Know anything about organics?

[AlecBGreen]

HEY DU! :hi: I'm working in China, saving up money to start an organic farm. I grew up in the country, majored in Biology at VA Tech, and worked jobs in greenhousing and landscaping but I have ZERO knowledge about starting a farm. Im looking for a good discussion board, helpful hints, ANYTHING that could get me going in the right direction. Ill be starting the farm on 160 acres in Berkley County, West Virginia, right on the VA border (Almost Heaven!) and Ill market to Winchester and Washington, DC. I know a lot of organic theory and I intend to do a raised bed, no till system. Lots of compost, cover crops and beneficial insects. Anyhoo, I was wondering if any of the DU crew has some advice they could pass my way. Know anything about starting a business? Running a farm? Getting a business license? Dodging taxes? hahaha just kidding on the last one. This isn't Republican Underground! Any help y'all could pass on would be great. Thanks guys!

-Alec

[Quakerfriend]

1. That's wonderful! To start an organic farm has always been

one of my dreams.

Best place to start is with Rodale Press Books. Mr. Rodale (From PA) was a wealth of knowledge on organic gardening. He published Prevention Magazine and Organic Gardening for many years.

The OLD Organic Gardening Magazines are marvelous- going back to the 60s.

Good Luck to you!

[Blue Gardener]

2. Mountain State Organic Growers and Buyers

I found this info on the West Virgina Extension Service website. Looks like these are the people you need to contact.

http://www.wvu.edu/%7Eagexten/org&agny/msogba/msogba.htm

Good Luck!

[KT2000]

3. Good for you!

good way to go!
Try Googling "organic news" and you will find a lot of resources. The UK is very organized and has some good resources on the web.

There are several organic farmers in the area where I live. One man is very successful. He has become known for his carrots. They are so much in demand that the largest food co-op in the state bought land for him to increase his carrot crop with the proviso that they get theirs first.

I would also suggest that you really look at the culture of organic farming. It seems to be more cooperative than most businesses because everyone is working to increase the market and having to compete with huge corporations. You could make contact with any other organic farmers in West Virginia and get a feel for what is already going on and how people are running their farms, hiring help, arranging transportation etc.

Best of luck to you.

[AlecBGreen]

4. kick

yeehaw

[AlecBGreen]

5. one more kick

uh, i just realized im 12 hours ahead of you guys in the states. Its 5pm here, 5am there. Could someone kick this for me? Thanks...Ill be asleep!

-alec

[AmyDeLune]

6. Early Morning Kick! n/t