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On-farm Variety Trials
Field Trainings for Organic
Vegetable, Herb, and Flower Producers
Hosted by Organic Seed Alliance in partnership with USDA Risk Management Agency
Conducting variety trials to select crops and varieties best suited to local climate, field conditions, and markets is a sound farm management tool that can significantly minimize risk and increase agricultural success. For organic producers, variety trials are also a tool for identifying appropriate organic seed sources and complying with organic regulations. Throughout the 2007 field season Organic Seed Alliance, in partnership with USDA-RMA, hosted a series of field trainings in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska for farmers and others teaching tools and techniques of conducting on-farm variety trials.
In conjunction with our field trainings, we have published our variety trials guide, providing the step-by-step how & why of conducting variety trials. Also available are a variety trials planning worksheet and a trial evaluation sheet.
Learn how to: - Plan and conduct scientific on-farm trials
- Evaluate variety performance under local, organic conditions
- Minimize farm risk and expand market potential
2007 Field Trainings were held at cooperating organic farms in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska:
Greentree Naturals, Sandpoint, ID - Spinach and Sugar Snap Peas
Springhill Farm, Albany, OR - Fennel and Frisee
Arctic Organics, Palmer, AK – Carrots and Lettuce
Brian Andersen Farms, Royal City, WA – Onions and Butternut Squash
Ayers Creek Farm, Gaston, OR – Drying Peppers and Sweet Potatoes
Ralph’s Greenhouse, Mt. Vernon, WA – Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower
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