Arizona State University Launches Kernel Program to Boost Domestic Organic Farming
Arizona State University’s Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems has launched a new nationwide organic mentorship program called Kernel. This initiative aims to address the long-standing inability of American farmers to meet the demand for organic products, which has led to billions of dollars being spent on foreign organic imports. Kernel will provide mentorship, technical assistance, and networking opportunities to farmers, ranchers, and handlers transitioning to organic practices. The program builds upon the success of the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), which is set to conclude on September 30. Kernel officially launched on October 1, with a budget primarily dedicated to compensating mentors, offering $1,000 per mentee for up to five mentees, aiming for approximately 2,000 mentor/mentee pairings. The program seeks to overcome financial, time, and knowledge barriers associated with USDA Organic certification, including the challenging three-year transition period during whi...