Dodge and Wabasha) as a result of August’s terrible floods. While many farms in the area stayed high and dry, others were devastated. Flooding presents unique challenges to certified organic land. The following information and resources are available to farmers.
If your farm was affected by flood water at all, please contact your certifier immediately. Here is contact information for certifiers active in the Southeast Minnesota area:
- ICS/FVO ~ 701-486-3578
- MCIA ~ 651-625-7766
- MOSA ~ 608-637-2526
- Nature's International ~ 608-637-7080
- OCIA ~ 218-253-4907
- Oregon Tilth ~ 503-378-0690
If your certifier is not on this list, please check the USDA-Accredited Certifiers Directory (PDF)
Impact of Flooding on Organic Food and Fields - an article by Jim Riddle, University of Minnesota
Rushford water and sediment testing finds low levels of ag chemical contamination – MDA news release
Minnesota Department of Agriculture aiding farmers, businesses impacted by floods – MDA news release
Flood Recovery Assistance - Loans and Other Programs
Sow the Seeds Fund for farmers impacted by August 2007 Floods
- Applications accepted through November 21!
Sustainable Agriclture Loan Program this program provides low interest loans to sustainable and organic farmers for capital purchases that will enhance the environmental and economic viability of the farm. For more information on eligibility and the application process, contact Mary Hanks at 651-201-6277 or mary.hanks@state.mn.us
If this site is missing information that you need, or there is a topic or resource you want to see listed here, please e-mail Meg.Moynihan@state.mn.us at the MDA. |
