Maureen Wilmot, Keeping Organics Growing in SC

Amid the heavy headlines of budget cuts and closing parks, hope blossoms on the Santa Cruz horizon – literally! Embedded within our regional farming mecca lies the burgeoning field of organic agriculture. Currently a $29 billion national industry, this market segment grew a full 8 percent last year, in spite of the slow economy. 

And with the help of executive director Maureen Wilmot, our local Organic Farm Research Foundation is one of the organizations spearheading this progressive movement. I caught up with Maureen over a phone call or two to learn more about this vital organization and how it's making a difference in organic farming practices both here and around the country.

Maureen Wilmot Fast Fact: At age 19, while doing her undergraduate work at UC Santa Cruz, Maureen had the brilliant idea to open Long’s Marine Lab to the public as a local learning center.  With the consent of her professor, she traveled California to research similar volunteer-run visitor's centers before designing a plan for the docent program and public  tours.  This was in 1992.  Nine years later the Seymour Visitor Center officially opened, and it remains a great place to take your kids (or anyone else) to this day.

But back to the Organic Farm Research Foundation, Maureen’s most recent undertaking.   Headquartered right here in Santa Cruz where the real dirt is, the OFRF also has an office in Washington. D.C.  Read on to learn more:

EB: Named purpose aside, how is the OFRF helping local organic agriculture?

MW: Our stated vision is that organic farming will be the leading form of agriculture leading to healthy and resilient people, ecosystems and economies.

Organic family farmers need an infrastructure in order to thrive and be profitable.  We’re fostering widespread adoption of organic farming systems, which to us means organic throughout – cover crops, building soil through crop rotation, all built upon a systemic approach.   OFRF helps build that infrastructure by funding small research grants for organic production and through our policy work to build the support for policies that support organic farming.  This in turn feeds into the bigger industry.  Right now the organic industry is a $29 billion industry per year.  It grew 8 percent last year, even during the downturn.  This is a growing economy.

We work both on the individual and on the national level so that education systems and law makers are supportive of organic systems.  We’re using our research results to affect policy in D.C. and to create a broader and deeper support base.  Our advocacy reaches well beyond individual farmers.  What we fund today will determine the system of tomorrow.

EB: How does that relate to our local organic agricultural community?

MW: Well, we have approximately 350 organic farms in Sam Farr’s District 17, so when we look at where the economy is growing, here it is.

EB: What role do you think organic farming plays in our local economy?

MW: We are an agricultural county in Santa Cruz – it’s one of the beauties of living here.  We have many small-scale family farms, as well as large operations, because it’s a growing industry, this is where jobs are going to be.  It’s three times more costly to farm organically and much of that cost is labor, it’s more hands on, but that translates to jobs in the community.  While it is more expensive to farm organically you do have a higher rate of return and more job potential.  There is definitely a business case for organics.

EB: I recently read that California has the greatest number of organic farms in the country.  Aside from good news for foodies and the economic benefits we discussed, what is the local impact?

MW: As you know, Monterey Bay is a national marine sanctuary, and keeping our water clean is very important.  Agricultural run-off accounts for 40 percent of runoff into the ocean.  It’s a matter of good practices – ideally agriculture and ocean stewardship can work hand-in-hand for the healthiest outcome.  Our oceans would be a lot healthier if all farms were organic.

EB: How difficult is it for a farm to qualify for organic certification?

MW: I’m not an expert on the organic certification process, but I know it does take three years to be certified – to transition the land from conventional to organic, toxin-free farmland.  So for three years, farmers farm organically but don’t get to use the label.  Personally,  I make it a point to support farmers undergoing the certification process whenever I have the chance, like at the farmers markets, for example.

EB: What are the benefits to consumers to buy certified organic?

MW: As a mom, I know I’m getting foods free of pesticides.  No synthetic chemicals, no GMOs, it’s healthier food.  And I know the farmers that work the land are not subjected to the pesticides as well.  It’s better for you and for the people growing your food, plus it puts less of a strain on the environment.

EB: How can local consumers support the mission of the OFRF?

MW: Buy organics, grown in the US — even if you can’t buy locally.   I read Alice Waters’ cookbook, and she listed, in this order — buy organic, local and in-season foods.  This goes for processed foods, too.  If you have to buy processed food (and let’s face it, most of us do) buy organic.

You can also support OFRF financially, with donations, every bit of which can help a farmer.  The more support we have, the more we can show Congress that we care about this cause.  We have the population to make a case for change.  Pick up the phone and tell your legislators, whether in California or in D.C., that organic is important. Keep supporting policies that support organic in this county, and don’t forget to make your voice heard!

Learn more: ofrf.org