1979 How it all began

“Good Heart Associates” a fledgling “organic” fertilizer company in Bismarck, ND organized, as part of their promotional effort, the first ever conference on alternative agriculture in North Dakota. The conference was widely advertised throughout the state, including television ads. It was held in Bismarck, January 27, 1979 at the old Patterson Hotel.

The conference was electrifying in that it was the first time that these farmers, who had stepped out of the mainstream to begin farming organically or who were interested in low-input farming, had ever met! It occurred to several of the farmers present that such a dialog was too important to do as a one day conference. Some expressed that there was a need to keep this peer learning going. Anyone interested in doing so was invited to meet at the end of that day’s conference. To everyone’s mutual surprise over 50 people showed up!

The group quickly discussed what they wanted – some kind of organization that would bring farmers together regularly to learn from each other. The marketing of crops was a second consideration. People volunteered on the spot to put together the pieces of an organization – someone agreed to write the by-laws, someone else volunteered to draft a sample organizational structure, membership requirements, etc. It was agreed to set up an organizational meeting March 30, 1979 at the Patterson Hotel.

The steering committee for that first Annual Meeting was Wayne Anderson, Marion; Roberta Biel, Dickenson; Fred Kirschenmann, Medina; Jim Christianson, Hazen; Reuben Hummel, Mott; Charles Orwig, Bismarck; Kim Holden, Baldwin; Gerald Kopp, Raleigh; and Larry Vetter, Linton. At the meeting 23 people signed up as the founding members of the North Dakota Natural Farmers Association, paid dues, elected officers and adopted organizational principles. The first officers were President, Fred Kirschenmann, Windsor; Vice President, Ruben Hummel, Mott; Secretary, Wayne Anderson, Marion; and treasurer, Paul Cook, Neche. The organization gained an additional 22 members during the course of the year for a membership total of 45 at its first anniversary.

The Work Begins

Early themes of the organization were how to get into organic farming, the process of conversion to organic practices, increasing the fertility of the soil, and managing weeds and pests. The early work of board members was centered around education, setting standards for organic production, and helping producers find markets for their organic products. The NDNFA set up a special marketing committee, headed by Dennis Wangen of Mandan, to secure sales of organically grown ND grains. The first newsletter, published in August of 1979, described the Association as a “nonprofit, educational organization which has been formed with the purpose of gathering and sharing information relative to biological farming practices.” There were three membership categories: General members were entitled to receive all information pertinent to the organization, including the newsletter and meeting information. General members ($10 per year) did not have the right to vote or hold office. The category producer members ($25 annual membership) was restricted to individuals engaged in the commercial production of natural commodities as defined by the Board of NDNFA. Producer members were entitled to the same privileges as general members but was the only membership category to have voting privileges and the right to hold office. A supporting member ($30 or more per year) was any individual or company interested in supporting the purposes and objectives of NDNFA. Supporting members had the same privileges as general members and were not allowed to vote or hold office.

Traders eventually became involved in the organization. They saw NDNFA as a vehicle to recruit growers of certified organic product. NDNFA saw the traders as a source of additional support to get the organization on more sound footing. Mutually beneficial arrangements evolved. For example, the Mercantile Food Company (at the time known as MDI Natural) offered to type and mail out the first ever newsletter. Lynda Rockwell, (at MDI Natural) served as the collection point for information, and did the layout and mailing of the newsletter.

1981-1983

In 1981 and 82 the Board of Directors acknowledged the difficulties of trying to serve both as an educational organization and a marketing agent and in 1983 voted to define the role of NDNFA as that of an educational organization. The bylaws were amended in 1983. The organization had an average of 22 members from 1981 to 1983.

1984

In 1984 the membership grew to 35 members. The NDNFA worked to bring together producers and traders in the industry to produce a consensus of opinion on label claims in the marketplace to protect the identity and integrity of their products. The board of directors also took on the task of identifying and researching products that would be acceptable for use on a certified organic farm.

1985

1985 saw organic standards still a major topic. Leonardite and Chilean nitrate were the main topics of discussion. NDNFA embarked on work to develop an organic farming law for North Dakota. The board of directors also voted to work to influence the organic trade to further its efforts toward verification and certification. The concepts of no spray signs and registration of organic farms with the Aeronautics Commission were introduced and endorsed by the board. In addition, the board drafted proposed standards of certification for review at its 1986 Annual Winter Conference.

1986 NDNFA outgrows its name and takes to the high ground

The North Dakota Natural Farmers Association became Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society in 1986. The name change was initiated by membership expansion to include three states and the need to discontinue the use of the term “natural” due to its over use and abuse. NPSAS joined the Organic Food Production Association of North America and became an active representing farmer interests in development of their organic standards. NPSAS producer members were registered with the Aeronautics Commission to alert aerial sprayers to the presence of certified organic farms in their trade areas. Membership in the organization increased to 48.

1987

In 1987 the organization’s first Minnesota board member, Gary Ehlers, was elected. A bill, drafted with the help of NPSAS, was introduced and passed by the ND Legislature calling for documentation of organic certification by anyone buying or selling organic products in the state. The bill called for 36 months without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides to be eligible for certification.

1988 A year of many firsts

1988 was a year of many firsts for NPSAS. The first official publication of NPSAS, other than the NPSAS Newsletter, was published with the support of a grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation. The publication was entitled, “Switching to a Sustainable System,”  and was authored by board member, Fred Kirschenmann. The first SD board member, Gene Paulson, was appointed. The first grower caucus meeting was held with the target price list being the main topic of discussion. The NPSAS Board of Directors appointed its first woman board member, Ardeth Stevens, to fill a vacancy. NPSAS held its first boardsmanship seminar to help clarify NPSAS board members’ duties and responsibilities. NPSAS expressed increasing interest in sustainable agriculture. NPSAS also actively started working with the Carrington Research Center in their research in sustainable ag. The organization joined the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and the Sustainable Ag Coalition. Fred Kirschenmann testified at a hearing in Washington, DC on sustainable agriculture, sponsored by Senator Conrad and Representative Byron Dorgan. The Northwest Area Foundation invited NPSAS to participate in a proposed research project in a supervisory capacity. The organization took the newsletter’s publication “in house” with David Podoll serving as its first official editor. SD passed a law regulating the use of organic label, which was modeled after the law passed in ND in 1987.  The Summer Symposium was held August 16 in Milbank, SD with Stengel Seed & Grain and Alvin and Phyllis Schwartz hosting. Membership had grown to 67.

1989 Having an Impact

In 1989 NPSAS accomplished its first major revision of its By-Laws. A ninth board position was added. An executive committee was formed to carry on business that came up between board meetings; the committee was comprised of NPSAS officers. NPSAS sent a representative, Terry Jacobson, to work with the sustainable Ag Coalition and Midwest Sustainable Ag Working Group (MSAWG) on the 1990 Farm Bill, developing positions on issues involving sustainable agriculture. The working group was formed by environmental and church groups trying to bring sustainable agriculture to federal policy. NPSAS was one of a few farmer based sustainable ag organizations to participate. The summer symposium was held July 22 at the Medina, ND High School with a farm tour of Kirschenmann Family Farms.

1990

1990 saw NPSAS representatives put forth a major effort on the 1990 farm bill addressing research, conservation, commodity programs, and national organic standards through its memberships in various organizations. NPSAS had a big impact on issues such as Swampbuster and the Integrated Farm Management Program, sending representatives to coalition meetings and to testify before Congress. “We were able to work with environmental organizations and policy makers to help them understand what agriculture needed”, stated Terry Jacobson. “The alliances that were formed gave both sustainable farmers and environmentalists a stronger voice.” SD members caucused at the Annual Winter Conference and decided to remain a part of NPSAS rather than forming a separate organization. The very first all organic meals were served at the Annual Winter Conference. Winter Conference attendees also discussed forming a marketing cooperative to help members market their grains. No spraying signs were made available to members. NPSAS wrote and approved its first “Position Papers” on the definition of sustainable agriculture and on farm structure. NPSAS’s representative on the OFPANA Board of Directors, Fred Kirschenmann, was elected President of the Board. NPSAS received funds from the NW Area Foundation and created and Executive Secretary position. The Summer Symposium was held at the Nelson Brothers Farm with Chuck and Larry Nelson hosting. Membership dues were restructured as per the changes in the bylaws with two categories: subscribers ($20) and basic memberships ($35). Membership climbed to 170 members!

1991 Increasing Capacity

In 1991 NPSAS hired its first staff person; Executive Secretary, Sue Retka Schill. In addition, NPSAS named board member, Theresa Podoll, Convention Coordinator. The NPSAS Stewardship Fund was incorporated and obtained tax-exempt status as a 501-C3 non-profit organization, qualifying it to take in grant monies from private foundations. David Podoll was asked to represent NPSAS in work to develop organic livestock standards. Terry Jacobson was elected to the Sustainable Ag Working Group’s Coordinating Council. NPSAS participated in the Northern Tier Cooperative Land Grant Accountability Project along with several other producer and non-profit organizations. A number of NPSAS producer members cooperated with a LISA (Low Input Sustainable Agriculture) project on legumes, coordinated by John Gardner, director of the Carrington Research Center. In addition, NPSAS took part in a LISA funded project called the Midwest Alternative Agriculture Education Network (MAAEN) project; the goal was to develop a “learning circle” to  promote sustainable agriculture in the region and increase the involvement of the Extension Service. NPSAS held regional summer farm tours with hosts Robert & Celia Guilford from Cleawater, Manitoba; Dan & Mickie Thomas, Karlsruhe, ND; Terry & Janet Jacobson, Wales, ND; David, Dan & Theresa Podoll, Fulleton, ND; and Ray & Gail Berry, Norris, SD. “I am a walker of the fields,” says Terry Jacobson, president of NPSAS, in his first book of poetry, entitled “Crazy Musings from the North Outback,” published as a fundraiser for NPSAS.

1992 Furthering and clarifying its work

1992 brought the establishment of committees within the structure of the board to further the work of the organization. A marketing task force was also set up to explore the formation a marketing cooperative. NPSAS cosponsored a two-day session on bio-dynamic agriculture. The Sustainable Ag Working Group held its summer meeting in Jamestown, ND. The marketing task force was successful in securing funding for a feasibility study of the concept of a marketing cooperative for organic grains and proceeded with the study. The Summer Symposium was held in conjunction with the Carrington Research Field Days July 14-15 near Carrington, ND.

1993

In 1993 NPSAS embarked upon a goals setting process to clarify the work of NPSAS and guide its endeavors. Terry Jacobson attended a Sustainable Ag Working Group meeting for developing farm bill options for sustainable agriculture. John Gardner of the Carrington Research Center, Fred Kirschenmann, and Karl Stauber of the Northwest Area Foundation spoke on sustainable agriculture at the Midwest Association of State Departments of Agriculture, which is comprised of 12 states. The Summer Symposium was held July 10 at the David, Dan & Theresa Podoll Farm. The feasibility study for the marketing cooperative proved favorable, funding requirements had been met, and the newly formed board of directors initiated an effort to draw up the articles of incorporation. The NPSAS Marketing Task Force had accomplished its task and the endeavor was turned over to the new board of the cooperative venture.

1994

In 1994 the organization elected its first Canadian board member, Robert Guilford. NPSAS helped to disseminate the findings of the Northwest Area Foundation project on the socioeconomic benefits of sustainable agriculture. NPSAS participated in a soil quality index with which to evaluate the current “solutions”, such as CRP, and determine which practices are more effective. The legume project continued and a project on sweet clover weevil biocontrol grew out of that effort, with parasites being imported in weevils from Moldavia and Siberia. The organization continued its involvement in farm policy work with Terry Jacobson and Sue Schill representing the organization at regional meetings; Terry and Fred Kirschenmann attended meetings at the national level. The Summer Symposium was held in conjunction with the Carrington Research Center’s Field Days, July 12th. Farm Aid’s Willie Nelson attended the ND State Fair and gave NPSAS some high profile exposure! North Dakota again hosted the summer gathering of the Sustainable Ag Working Group, meeting in Carrington, ND. At its fall board meeting, the board of directors adopted the current mission statement of NPSAS.

1995 – Taking a stand; building bridges through cooperation and education

NPSAS passed its first resolution at its 1995 Annual Business meeting, opposing any weakening of ND’s and SD’s anti-corporate farming laws. NPSAS continued its evaluation of its goals and mission in the spring on 1995 and adopted a 3 – 5 year plan for the organization. NPSAS board member, Fred Kirschenmann, was appointed to a five year term on the National Organic Standards Board, the board mandated to write the regulations for the National Organic Standard Act. The organization was called upon to participate in a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program called “Train the Trainer”, designed to educate extension personnel about sustainable agriculture techniques and principles. NPSAS cosponsored the Western Sustainable Ag Day July 19 at Richardson, ND along with OCIA, FVO and NDSU Extension. The events received TV coverage! NPSAS joined the Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, a coalition of over 500 grassroots groups across the nation whose goal is to keep members informed of needed action and promote participation in national affairs impacting sustainable agriculture. ND OCIA Chapter 1 was awarded 1995 Chapter of the year, one of three chapters so honored worldwide. NPSAS board member, Brad Drummond, received the Soil Conservation Professional Award at the State Soil Conservation Convention.

1996

The first Beginning Organic Farming Session was held at the 1996 Annual Winter Conference in Bismarck, ND with the ND Market Growers Association holding their annual meeting concurrently. The first scholarships were offered to encourage financially challenged producers to attend the conference. NPSAS entered into discussion with NDSU over wheat variety needs in the organic system. NPSAS Members continued their involvement with the “Train the Trainers” effort. The Carrington Research Center and NPSAS cosponsored the first ever Sustainable/Organic Ag Research Tour July 9 at Carrington, ND.

1997

NPSAS’s fund-raising committee implemented its first fund-raising initiatives  – a raffle and a planned Silent Auction at the 1997 Winter Conference. Sue Retka Schill tendered her resignation as Executive Secretary. Board President, Brad Drummond was named to the OCIA International Review Committee.

New faces and places

Consumers in Jamestown, ND were privy to “A Taste of Organic” during a tasting fair held in conjunction with the 1997 NPSAS Annual Winter Conference. The board hired Theresa Podoll as its new Executive Secretary. The Summer Symposium was held at Stengel Seed and Grain in Milbank, SD hosted by the families of Cal & Doug Stengel. NPSAS was among a group of several grassroots organizations and five State Departments of Agriculture to be awarded a Federal State Marketing Improvement Program Grant entitled, “Preparing the Way for Organic Meat Marketing in the Upper Midwest” which sought to help ready livestock producers for the establishment of organic standards for meat and new markets. NPSAS endorsed the right of certifying agencies to use p private seals and certify products to a higher standard than the pending national organic standards. A task for was formed to respond to the publishing of proposed National Organic Standards. NPSAS was invited to participate in NRCS State Technical Committee meetings and the Applicator Drift Insurance Committee (dealing with pesticide drift and liability); Duane Boehm was appointed as representative of these committees.

1998

NPSAS adopted its second resolution at the 1998 NPSAS Annual Meeting, declaring its support of Amendment E; the constitutional amendment seeking to strengthen South Dakota’s anti-corporate farming law. NPSAS adopted two new “Position Papers” entitled, “New Directions for Ag Research”, urging a problem prevention approach versus problem solving; and “Agriculture at the Crossroads” dealing with the “tysonization” of agriculture. The title of the Executive Secretary was changed to that of “Executive Director”. NPSAS established a committee to work with the ND Variety Release Committee to screen wheats for organic systems. The Terry and Janet Jacobson family hosted the 1998 Summer Symposium. Tonya Haigh of Volga, SD was hired as the NPSAS Program Assistant. NPSAS held its first Harvest Festival at the Johnson Family Farms in Madison, SD hosted by the families of Charlie and Allen Johnson. My Neighbors Acre, a mutual care fund for members facing financial crisis, was established with start-up funds contributed by the Jessie Smith Notes Foundation. Former board member and President, Fred Kirschenmann was awarded the Acres USA Lifetime Achievement Award. The board named Terry Jacobson NPSAS Poet Laureate.