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SCOAR is a collaboration of producers and scientists whose mission is to plan and promote research and information exchange for understanding and improving organic agricultural systems.

Nominations being solicited for NAREEEAB
Edited from press release
The terms of six members of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board (NAREEEAB) will be expiring this fall and the NAREEEAB Board is now seeking nominations of individuals to fill these vacancies. The NAREEEAB, which consists of a total of 25 members each representing a specific category of the agricultural sector, provides advice to the Secretary of Agriculture and land-grant colleges and universities on top priorities and policies for food and agricultural research, education, extension and economics. The six seats that will be opening up include the farm cooperative, commodity crop producer, national aquaculture association, national food science organization, national nutritional science society, and the 1862 Land-Grant colleges and universities seats. A federal form (AD-755) and letter of nomination must be postmarked or received by fax no later than Monday, August 25. For more information on how to submit a nomination, please see the NAREEEAB website: http://nareeeab.ree.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php

USDA seeking comments on Strategic Plan for Climate Change Research, Education, and Extension
Item courtesy of Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
USDA announced it is seeking public input on a new strategic plan it is developing to guide the Department's climate change research, education, and extension efforts. The Department details its goals for the plan categorizing them into three main categories: understanding the effects of climate change on natural and managed ecosystems; developing the knowledge and tools to enable adaptation and improve resilience of these ecosystems; and developing the knowledge and tools to reduce the contributions of land management practices to climate change. Comments on the goals and the plan are due by September 19. For additional information on the plan and how to comment, click http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-18112.htm.

CSREES publishes interim rule on its grant programs
Item courtesy of Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
USDA's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) published an interim final rule that establishes uniform administrative provisions for all of its competitive and noncompetitive grant programs with the exception of the Small Business Innovation Research Program and formula grant programs. In addition, the interim final rule also provides program-specific rules for the new Specialty Crop Research Initiative. Over the next year and a half, CSREES intends to add other program-specific rules to this new, unified administrative rule.

Although this interim regulation became effective on August 1, 2008, CSREES is requesting public comments on or before September 30, 2008. A copy of the rule is posted at CSREES rule.

Neelam, A., T. Cassol, R.A. Mehta, A.A. Abdul-Baki, A.P. Sobolev, R.K. Goyal, J. Abbott, A.L. Segre, A.K. Handa, and A.K. Mattoo. 2008. A field-grown transgenic tomato line expressing higher levels of polyamines reveals legume cover crop mulch-specific perturbations in fruit phenotype at the levels of metabolite profiles, gene expression, and agronomic characteristics. J. Experimental Botany 59:2337-2346.
Full text available through open access at http://jxb.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/59/9/2337

Though this paper does not present organic research and the authors reveal a pro-GMO bias in how they interpret their results, it is worthy of study as the next in the series of experiments on how the use of a hairy vetch mulch influences genetic expression in tomatoes. The first experiment was described in Kumar et al. (2004), which showed that tomatoes grown after a hairy vetch cover crop lived longer, had reduced disease incidence, and delayed leaf senescence compared to tomatoes grown under plastic mulch. The investigators found that hairy vetch in some way switched on protective metabolic pathways in the tomato plants.

This follow-up study is touted as being the first to test how a genetically modified (GM) crop interacts with an “alternative agriculture” practice, use of the mulch. In this experiment, a GM tomato variety and a non-transgenic tomato variety were both grown under hairy vetch (HV) mulch and under black plastic mulch. The non-GM variety was considered to be the control treatment. Fruit was analyzed for metabolite profile and gene expression patterns. The authors comment little on the fact that the GM tomatoes had lower yields and smaller fruit weight than the non-GM tomatoes except to note, “The reduction in fruit weight is probably due to high levels of metabolism and decreased sugar content in the transgenic fruit.”

The authors found similar gene expression during fruit ripening between GM plants grown under black plastic mulch and the non-GM variety grown under HV mulch: “HV activates the same metabolic pathways and genes as are activated by the introduction of the … transgene.” This might lead one to wonder why go to all the effort to genetically manipulate a plant when the same effect can be gained simply by using a HV mulch; however the authors also make much of “synergies” between the HV mulch and the transgenic fruit. One example is that the GM fruit accumulated lower levels of the amino acid phenylalanine (Phe) than the non-GM fruit, a finding that potentially be could beneficial to the 1 in 15,000 people in the human population who have a syndrome, phenylketonuria, which makes them unable to metabolize Phe. Perhaps more immediately practical is new insight into how the gene works that down-regulates Phe levels during fruit ripening.

The paper reports that the HV mulch up-regulates key genes for carbon metabolism and nitrogen assimilation, a finding with potentially important implications for nutrient partitioning during fruit development.

Together, these studies provide further information on how crop management practices influence crop quality at the genetic level. This line of research holds promise for answering many questions about how cultural practices can translate into improved crop quality and higher yields. We suggest that the research team consider expanding their effort in the future and use analysis of crop x management interactions at the genetic level to help optimize organic farming as well as the transgenic crops they seem to favor.

Kumar, V., D.J. Mills, J.D. Anderson, and A.K. Mattoo. 2004. An alternative agriculture system is defined by a distinct expression profile of select gene transcripts and proteins. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 101:10535-10540. http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/101/29/10535

Leopold Center summarizes organic nutrient quality research
The Leopold Center website now features summaries of science-based studies showing differences detected in nutrients from organic and conventional production systems. This resource will provide the serious student with a list of papers to consult but the full text should be evaluated before any of these studies are cited.
http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/organic/index.html

Union of Concerned Scientists fingers CAFOs
CAFOs Uncovered: The untold costs of confined animal feeding operations. By Doug Gurian-Sherman. This April 2008 report published by the Union of Concerned Scientists outlines the environmental and economic reasons to end public policies that enable grossly polluting confined animal feeding operations continue producing the majority of this country’s meats. The take-home message: enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act! Available free online at http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_environment/sustainable_food/cafos-uncovered.html

BioCycle’s 50th Anniversary Conference
BioCycle will be celebrating their 50th anniversary with an international conference in San Diego, CA, April 27-30, 2009. Biocycle invites you to submit an abstract on topics related to composting, compost utilization, waste diversion, and renewable energy from organics recycling for BioCycle’s International Conference 2009. Conference sessions are April 28-29.

Abstracts may be submitted in any of 12 categories with flexibility for presentations in other categories. Abstracts should be no longer than 250 words. Deadline for submission is September 30, 2008. You will be notified if your paper has been accepted no later than October 30, 2008.

For presentation categories, further details and an online submission form, go to www.biocycle.net

Understanding Organics and Grazing Herds
Understanding Organics and Grazing Herds: Livestock Health and Management will feature a poster session at its 2nd annual conference October 28-30, 2008, in Auburn, NY. The purpose is to highlight recently completed and ongoing research impacting organic and grazing dairy farms.

Abstracts should be sent no later than Aug. 31, 2008. Graduate and undergraduate students whose work has been accepted for presentation will be eligible for reduced registration to the conference.

Prospective presenters are invited to submit a one-page abstract summarizing their research by mail or email to Linda Tikofsky, DVM, Quality Milk Production Services, Cornell University, 22 Thornwood Dr., Ithaca, NY 14850, email lg40@cornell.edu

Small Business Innovation Research proposals solicited
This Request for Applications (RFA) includes a Small and Mid-Sized Farm Focus. Grant applications for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program are now being solicited through September 4, 2008. The SBIR program offers grants to qualified small businesses (including small and medium-sized farms) in support of high quality, innovative research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefit if successfully commercialized. The fiscal year 2009 RFA encourages applications for research supporting specific topic areas, including small and mid-sized farms, marketing and trade, and rural development. $20 million is available to be spent by the program in fiscal year 2009. More information on the SBIR program and a link to download a copy of the RFA can be found at http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/sbir/sbir.html

Executive Director, Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) seeks a dynamic leader to work with our energetic and committed staff and board to continue and expand our efforts to protect the health of people and the environment in the Pacific Northwest by advancing alternatives to pesticides. Our ideal candidate is a skilled communicator and visionary with significant fundraising and non-profit experience who can take on the multiple tasks required to lead an established non-profit organization. The Executive Director is a full-time, professional staff person whose primary responsibility is to manage the operation and growth of the organization. The position is based in Eugene, Oregon.

Application period closes on September 24, 2008 for a position to start in January 2009. For a full copy of the job description and application procedures, please visit
www.pesticide.org

Contact: Karen Murphy, NCAP, P.O. Box 1393, Eugene, OR 97440-1393, email kmurphy@pesticide.org, phone 541-344-5044 ext. 25

Director, Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Washington State University
The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences (CAHNRS), and WSU Extension at Washington State University (WSU) seek an internationally recognized leader to serve as Director of its Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources with a faculty rank of Associate Professor or Professor.

Earned Ph.D. in any discipline related to sustainable agriculture; including agricultural, social, food, natural resource, or environmental sciences.
Qualified for appointment as an associate professor or professor in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.

Provide dynamic and visionary leadership to the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources including strategic planning, prioritization, allocation of financial and human resources, and long-range facility planning and development.
Serve as a visible spokesperson for WSU sustainable agriculture, food and natural resource programs and advance the visibility of the Center and the institution regionally, nationally and globally.

Screening of application materials will begin on October 3, 2008. Send a detailed letter of application addressing the required and desired qualifications, a statement of vision for the Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, a resume/vita, and three letters of reference that address how the applicant meets the required and desired qualifications to Dr. Raymond A. Jussaume, Jr., Chair, CSANR Director Search Committee, PO Box 644006, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-4006. phone 509-335-7626, email rajussaume@wsu.edu.

Farmer Educator, Stanford University
The sustainable agriculture Farmer Educator will support the academic mission of Stanford University by educating students and the Stanford Community about sustainable food and agriculture systems.

The Farmer Educator has four main categories of responsibilities: Education
and Research Support (50%); Farm and Garden Maintenance (30%); Community
Outreach (10%); and Administrative Duties (10%).

Bachelor¹s Degree in sustainable agriculture or related field required; Advanced Degree strongly preferred
Extensive knowledge of agro-ecology (including soil biogeochemistry; nutrient cycling; and integrated pest management) and field experience in sustainable agriculture
Experience teaching, preferably at the college level
Experience planning events and leading workshops for all ages

For further details and to apply, please visit http://jobs.stanford.edu and enter either the job ID (31295) or job title (Farmer Educator) as the keyword search. For further information, please contact Robin Maslin, email maslin@stanford.edu, phone 650-725-2257.

M.S. Position, soil quality in pasture-raised hog systems, North Carolina State University
The M.S. student will conduct independent research to assess the impact of outdoor pig production systems on soil quality and nutrient cycling in order to design comprehensive conservation measures for outdoor raised hogs.

Activities will include use of state-of-the art soil quality monitoring techniques to assess the impact of outdoor hog production on overall soil quality on farms that 1) produce hogs in dry lots, 2) integrate hogs with other livestock and/or poultry, 3) incorporate hogs into rotations with grain, forage and/or vegetable crops, and 4) utilize woodland areas for shelter and feed. Related activities include associated laboratory work; data analysis; report preparation; presentation of research results at local, regional, and national meetings, and participation in extension activities with local hog producers.

For full job description and more information contact Julie Grossman, Assistant Professor, Soil Fertility of Organic Cropping Systems, 4235 Williams Hall, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, email julie_grossman@ncsu.edu, phone 919-513-1041.

Kerr Center internship opportunity
The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture is announcing its 2009 internship opportunities at the Stewardship Ranch, near Poteau, Oklahoma. These internships are part of a long-term educational program to build a School of Sustainability that will provide a diversity of educational and training opportunities in sustainable food and
agriculture.

Practical Hands-On Learning: The School of Sustainability’s programming will focus primarily on sustainable livestock and organic horticulture. Intern activities in 2009 will include practical field, and when necessary, laboratory and shop work, in these two areas.

Compensation: Interns will be provided with a stipend of $600/month plus housing and
basic utilities. Intern housing is located about 7 miles from the Ranch in Poteau.
Interns must provide their own transportation to and from the Ranch.

We are seeking high quality, self-motivated individuals and can be flexible with regard to term lengths and starting and ending dates.

Must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years of age, interested in sustainable agriculture.
Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and provide their own transportation to and from Kerr Center headquarters.
Must be in good physical health and able to do moderate physical labor (e.g. lift 50 lbs.) for extended periods.
Must have basic computer and communication skills. Experience and skills at writing, video development, or formatting documents is a plus.

We hope to select all our 2009 interns in early Fall of 2008. If interested in an internship with the Kerr Center, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, since only a few are available. However, we will continue to accept applications until suitable candidates are identified.

For further information and details on how to apply, contact George Kuepper, Internship Coordinator, Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, P.O. Box 588, Poteau, OK 74953, phone 918-647-9123, email gkuepper@kerrcenter.com, http://www.kerrcenter.com/internship.htm

Sustainable Agrifood Systems Assistant Specialist, Univ. California, Santa Cruz
The University of California, Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Agrifood Systems (CASFS) is accepting applications for a Sustainable Agrifood Systems Assistant Specialist. The Assistant Specialist will coordinate the implementation of model education and public service efforts on sustainable agrifood systems on UC campuses and regionally. Funded through a one-year grant, the Assistant Specialist will participate in a project team to design and implement education strategies and programs in institutions of higher education beginning with UC campuses. The Assistant Specialist will serve as CASFS’s representative among campus groups working on agrifood systems sustainability and will be CASFS’s resource person for those seeking information on farm-to-college programs. The Assistant Specialist will help develop a regional consortium for sustainable agrifood systems, meeting and networking with organizations and leaders in the region to design consortium projects. The Assistant Specialist will also help develop funding proposals for such projects, and participate in the development of the Center’s strategic plan. For the full position announcement, please visit this link and scroll down to Social Sciences Division.
http://www2.ucsc.edu/ahr/academic_employment/
Employment_opportunities_bulletin.htm#nontenuretrack

Extension Associate, Cornell University
Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seeks a full time Senior Project Associate to serve half-time as Assistant Coordinator of the Agricultural Sciences Major in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and half-time as a Program Services Specialist for the Agricultural Outreach and Education (AO&E) Program in the Department of Education. This is a 1-year term position with renewal contingent on funding.

* Required: Master's degree in the agricultural sciences, or equivalent; effective oral and written communications skills; ability to design and manage web sites; ability to prepare and communicate effective public relations information; ability to travel within New York State for recruiting and public relations activities.
* Preferred: Ability and experience with curriculum design, teaching, and academic program coordination in the agricultural or environmental sciences.

Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

Food and Biomass Science Fellow, Natural Resources Defense Council
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is now accepting applications for a two-year, full-time Food and Biomass Science Fellow to be located in Washington, DC or San Francisco. The Fellow will work with a diverse team of NRDC advocates and scientists to help develop metrics of environmental performance that can be used in efforts to promote sustainable production systems for food and biofuels feedstocks. Applications are requested no later than August 31, 2008.

The Food and Biomass Science Fellow will join a cross-program effort at NRDC to advocate for sustainable policies, metrics, and practices across an array of policy and standard setting processes, seeking to protect our climate, land and water resources.

The ideal candidate will have the personal and professional skills to advance NRDC's objectives, including:

A doctorate level degree in a related discipline such as soil science, agroecology, agronomy, silviculture, water quality, environmental chemistry, or agricultural economics.
Expertise at the interface of agricultural production and environmental stewardship, ideally including water consumption and water quality, soil conservation, nitrogen cycling, and soil carbon sequestration;
Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially communicating technical and analytical information in a clear and persuasive manner;

Please contact Leslie Edmond (ledmond@nrdc.org) for full job description and information on how to apply. NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NCAT seeks Midwest Regional Director for Iowa office
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), a non-profit working to promote sustainable technologies and systems especially for the benefit of economically disadvantaged individuals and communities, seeks a Sustainable Agriculture or Marketing Specialist to serve as Midwest Regional Director in our Iowa office. Must have experience in the practice and transfer of information on sustainable agriculture. Interest and knowledge in marketing, organics, agronomy, soils, cropping systems and/or farm energy topics is important. Position requires an MA/MS degree or equivalent plus two years of management or leadership experience. It requires relocation to Iowa and extensive travel. Closing date is Sept. 30, 2008, or until a suitable candidate is identified. For more information about NCAT, a detailed job description & online application, visit www.ncat.org/jobs.php.

Organic inspector training opportunities
The International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) and Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) will cosponsor Basic Organic Crop, Livestock, and Processing Inspection Trainings at the LaSells Stewart Center, Oregon State University, in Corvallis, Oregon. The Crop and Processing trainings will run concurrently October 22-26, followed by Basic Organic Livestock training October 27-31. Stellar Certification Services and IOIA will cosponsor Advanced Organic Inspector Training on October 25-26 on the topics of biodynamic inspection (1 1/2 days) and other than NOP standards (1/2 day). Tentatively, this will include updates on EU, JAS, and Canadian standards. IOIA will collaborate with the Non-GMO Project and FoodChain Global Advisors to offer Non-GMO verification training on October 27. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and IOIA will cosponsor Advanced Organic Inspector Training on October 28-29 with a focus on inspection of input materials manufacturers. For more information, contact IOIA, phone 406-436-2031, website http://www.ioia.net/

This is the 21st in a series of occasional bulletins providing selected information on organic research programs, positions, funding, and reports, as well as news about SCOAR itself. Original items may be reproduced with attribution to OFRF. These reports are sent via email to registered SCOAR participants. For previous bulletins, registration and other information about SCOAR, see http://www.ofrf.org/scoar/index.html