Tools for Managing Pest and Environmental Risks to Organic Crops in the Upper Midwest
Organic agriculture is an ecologically-based management system with the primary objective of optimizing the health of soil, animals, and people.
Why is it important to address risk management in organic farming?
Risk is involved whenever producers make decisions where the outcome is uncertain. Part of risk management is choosing to use resources to effectively achieve your objectives and to avoid loss, while still maximizing opportunities.
In this publication, we focus on production risks for crops that include cultural practices, variety selection, and management of pests and diseases.
This publication will help growers who are contemplating adopting organic production practices understand the risks that are associated with organic production and make choices that will minimize those risks. Additionally, this guide will also be beneficial to all organic producers, regardless of their level of experience.
How to use this publication
We have two PDF versions available: full-color and a text-only.
At the end of each chapter in the full-color version are quizzes to gauge your risk in a given topic.
For more information about this publication, please contact:
Kristine Moncada
Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics
411 Borlaug Hall
1991 Upper Buford Circle
St. Paul, MN 55108
monc0003@umn.edu
Development of this manual and research that supported it were funded by the USDA Risk Management Agency and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
