Organic Consultant - PA

About the role

As an Organic Consultant, you will support farmers and supply chain actors across Pennsylvania in the process of transitioning to organic systems, supporting the Institute mission of increasing organic certified acres. You will report to the Director of Consulting and work indirectly with the Research, Education, Communications, and Development Departments at Rodale Institute to carry out our mission. This position is fully remote and will require frequent travel across Pennsylvania for site visits, meetings, conferences, etc. Applicants should reside in Pennsylvania, but other locations may be considered pending experience.

Responsibilities

• Guide beginning, conventional, and existing organic farmers in transitioning to, establishing, and managing organic systems.
• Assist farmers in identifying a certifying agency, completing USDA Organic program paperwork and associated documentation, and preparing for organic inspections.
• Provide scientifically sound agronomic recommendations to clients regarding crop rotation, soil health, fertility, pests, weed, and disease management practices, tillage, labor, seed sourcing, and more.
• Work with the Organic and ROC Market Coordinator to connect farmers with market opportunities.
• Support and advise farmers on using research and experimentation on their farm to improve crop yields and increase profitability.
• Assist in the development of project proposals and project implementation, completing the deliverables identified in the project.
• Assist in identifying new funding sources, grants and contracts; participate in proposal writing.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.
• Conduct proactive outreach to farmers in the assigned area to determine their needs and roadblocks in the organic process and assist accordingly with the goal of transitioning acres to certified organic.
• Attend agriculture meetings, conferences, field days, and other events across the region and the United States to represent Rodale Institute and the Organic Consulting Program.
• Develop educational resources for farmers in a variety of media, including fact sheets, webinars, guides, presentations, etc.
• Support farms and organizations that develop specific priorities around addressing food insecurity and offer services to historically underserved populations.