The Challenges of Starting New Organic Dairy Farms.

The organic dairy industry continues to grow in the U.S.  This demand was first met by conversion of conventional farms to certified organic production, and then by the expansion of organic farms.  The third option, establishing new organic farms, faces some of the same challenges as other farm types, but there also some unique issues including a lack of training opportunities.  An organic dairy incubator farm was recently initiated at Wolfes Neck Farm, located in coastal Maine.  The first trainees have been at the farm for more than a year, and receive hands-on training in all aspects of production and business.   The farm is in an environmentally sensitive location, and has educational and recreational components, which expands the perspective of the trainees and also provides opportunities for interaction with the non-farming public.   There are also several research endeavors underway, focusing primary on soil health and greenhouse gas emissions.