Comprehensive Biography

EDUCATION

Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Cornell University, August 1985. Field of resource economics, minors in law and agricultural economics.

M.S. in Agricultural Economics, Cornell University, January 1982. Field of public policy analysis, minor in resource economics.

B.A. in Economics and Political Science (double major), State University of New York at New Paltz, June 1979.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Belcairn Concerns. Principal

Conduct research on agricultural economics, market analysis, pest management, and organic and sustainable agriculture. Advise clients on organic farming, sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. Present findings, conduct public speaking and prepare publications. Clients include Cornell University, Oregon State University, Washington State University, the University of Wisconsin, University of California, the New York City Greenmarket, Northeast Organic Farmers Association of New York, Organic Materials Review Institute, the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, the IPM Center, and various private companies. (March 2013-present).

Research Institute of Organic Agriculture International Research Networker and Editor

Organized a platform for the collaboration of organic agriculture researchers; promoted scientific and scholarly exchange; prepared internet content with Typo3; managed research projects; edited manuscripts for publications; wrote grant proposals. (June 2012-February 2013).

The Organic Center Senior Research Fellow

Conduct research on organic farming systems. Prepare Technical Evaluation Reports for the US Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Standards Board (September 2011-May 2012).

Alfred State College Institute for Sustainability Executive Director

Chief Executive of a new institute to teach, demonstrate and conduct applied research in organic and sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, recycling, and green building. Wrote grant proposals, managed grant-funded projects, and developed funding. Planned and managed budgets. Taught and conducted research on organic farming. Supervised free-range poultry project. Started and managed a community garden and composting project with the dining hall. Conducted the campus greenhouse gas inventory. Initiated recycling programs. Organized local food summit; promoted procurement of local foods on three campuses. Served on academic committees. (August 2009-September 2011).

Organic Materials Review Institute Final position: Research Director

Founded, developed and directed innovative program created to review materials used in organic food production, processing and handling. Worked with a multi-stakeholder Board of Directors. Prepared budgets and strategic planning documents. Supervised staff members, independent contractors, and outside experts. Evaluated documentation and data, prepared technical documents, and public comments on proposed rulemaking; set policies and worked with experts to determine compliance with national and international standards. Successfully wrote and managed grant funded projects (1997- 2009).

University of Oregon Department of Landscape Architecture. Urban Farm Team Leader

Instructor for organic gardening class, collaborated with school garden projects (1999-2002).

University of California at Santa Cruz Environmental Studies Board. Lecturer.

Instructor of “Sustainable Agriculture and Small Farm Systems.” Collaborated with UCSC Agroecology Program and Life Lab staff (1996).

California Certified Organic Farmers Final position: Technical Coordinator

Provided technical support to organic farmer members. Represented organic farmers’ interests in public venues testifying before elected and appointed local, state and Federal officials. Conducted multidisciplinary research. Wrote grant proposals and managed grant funded projects; published articles for a farming audience; trained and managed employees and independent contractors. Designed, developed, and managed a program to conduct and evaluate laboratory analyses. Implemented regulations. (March 1988 - June 1997)

University of California at Berkeley Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics Post-doctoral Fellow.

Conducted and published researched on the economics of biological control, risk management and other subjects related to resource economics. (1986 ‑ 1988)

Cornell University, Department of Agricultural Economics Research Associate

Conducted research on agricultural and resource economics, including econometric analysis on taxes on forest lands in New York, forecast water demand for New York State. Published papers. (1985-1986)

Cornell University, Department of Agricultural Economics Research Assistant

Conducted and published research on agricultural and resource economics, farming systems modeling, farm budgets, groundwater contamination dynamics, pesticide fate. Analyzed regulatory and fiscal policy impacts, and forecast real estate prices and property tax revenues. Prepared and conducted surveys with a multi-disciplinary team. (September 1980- August 1985)

Cornell University, Department of Agricultural Economics Teaching Assistant

Prepared lectures, graded papers and exams, held office hours for students. (Fall 1982)

State University of New York, New Paltz. Greenhouse Manager

Responsible for daily operation. Propagated plants, mixed potting media, applied fertilizers and pesticides (September 1977-June 1979).

Knollcrest Farm: Family Farm.

Performed physical labor, operated and maintained tractors and other farm equipment, applied fertilizers and pesticides (May 1968 – August 1976)

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

International Organic Inspectors Association Board of Directors (2022-present)

Oregon Organic Coalition Board of Directors (2021-present)

IFOAM North America Board of Directors (2017-2021) President

Organic Agriculture Research Symposium (2015-2017) Conference Organizer.

Rural-Urban Linkages Research Advisory Team (2015)

Organic-IPM Working Group (2013-present) Member and Co-chair.

Technology Innovation Platform of IFOAM (2013-present). Council member and Vice-chair.

Sustainable Organic Agriculture Action Network (SOAAN) (2012-present) Advisory Group Member.

Strategies for Organic and Low-Input Breeding and Management (SOLIBAM). (2010-2015) External Advisor for a multidisciplinary European Union supported project.

Organic Materials Review Institute (2009-present) Advisory Council member.

Canadian General Standards Board Organic Technical Committee (2007-present) Technical Expert.

eOrganic (2006-present). Organic Community of Practice Expert.

The Organic Center (2002-2012). Science and Technical Advisory Committee.

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)

Technology Innovation Platform IFOAM Council (2013-present)
Standards Committee (2000-2005; 2009-present).
Definition of Organic Agriculture Task Force (2005-2008).
Principles of Organic Agriculture Task Force (2002-2005).
Codex Alimentarius Commission Delegation Technical Expert (2002-2003).

California Compost Quality Council Board Alternate (1995-1997).

US Department of Agriculture National Organic Standards Board. Certifier Representative (1995).

California Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Steering Committee (1994-95).

US Department of Agriculture National Organic Program Technical Advisory Panel (1994-2002).

California Integrated Waste Management Board Compost Agriculture Steering Committee (1994-1995).

Santa Cruz County Agenda 21 Agriculture Committee. Chairperson (1993-1994).

University of California Small Farm Advisory Committee Alternate (1993).

California Environmental Protection Agency Department of Pesticide Regulation. Pesticide Registration Study Advisory Committee Member. (1992-1993).

Garden Project for the Homeless, Santa Cruz, CA. Volunteer. (1989-1996)

Ecological Farming Association (CSA). Member, Board of Directors. (1988-1990).

Cooperative Connections, Berkeley, CA Straw Boss. (1986-1987).

Ecological Agriculture Research Collective. Cornell University. Collective Member (1983-1986).

Environmental Planners of Cornell (1983-1984). Conference Coordinator, 1983. Chair, 1984.

Peters & Weiner Law Firm. Intern (1978-1979).

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Organic and Sustainable Agriculture, Alfred State College, AGRI 2012, Professor, 2010-2011.

Urban Farm, University of Oregon, LA 390, Team Leader, Fall and Spring, 1999-2002.

Sustainability and Small Farm Systems, University of California, Santa Cruz, ENVS 132. Adjunct Professor, Spring, 1996.

Resource Economics, Cornell University, Ag Econ 450, Teaching Assistant, Fall 1982.

SELECTED SPONSORED PROJECTS

Developing Multi-Use Naked Barley for Organic Farming Systems. 2017-2020. Funder: USDA Organic Research and Education Initiative. Consulting Economist. Grant total: $1,995,665. My budget: $22,000.

Organic Agriculture Research Symposium 2016. Funder: USDA Organic Research and Education Initiative. 2015-2016. Conference coordinator. Grant total: $48,509. My budget: $20,000.

Community Integrated Pest Management. Funder: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 2014-2016. Researcher. Grant total: $500,000. My budget: $30,000.

Organic Agriculture Research Symposium 2015. Funder: USDA Organic Research and Education Initiative. 2014-2015. Conference coordinator. Grant total: $49,846. My budget: $24,000.

Value-added grains for local and regional food systems. Funder: USDA Organic Research and Education Initiative. Economist for a multi-disciplinary team. 2011-2015. Grant total: $2,356,999. My budget: $77,832.

Technical Evaluation Reports. Funder: USDA National Organic Program. Principal Investigator. Fiscal Agent: The Organic Center. Funder: USDA National Organic Program. Federal Fiscal Year 2011-2012. Contract Total: $100,000.

Permitted Substances List. Fiscal Agent: Organic Materials Review Institute. Federal Fiscal Year 2011-2012.

A Multi-purpose Tool for Small Farms. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. Technical Advisor. 2011. Fiscal Agent: SUNY Research Foundation. Grant Total: $13,021.

Weeds Your Way. Funder: Organic Farming Research Foundation. Fiscal Agent: SUNY Research Foundation. Principal Investigator. 2009-2011.

Pioneer Farm. Funder: Animal Welfare Institute. Fiscal Agent: SUNY Research Foundation. Principal Investigator. 2009-2010. Grant Total: $170,000.

Organic Seed Production: Materials, Training and a Seed Database. Funder: USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. Principal Investigator. Fiscal Agent: Organic Materials Review Institute. 2006-2008.

Organic Farming Principles, Practices and Materials: Resources for Western Region Extension and USDA Professionals. USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. Cooperator. Fiscal Agent: University of California. 2002-2004.

Technical Advisory Panel. USDA National Organic Program. Principal Investigator. 1999-2002.

Science You Can Use. Organic Farming Research Foundation. Principal Investigator. Fiscal Agent: California Certified Organic Farmers. 1990-1998.

Organic Farmers’ Growing Practices. University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. 1989-1990.

Institutions for Ecosystem Management. University of California Ciriacy-Wantrup Fellowship. 1986-1988.

New York’s Water Resources. Rockefeller Institute. Project Consultant. 1985-1986.

Repeated Flooding and Net Worth. US Army Corps of Engineers. Research Assistant. 1980-1981.

MEMBERSHIPS

Agricultural and Applied Economics Association

American Chemical Society

International Organic Inspectors Association

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements

Organic Trade Association

AWARDS AND HONORS

Recognition Award, IFOAM—Organics International (2021)

Special Commendation, Organic Materials Review Institute (1999)

Certificate of Merit, California Certified Organic Farmers (1997)

Ciriacy-Wantrup Fellow (1986-1988)

Lehman Fellow (1979-1984)

Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society (1979)

Graduated Magna Cum Laude (1979)

Dean’s List every semester (1976-1979)

Regents’ Scholar (1976)

LANGUAGES

Italian: Read (Good), Write (Fair), Speak (Poor)

Spanish: Read (Good), Write (Fair), Speak (Poor)

German: Read (Fair), Write (Poor), Speak (Poor)

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATES

Accredited Certifiers Association / International Organic Inspectors Association. Professional Development Training. January 27 and 28, February 2-4, 2021.

USDA National Organic Program. Accredited Certifier Training. January 25 & 26, 2021.

International Organic Inspectors Association. Remote Organic Inspections. June 22, 2020.

USDA National Organic Program. Organic Integrity Learning Center. Training on the USDA National Organic Program. June 5, 2020 and August 13, 2020.

International Organic Inspectors Association Advanced Trainings in Organic Fraud Detection and Mexican Organic Regulations. Asilomar, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico, February 28 and March 1, 2019.

International Organic Inspectors Association Advanced Training on In/Out Balances, Traceability Tests and Recipe Verification under NOP & COR. Webinar and on-line, December 4 & 11, 2018.

Human Research Group 1: Social / Behavioral Research Investigators and Key Personnel Basic Course. Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative. December 4, 2018.

Traceability Best Practices: The Inspector’s Role in Assessing Uncertified Handlers. Accredited Certifiers Association Webinar, April 3, 2018.

Technology Innovation Platform of IFOAM. Accelerating Innovation: The Role of Science, Policy, and Practice. New Delhi, India. Certificate of Honor received. November 8, 2017.

Quality Certification Services Inspector Training. On-line. June 12, 2017.

Protecting Human Research Participants. National Institute of Health On-line Course. May 15, 2017. Certificate #238556.

Organic Materials Review Institute Inspector Training. On-line. April 4, 2017.

Cornell Cooperative Extension. Organic Pesticide Applicator Training. Geneva, NY, March 25-26, 2014.

Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Cornell Small Farms Program. Utilizing Financial Record Keeping Tools. On-line January 13-February 17, 2014. Training certificate received.

International Organic Inspectors Association Advanced Training in Processing, Livestock, and Inspection Technology. Asilomar, Pacific Grove, California, March 22 and 24, 2013. Training certificate received.

International Organic Inspectors Association Advanced Training in Pesticide Residue Sampling. ALBA, Salinas, California, March 21, 2013. Training certificate received.

Kursbestätigung Deutsch Semi-Intensiv Niveau. [Certificate of Completion, Beginning German Semi-Intensive]. Migros Klubschule, August 2012 – January 2013.

Investment in Excellence: Training in How to Improve Performance. Pacific Institute. Alfred, NY. Leadership Training Certificate Received. February 7-8, 2011.

National Organic Program Final Pasture Rule Training. LaCrosse WI, February 24, 2010 and Albany, NY, March 24, 2010. USDA Certificate Received.

Professional Development Training for Accredited Certifiers and State Organic Programs. Pacific Grove, CA. January 19-20, 2009.

Independent Organic Inspectors Association. Advanced Training. Corvallis, OR. October 29, 2008. Instructor of a full-day Advanced Training, “Focus on Organic Input Inspection”.

Professional Development Training for Accredited Certifiers and State Organic Programs. Louisville, KY. January 15, 2008.

Independent Organic Inspectors Association EU Organic Regulation Training. Port Matilda, PA. November 17, 2007. Instructor of “Inspecting Inputs for Organic Operations”.

International Organic Inspectors Association. Advanced Training. Wilsonville, OR. November 12-13, 2003. Instructor of “Materials Inputs” training.

Independent Organic Inspectors Association. Advanced Training. Mt Madonna, CA. April 1, 2000.

Independent Organic Inspectors Association. Advanced Training. Watsonville, CA. January 30, 1999. Instructor of “Inputs” and “Genetically engineered materials”.

Independent Organic Inspectors Association. Advanced Training. Santa Rosa, CA. February 17, 1995.

Independent Organic Inspectors Association. Basic Farm Inspection. Pahala, HI. October 1-3, 1994.

Independent Organic Inspectors Association. Basic Crops, Advanced Crops and Advanced Processing Organic Inspector Trainings. Aurora, NE, Nebraska Youth Leadership Center, January 6-11, 1992.