LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ – Arizona State University has unveiled KERNEL, a five‑year mentorship initiative designed to train more farmers to grow organic crops across the state. The program pairs seasoned organic producers with aspiring growers, providing hands‑on advice, marketing strategies, and business planning support.
Local mentors step up
Blue Sky Organic Farms, a certified organic operation in Litchfield Park since 1994, is among the first to join as a mentor. Farm manager Sara Dolan said, “Being a mentor is what I’ve always wanted to do and never knew that.” Dolan will work directly with mentees, sharing the practical knowledge she gained while transitioning her own farm to organic standards.
Why organic matters
According to program officials, consumer demand for organic food far exceeds the current domestic supply, leading to billions of dollars in imports from abroad. “Consumer demand for organic outstrips supply, and we need to grow organic in this country,” said Kathleen Merrigan, former U.S. deputy secretary of agriculture and director of ASU’s Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems.
Merrigan explained that moving from conventional to organic production is challenging. “If you’ve been farming conventionally using synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers; it’s hard because you’re asked to go cold turkey, no inputs,” she said. The transition period lasts three years before a farm can label its product as organic, a time when growers often forgo price premiums.
How KERNEL helps
KERNEL mentors will guide farmers through the transition, offering strategies on crop selection, soil health, marketing, and financial management. Mentors can receive up to $1,000 per mentee, with a maximum of $5,000 for a full cohort, incentivizing experienced growers to share their expertise.
“Train the trainers, farmers helping farmers. It just makes so much sense,” Merrigan added. The program builds on a USDA initiative launched in 2022, which was ended early last month after the Trump administration cut its funding. KERNEL aims to revive that nationwide effort, restoring support for organic expansion.
Looking ahead
ASU expects KERNEL to create a pipeline of qualified organic producers who can meet local and national demand while keeping food dollars within American farms. By fostering mentorship relationships, the university hopes to strengthen family‑run farms, uphold traditional agricultural values, and provide consumers with healthier, locally sourced options.
Community members and interested farmers can learn more about the program through ASU’s Swette Center website or by contacting the KERNEL office directly.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
