Minnesota plans study of organic farm transition
A $1.2 million federal grant will help Minnesota economists study the costs of transitioning from conventional to organic farming.
The four-year project is aimed at gathering data about costs and returns for farmers making the switch. It's being led by Robert King, a professor of applied economics at the University of Minnesota.
Data will come from transitioning and recently certified organic farmers who enroll in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Farm Business Management Education program.
While organic farming is among the fastest-growing segments of agriculture, few public studies have been done on the costs and returns for those who make the transition. King says the lessons researchers learn from organic farmers will help others decide whether to make the switch.
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U of M Center for Farm Financial Management
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