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Conservation

Conservation Protects Nature & People Together

Oregon Tilth believes conservation-minded agriculture provides environmental and financial benefits that make a case for a different kind of food system. We bring together farmers and researchers, using data to sharpen farm strategies that make sense for people and planet. Our goal is to link farmers to resources — model conservation production practices that enhance natural resources and provide economic viability are needed.Through our partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), we develop technical resources for USDA NRCS staff and support their knowledge of organic production. Additionally, we support the agency’s conservation assistance programs and education for organic producers. Overall, our partnership increases all farmers access to learning opportunities and resources.

Technical assistance

We work with organic producers, USDA NRCS staff, conservation planners, extension educators, and others to raise the bar for what conservation on organic farms looks like.We offer in-person and remote workshops, intensives, and training on the following topics:

  • Basic conservation planning
  • Pest and weed management
  • Nutrient management
  • Soil health
  • Crop rotations
  • Cover crop strategies
  • Pasture management
  • Livestock living conditions and outdoor access
  • Accessing federal conservation programs

Technical resources

Oregon Tilth works in partnership — USDA NRCS, The Xerces Society, Oregon State University, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, and others — to develop educational resources. Our collaborations link organic producers with cutting-edge conservation practices. The National Organic Farming Handbook, a free online publication developed in collaboration with over 30 partners, provides guidance on how to implement a variety of conservation initiatives on organic farms.Also, we distill complex topics into learning resources, such as our cover crop implementation guides, best practices series, and other tools. Our annual webinar series features collaborations with USDA NRCS staff to bring farmers research on conservation topics from non-ruminant pasture management to case studies of pollinator habitat.