Regenerative Agriculture Pathway Program (OTI-RAPP), aims to equip producers with the knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) has entered into a Conservation Collaborative Cooperative Agreement (CCCA) with NRCS to support the initiative and promote regenerative organic practices (ROP) within the state.
By adopting ROP, producers can improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance water quality. These practices can also lead to increased biodiversity, improved crop yields, and greater resilience to climate change. SDSPA will provide hands-on technical assistance, educational programs, and resources to help producers implement ROP on their operations.
This collaborative agreement will benefit a wide range of producers, including those specializing in specialty crops, niche markets, and traditional farming practices. By supporting farmers in their transition to regenerative organic practices, SDSPA is helping to build a more sustainable future for the state.
“At the heart of regenerative organic practices lie soil regeneration, organic standards, and ethical stewardship—principles that not only enhance biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems but also empower rural communities with sustainable, resilient food systems and farms,” says Dr. Angela K. Jackson, SDSPA Organic Ag Advisor.
Jackson will provide support to the program through:
- Office hours for technical assistance via phone or email
- On-site regenerative ag technical assistance during scheduled site visits
- S.D. Regenerative Ag. Technical Guides and Resource Guide publications
- Field Days
- Webinars
- Monthly Organic Operator Meetings with guest presenters and networking
- Outreach and training events around the state (Winter and Fall)
- Organic Regenerative learning track at the Upper Midwest Urban & Rural Ag Innovation (UMURAI) Conference, Feb. 6-7 in Oacoma, SD.
Join us for an informative webinar on Nov. 20, 2024 from 12:30. —1:30 p.m. CST presented by SDSPA and NRCS to learn more. The webinar is designed specifically for farmers, producers, and agribusinesses interested in organic and regenerative agriculture practices. This session will delve into the new Organic Regenerative Ag Program and the Organic Management Standard 823, which are set to transform the landscape of sustainable farming in South Dakota.
Stay tuned for additional training and event updates through SDSPA’s website, social media channels, and newsletters.
The OTI-RAPP program is led by Dr. Jackson. She will advise and support producers interested in organic regenerative ag across the state through education, technical assistance, and outreach opportunities.
Jackson has been active in South Dakota organic food and feed production for many years as an inspector/auditor, educator, and a producer. Since 2006, she has been the owner/operator of PrairieSun Organics, a family farm located in Clay County, S.D. PrairieSun Organics is certified to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) and Regenerative Organic Certified®. Along with her husband, they raise row crops for feed, hay, vegetables, aronia berries, laying hens for eggs, broiler chickens for meat, and processes their chickens on site.
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