Cultivating Change: A Path to Organic Transition – Utah State University

Report on the Utah Forum for Organic Agriculture and Sustainable Development

Advancing Sustainable Food Systems in Alignment with SDG 2 and SDG 12

A forum was convened in Price, Utah, by Utah State University (USU) Extension and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) to address the expansion of organic farming. The event focused on providing farmers and educators with strategies to advance agricultural practices that directly support global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative aims to strengthen local food systems, a key component of achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

A case study was presented by Jared Corpron, a third-generation farmer from Sevier County, who is transitioning his family’s 134-year-old farm to certified organic production. His strategy involves a significant diversification of crops, with a goal of cultivating 110 different types of vegetables. This approach directly confronts the issue of food security, as Utah currently imports over 97% of its vegetables. By increasing local production, Corpron’s work contributes to building a more resilient and self-sufficient food system.

Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): The focus on diversifying crops and increasing the local food supply enhances food security and promotes sustainable agriculture.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): By growing food locally, the initiative reduces “food miles” and the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation from regions like California and South America, thereby promoting more sustainable consumption patterns.

Implementing Resilient Practices for Land and Livelihoods: A Focus on SDG 15 and SDG 8

The forum provided technical guidance on the challenges of transitioning from conventional to organic farming. Experienced organic farmer Greg Bingham and USU Extension agronomist Earl Creech highlighted critical operational hurdles and the sustainable solutions available. These practices are fundamental to protecting ecosystems and ensuring the long-term economic viability of farms, aligning with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Key Challenges in Organic Transition:

1. Weed Management: Developing effective strategies without the use of conventional herbicides requires careful planning, crop rotation, and alternative control methods.
2. Soil Health and Fertilization: Maintaining soil fertility and structure using organic-approved inputs is crucial for long-term productivity.
3. Pest Management: Implementing integrated pest management techniques that avoid prohibited synthetic substances is a primary challenge.

By adopting organic methods, farmers contribute directly to environmental stewardship. These practices enhance soil health, protect biodiversity, and reduce chemical runoff, which are central tenets of SDG 15. Furthermore, by creating a premium market and fostering resilient farming systems, the transition to organic agriculture supports the creation of sustainable livelihoods, contributing to the objectives of SDG 8.

The Critical Role of Collaboration and Education: Activating SDG 17

A recurring theme of the forum was the necessity of strong partnerships, a principle embodied by SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The collaboration between USU Extension, TOPP, researchers, and producers exemplifies a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving sustainable development. These programs provide a critical support network for farmers navigating the complexities of organic certification and production.

Resources and Support Mechanisms Provided:

• Guidance on the organic certification process.
• Technical assistance for soil health, pest control, and record-keeping.
• Training and educational opportunities on organic-approved methods.
• A network for farmers to share knowledge and experiences.

The event underscored that the successful expansion of organic farming in Utah depends on this collaborative infrastructure. By connecting farmers with academic experts, certification specialists, and government programs, these partnerships create an enabling environment for the agricultural sector to contribute effectively to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The article’s central theme is the promotion of organic farming, a form of sustainable agriculture. It discusses practices like improving soil health, increasing crop diversity, and managing farms without conventional chemicals, all of which are crucial for creating resilient and sustainable food production systems.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The article highlights the issue of food miles and local food security, noting that “Utah produces less than 3% of its own vegetables, with most traveling many miles.” The movement towards local, organic farming represents a shift to more sustainable production and consumption patterns, reducing reliance on long-distance supply chains.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: A key theme is the importance of education and knowledge sharing. The forum hosted by Utah State University Extension and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is an educational event designed to provide farmers with the skills and information needed to adopt sustainable farming practices. As one farmer noted, “going to classes like this where you can learn and get educated will help a lot.”
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article exemplifies the power of partnerships. The collaboration between Utah State University Extension (an academic institution), TOPP (a partnership program), and local farmers is a multi-stakeholder effort to achieve a common goal. The text states that the event “highlighted how collaboration between researchers, educators, and producers can make organic farming more accessible across Utah.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger):
   • Target 2.4: “By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production… and that progressively improve land and soil quality.” The article directly addresses this by focusing on the transition to organic farming, which involves strategies for “soil health, weed management, and crop diversity” to create a sustainable system.
2. Under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):
   • Target 12.2: “By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.” Organic farming, as described in the article, is a method of sustainable resource management that avoids “prohibited substances” and focuses on natural processes for fertilization and pest control, thereby improving land and soil resources.
3. Under SDG 4 (Quality Education):
   • Target 4.7: “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development…” The forum and the support programs from USU Extension and TOPP are explicitly designed to provide farmers with the knowledge and skills for sustainable development, offering “guidance on certification,” “technical assistance, and training opportunities” for organic farming.
4. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The entire initiative described is a partnership between a public university (USU Extension), a program (TOPP), and civil society (farmers like Jared Corpron and Greg Bingham). The article concludes that this network “makes long-term success possible.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For SDG 2: The article implies indicators related to the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Progress could be measured by:
  • The number of farms transitioning to organic production, as exemplified by Jared Corpron’s farm.
  • The increase in crop diversity on farms. The article mentions a goal to “have 110 different types of vegetables,” which is a direct measure of diversity.
• For SDG 12: The article provides a clear baseline indicator for local food production. Progress could be measured by:
  • The percentage of vegetables produced and consumed within Utah. The article states that “Utah produces less than 3% of its own vegetables,” providing a starting point to measure improvement.
• For SDG 4 & 17: The article implies indicators related to educational outreach and collaboration. Progress could be measured by:
  • The number of educational events, forums, and classes offered by organizations like USU Extension and TOPP.
  • The number of farmers and educators participating in these collaborative events.
  • The establishment and continuation of partnerships between academic institutions, support programs, and producers.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: etvnews.com