The Organic Association of Kentucky

In January of 2009, some of us who were working at Kentucky State University had an idea to get people together to explore the creation of an organization dedicated to organic agriculture in Kentucky. It came from the University perspective; we thought we needed an organization that could help guide research priorities for research and extension agents.

That January, a modest but empowered group of farmers, grocers, nursery people, University workers, and Kentucky Department of Agriculture folks got together and agreed the idea was a good one. A steering committee was formed, and for the next year, the Organic Association of Kentucky, or OAK was crafted.

In January of 2010, the first official meeting was held and a board was formed. It was exciting for me. I had just left the University to farm full-time and was asked to serve on the board. I figure its a great opportunity to be a part of an organization that is sure to go somewhere.

OAK Board (clockwise from top left): John Bell, Brian Geier, Jake Schmitz, Tony Powell, Larry Brandenburg, Shayne Wigglesworth, Kim Jordan, Deborah Hill, Molly Stotts.

We have had our first few meetings. Right now the priority is to build the membership. We have about 80 members now and hope to grow a lot in 2010. Within the next few weeks we'll be distributing our first newsletter. We hope to use the newsletters, farm tours, and events to build the membership, and to culminate the year in a conference for organics in Kentucky this winter.

You can learn more about what OAK is up to at its website: www.oak-ky.org Members can access forums there to chat about issues, ideas, bulk buying, etc.

The post below this one is an article I wrote for the OAK Leaf, our newsletter.