Gen-O Program Overview

Speakers Bureau

Represented by Organic Valley's young and able Farmer Ambassadors, the Gen-O Speakers Bureau carries the messages of Gen-O firsthand around the country to young Americans. Currently the program is targeting appearances on college and university campuses with the objective of reaching influential audiences between the ages of 18-21, as well as their instructors and program directors. Appearances may also be targeted toward sustainable agriculture training programs to directly engage young people seriously considering farming, as well as farmers considering transition to organic. Outreach for Gen-O speaking opportunities is currently targeted toward on-campus student environmental, sustainable ag and food activism groups, as well as related academic programs or lecture series, etc. Appropriate staff may also play a role in Gen-O appearances and PR by providing context and information on program components.

Internships/Mentor Training Programs

By partnering with existing programs, providing guidelines for our farmers who wish to pursue a mentor/intern relationship, and helping post available opportunities for internships we can take an active role in facilitating hands-on learning for future farmers. Providing organic expertise for current programs helps us quickly get the word out about the Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative opportunity.

Web

Farmers.coop aims to be a premier resource for farmers interested in transitioning to organic production. By providing pertinent information for both current and prospective members the site will continue to attract increasing traffic.

Support of existing school programs

Working with existing farmer education programs we will help to train future farmers and incorporate organic curriculum into direct training of students actively pursuing a farming career.

Events

Consumer and trade events provide a great opportunity for Gen-O to reach a variety of target consumer and retail audiences (marketing). Similarly, Pools events will reach a variety of target potential-farmer audiences (recruitment). Gen-O messaging, outreach materials and Farmer Ambassadors will be utilized to educate and to bring the message to life.

Partnerships

Generation Organic partnerships will aim to link Organic Valley and Organic Prairie with the broad base of organizations working on issues related to training, mentoring, and cultivating the next generation of organic farmers. Our partnerships will position Organic Valley as a leader in the Gen-O movement and tie us into existing programs and initiatives to benefit our farmer-members and future organic farmers nationwide.

Membership Services

Many of our existing membership services have direct Gen-O application, providing advice and resources to help new farmers make the move into organic farming.

Hotline Support
Transition Fund
Milk Quality Staff
Doc Detloff
Feed Resources
Certification assistance

Farmers.coop