Pioneering Organic Farmer Publishes Memoir

By Heather Thorstensen, AgriNews



Atina Diffley wrote her debut memoir about farming in Minnesota to help beginning farmers learn from her experience and to teach the public about organic farming.



“It really gives the reader a good understanding of the challenges a farmer works with,” she said. “All farmers, whether they’re organic or not, we all face the same challenges.”



Atina and her husband, Martin, ran one of the first certified organic produce farms in the Midwest, Gardens of Eagan.



Turn Here Sweet Corn: Organic Farming Works, published by the University of Minnesota Press, is now available in stores.



The story spans the majority of Atina’s life so far, from her childhood dreams of becoming a farmer to joining Martin on land that has been in his family for five generations. They had to give up that land to eminent domain for a school, only to move to another farm, which fell in a proposed path of a crude oil pipeline.



“Someone had told me to write a book, the writer has to believe the world needs to hear the story,” said Atina. “...I knew that sharing my mistakes would help people who want to farm and to help people understand why we farm.”



When faced with the crude oil pipeline plan, the Diffleys worked with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to add an organic appendix to agricultural mitigation plans.



The plans are written by companies proposing select energy projects in order to receive a permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The plans explain how impacts to farmland can be reduced. The agriculture department reviews the plans and advises the PUC about them.



The Diffleys argued that organic farms are special cases, and need companies to follow specific practices so that the farms can keep their organic certifications.



The organic appendix is still used today in Minnesota and could be the first of its kind in the country. It takes into account the farmer’s organic systems plan, a federally registered document that is part of organic certification. It details how the farmer manages their operation.



“It’s one very good reason for farmers to get certified if they’re using organic systems, because it provides them with legal protection,” she said.



The book also discusses holistic farm management, which is the methodical goal-setting and farm planning system that she and Martin used on their farm.



“It’s an annual planning process where we looked at the farm as a whole and asked ourselves what needs to change to make the farm healthier,” she said. “Farmers and non-farmers alike have told me how useful that is for them, to understand that planning process.”



In 2008, the Diffleys sold their farm name and equipment, and leased their farmland, to the Wedge Community Co-op in Minneapolis so the cooperative could grow organic vegetables.



Today, the Diffleys work as consultants for their business, Organic Farming Works LLC, to share what they’ve learned with farmers and consumers. They live in Eureka Township, near Farmington.



“We work with farmers of all levels, especially beginning farmers,” she said. They’ve helped people nationwide, including those who are in the process of gaining organic certification and people wanting help with marketing.



Additionally, Atina sits on the boards of non-profit organizations. One of her positions is vice president of the board of directors for the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service. The organization named the Diffleys the Organic Farmers of the Year in 2004.



“Organic farming works and it’s a key to solving many of the challenges that we have,” she said.





Stuck in the Middle Farmer files lawsuit against Evrett Lunquist of Common Good Farm

Evrett Lunquist of Common Good Farm



On February 13, 2012, Paul Rosberg, a farmer in Randolph, Nebraska, filed a suit in the Lancaster County (Nebraska) District Court against Evrett Lunquist, an independent organic inspector based in Raymond. In the suit, Rosberg claims that information provided by Lunquist to the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) caused the NOP to revoke Rosberg’s organic certification. He now seeks damages of more than $3 million dollars.



This case is notable because it is the first known case of an organic farmer bringing suit against an organic inspector. Certified organic farms and processors, under regulation of the NOP, must have an on-site inspection annually. As an independent organic inspector, Lunquist had inspected Rosberg’s farm several years ago for two different organic certifying agencies.



Many certifying agencies use independently contracted inspectors to perform this service after they have had intensive training focused on anything ranging from inspection of farms, livestock, processors and a variety of more specific situations. IOIA, the Montana-based International Organic Inspectors Association, works throughout the world to lead training sessions independently and in collaboration with a wide range of organic certifying agencies.



Upon receipt of the information provided by Lunquist, the NOP began an investigation of the farmer’s operation. Based upon its own investigation, the NOP found that Rosberg “did not disclose his prior certification history, notices of non-compliances, or notices of denial when applying for organic certification with four consecutive [organic] certifying agents” [1].



Although Lunquist’s report to the NOP should have been kept confidential under NOP policy, his identity was inadvertently released when Rosberg requested documentation from the NOP while appealing his organic certificate revocation. While Lunquist was acting as a private citizen at the time of his complaint to the NOP, he is a member of IOIA and is required by their Inspector Code of Ethics to report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities.



A hearing has been scheduled for August 27, 2012, in regard to Lunquist’s motion for summary judgment—that is, asking that the Judge decide the case based on the evidence submitted, rather than trial by jury).



A web site has been created with additional information, including court documents and ways to contribute to the Lunquist legal fund. Readers can visit



1. In re: Paul A. Rosberg, Administrator’s Decision, APL-012- 10 (USDA Agricultural Marketing Service).



Support your co-op suppliers! Visit www.lunquistlegalfund.org





Not Just Faces In The Crowd F.C. Barcelona and its 170,000 Owners

By Kelsi Swanson, General Manager



The idea of fans owning their own sports teams has never gained much ground in the U.S., in part because the sports leagues have generally prohibited it (with the approval of the U.S. Government, which grants antitrust exemptions to the major leagues.) The single exception is the Green Bay Packers, renowned for being owned by its loyal fans. In England and Europe, however, the issue is less about whether fans can own a sports team, but rather about how to make it work well.



Dave Boyle has been the CEO of Supporters Direct for the past three years. Supporters Direct is an organization that was founded in 2000 to “promote sustainable spectator sports clubs based on supporters’ involvement and community ownership.” The fact that Supporters Direct even exists shows how much more advanced the UK is on cooperative ownership of sports teams than other countries.



A report, published in July 2010 by Co-operatives UK and Supporters Direct, suggested that the way to improve soccer is to follow the approach of leading Spanish clubs and hand it over to its fans. Boyle commented in the report that “FC Barcelona is a powerful example of how a club can be organized co-operatively and still successfully compete with rivals across the world. The club has long been known for being owned by its fans but, until now, we couldn’t see how things worked ‘under the hood’. Fans looking at what rights and powers they have in the Club can only look on with envy. Of course, co-operative football clubs are like all clubs- they are not immune from financial troubles during times of economic austerity. But it’s the ownership structure that really sets them apart.” The report, ‘Barca-fan ownership and the future of football clubs’, can be found online at



In Spain, the fans of Barcelona have a say because the club is owned by them. FC Barcelona is structured as a member owned co-operative society with a president elected every four years by the 170,000 Barcelona members. Arguably the best team on the planet, the Barcelona football club is the heartbeat of Catalonia. It is also among the most successful top-tier sports organizations of recent times, having won four of the last six Spanish titles, along with three Champions Leagues, two FIFA Club World Cups, one Copa del Rey and five Supercopas. In April 2012 this record has helped Barcelona climb to the third spot on Forbes’ annual valuations of the world’s soccer teams, with a worth estimated at $1.31 billion-- more than all but three NFL teams.



Sporting teams have an inherently public character. Their magic is to take all the emotions that define what a club means to one fan and make it equate to those of every one of the hundreds, thousands or millions of people who share the same allegiance. They serve a deep human need for community, and that, plus the unscripted drama of the game, explains its success. Fans love their teams because of what they are, not for what they do for their owners or employees. That is why a co-operative form is a perfect fit with sporting teams, because in a co-op, economics flow from purpose, not the other way around… By Heather Thorstensen, AgriNewsAtina Diffley wrote her debut memoir about farming in Minnesota to help beginning farmers learn from her experience and to teach the public about organic farming.“It really gives the reader a good understanding of the challenges a farmer works with,” she said. “All farmers, whether they’re organic or not, we all face the same challenges.”Atina and her husband, Martin, ran one of the first certified organic produce farms in the Midwest, Gardens of Eagan.Turn Here Sweet Corn: Organic Farming Works, published by the University of Minnesota Press, is now available in stores.The story spans the majority of Atina’s life so far, from her childhood dreams of becoming a farmer to joining Martin on land that has been in his family for five generations. They had to give up that land to eminent domain for a school, only to move to another farm, which fell in a proposed path of a crude oil pipeline.“Someone had told me to write a book, the writer has to believe the world needs to hear the story,” said Atina. “...I knew that sharing my mistakes would help people who want to farm and to help people understand why we farm.”When faced with the crude oil pipeline plan, the Diffleys worked with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to add an organic appendix to agricultural mitigation plans.The plans are written by companies proposing select energy projects in order to receive a permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The plans explain how impacts to farmland can be reduced. The agriculture department reviews the plans and advises the PUC about them.The Diffleys argued that organic farms are special cases, and need companies to follow specific practices so that the farms can keep their organic certifications.The organic appendix is still used today in Minnesota and could be the first of its kind in the country. It takes into account the farmer’s organic systems plan, a federally registered document that is part of organic certification. It details how the farmer manages their operation.“It’s one very good reason for farmers to get certified if they’re using organic systems, because it provides them with legal protection,” she said.The book also discusses holistic farm management, which is the methodical goal-setting and farm planning system that she and Martin used on their farm.“It’s an annual planning process where we looked at the farm as a whole and asked ourselves what needs to change to make the farm healthier,” she said. “Farmers and non-farmers alike have told me how useful that is for them, to understand that planning process.”In 2008, the Diffleys sold their farm name and equipment, and leased their farmland, to the Wedge Community Co-op in Minneapolis so the cooperative could grow organic vegetables.Today, the Diffleys work as consultants for their business, Organic Farming Works LLC, to share what they’ve learned with farmers and consumers. They live in Eureka Township, near Farmington.“We work with farmers of all levels, especially beginning farmers,” she said. They’ve helped people nationwide, including those who are in the process of gaining organic certification and people wanting help with marketing.Additionally, Atina sits on the boards of non-profit organizations. One of her positions is vice president of the board of directors for the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service. The organization named the Diffleys the Organic Farmers of the Year in 2004.“Organic farming works and it’s a key to solving many of the challenges that we have,” she said.Evrett Lunquist of Common Good FarmOn February 13, 2012, Paul Rosberg, a farmer in Randolph, Nebraska, filed a suit in the Lancaster County (Nebraska) District Court against Evrett Lunquist, an independent organic inspector based in Raymond. In the suit, Rosberg claims that information provided by Lunquist to the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) caused the NOP to revoke Rosberg’s organic certification. He now seeks damages of more than $3 million dollars.This case is notable because it is the first known case of an organic farmer bringing suit against an organic inspector. Certified organic farms and processors, under regulation of the NOP, must have an on-site inspection annually. As an independent organic inspector, Lunquist had inspected Rosberg’s farm several years ago for two different organic certifying agencies.Many certifying agencies use independently contracted inspectors to perform this service after they have had intensive training focused on anything ranging from inspection of farms, livestock, processors and a variety of more specific situations. IOIA, the Montana-based International Organic Inspectors Association, works throughout the world to lead training sessions independently and in collaboration with a wide range of organic certifying agencies.Upon receipt of the information provided by Lunquist, the NOP began an investigation of the farmer’s operation. Based upon its own investigation, the NOP found that Rosberg “did not disclose his prior certification history, notices of non-compliances, or notices of denial when applying for organic certification with four consecutive [organic] certifying agents” [1].Although Lunquist’s report to the NOP should have been kept confidential under NOP policy, his identity was inadvertently released when Rosberg requested documentation from the NOP while appealing his organic certificate revocation. While Lunquist was acting as a private citizen at the time of his complaint to the NOP, he is a member of IOIA and is required by their Inspector Code of Ethics to report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities.A hearing has been scheduled for August 27, 2012, in regard to Lunquist’s motion for summary judgment—that is, asking that the Judge decide the case based on the evidence submitted, rather than trial by jury).A web site has been created with additional information, including court documents and ways to contribute to the Lunquist legal fund. Readers can visit www.lunquistlegalfund.org for details and updates.1. In re: Paul A. Rosberg, Administrator’s Decision, APL-012- 10 (USDA Agricultural Marketing Service).By Kelsi Swanson, General ManagerThe idea of fans owning their own sports teams has never gained much ground in the U.S., in part because the sports leagues have generally prohibited it (with the approval of the U.S. Government, which grants antitrust exemptions to the major leagues.) The single exception is the Green Bay Packers, renowned for being owned by its loyal fans. In England and Europe, however, the issue is less about whether fans can own a sports team, but rather about how to make it work well.Dave Boyle has been the CEO of Supporters Direct for the past three years. Supporters Direct is an organization that was founded in 2000 to “promote sustainable spectator sports clubs based on supporters’ involvement and community ownership.” The fact that Supporters Direct even exists shows how much more advanced the UK is on cooperative ownership of sports teams than other countries.A report, published in July 2010 by Co-operatives UK and Supporters Direct, suggested that the way to improve soccer is to follow the approach of leading Spanish clubs and hand it over to its fans. Boyle commented in the report that “FC Barcelona is a powerful example of how a club can be organized co-operatively and still successfully compete with rivals across the world. The club has long been known for being owned by its fans but, until now, we couldn’t see how things worked ‘under the hood’. Fans looking at what rights and powers they have in the Club can only look on with envy. Of course, co-operative football clubs are like all clubs- they are not immune from financial troubles during times of economic austerity. But it’s the ownership structure that really sets them apart.” The report, ‘Barca-fan ownership and the future of football clubs’, can be found online at www.uk.coop/barca In Spain, the fans of Barcelona have a say because the club is owned by them. FC Barcelona is structured as a member owned co-operative society with a president elected every four years by the 170,000 Barcelona members. Arguably the best team on the planet, the Barcelona football club is the heartbeat of Catalonia. It is also among the most successful top-tier sports organizations of recent times, having won four of the last six Spanish titles, along with three Champions Leagues, two FIFA Club World Cups, one Copa del Rey and five Supercopas. In April 2012 this record has helped Barcelona climb to the third spot on Forbes’ annual valuations of the world’s soccer teams, with a worth estimated at $1.31 billion-- more than all but three NFL teams.Sporting teams have an inherently public character. Their magic is to take all the emotions that define what a club means to one fan and make it equate to those of every one of the hundreds, thousands or millions of people who share the same allegiance. They serve a deep human need for community, and that, plus the unscripted drama of the game, explains its success. Fans love their teams because of what they are, not for what they do for their owners or employees. That is why a co-operative form is a perfect fit with sporting teams, because in a co-op, economics flow from purpose, not the other way around… Co-op Deals July 4 - July 17





July 18 - July 31





New Items Deli Greek Spinach Salad with Lemon Vinagrette

Krab Salad (available as a wrap)

Black Bean and Mushroom Burgers Produce Local selection is growing weekly! Meat & Seafood Blue Valley Aquaculture Trout, rib bones removed Grocery Beaufor French Sherry Vinegar

Beaufor French White Wine Vinegar

Beaufor French Red Wine Vinegar

Beaufor French Raspberry Red Wine Vinegar

Coconut Secret Raw Coconut Vinegar

Lucini Italia Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Myrto Greek Extra Virgin Kalamata Olive Oil

Napa Valley Rich & Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Napa Valley Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 50 oz size

Napa Valley Marsala Cooking Wine

Napa Valley Sauterne Cooking Wine

Spectrum Sweet Almond Oil

Spectrum Refined Sesame Oil

Spectrum High Oleic Safflower Oil

Virgil’s Micro Brewed Dr. Better Soda

Zoe Spanish Olive Oil, 3-Liter size Body Care Alaffia African Black Soap bar

Bulldog Men’s Facial Care Facial Scrub, Face Wash, Shave Gel, After Shave Balm, Original Moisturiser

Indigo Wild Zum Mists Patchouli, Sea Salt, Lavender-mint

Nubian Heritage African Black Soap bar Supplements Herbs Etc. Chloroxygen, unflavored & mint

Kal Purely Vitamins vitamin complex, mineral-free

Nature’s Plus Ultra T-Male

Nature’s Plus GH Male

Nature’s Plus All Day Energy Caps

Nature’s Plus Y-Cramp Travel Pack

Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet oil

Nutrition Now Fiber Gummies for Adults

Solaray Eleuthero

Solaray Super IbuActin

Events Lincoln Municipal Band Summer Series Sunday July 8, 15 and 22 at 7:00 p.m.

John Shildneck Memorial Bandshell, Antelope Park

Join the Lincoln Municipal Band as they celebrate their 100th year and present unique performances all summer. Bring your friends, a blanket and enjoy a good time in the warm summer weather.



Stransky Park Concert Series Thursdays in July at 7:30 p.m.

Stransky Park, 17th Street & Harrison Avenue

Free concerts and free refreshments, sponsored by Open Harvest! July 12: Jackie Allen. July 19: Sandy Creek Bluegrass. July 28: Jarana.



First Saturday Film Series: Fresh FREE screening, Saturday, July 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso, 1624 South Street

Fresh celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are reinventing our food system. Forging healthier and more environmentally responsible alternatives, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet.



Lincoln Green by Design General Meetings Tuesday, July 10 from 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Lincoln Community Foundation Building 15th & N Streets, 5th Floor

Green by Design’s mission is to bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to promote a sustainable Lincoln and Lancaster County. Open to the public.



Open Harvest Board of Directors Meetings Wednesday, July 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Two Pillars Church, 1430 South Street

Member-owners are encouraged to attend! Parking for these meetings is available behind the South Street Barber Shop and Boxing Gym. Visitors should enter Two Pillars Church from the 15th Street side.



36th Annual Butterfly Count Saturday, July 14 from 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Pioneers Park Nature Center 3201 S Coddington

No need to be an expert; an experienced person will accompany each group. The count involves walking about 2 hours and covering 2 to 3 miles. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call (402) 441-7895 to register by July 12.



Ongoing Farmers Markets St. Paul United Church of Christ 13th & F Streets

Tuesdays, 4:30-7:30pm



Downtown Garden Market M Street between 16th & Centennial

Wednesdays, 12:00-4:00pm



University Place Community Market 48th St. & Madison Ave.

Wednesdays, 3:00-7:00pm



Fallbrook Town Square Park 570 Fallbrook Blvd.

Thursdays, 3:30-7:00pm



Gateway Garden Market Westfield Gateway, south side of the shopping center

Fridays, 4:00-8:00pm



Lincoln Haymarket 7th & P Streets

Saturdays, 8:00am - 12:00pm



Old Cheney Road 55th St. & Old Cheney Rd.

Sundays, 10:00am - 2:00pm



Staff Pick

Alexandra Svoboda - Front End



Source of Life Energy Shake

In the busy and competitive world of cashiering, sometimes you need an edge. Enter Source of Life Energy Shake! I use it in my morning smoothie to get my daily dose of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and nutrients. Not gonna lie, though-- the herbs are where it’s at! With a blend of herbal adaptogens, I’m primed and ready to seize the day. Keeps me healthy, keeps me focused, and tastes great!

$45.25 / 2.2 lbs

John Shildneck Memorial Bandshell, Antelope ParkJoin the Lincoln Municipal Band as they celebrate their 100th year and present unique performances all summer. Bring your friends, a blanket and enjoy a good time in the warm summer weather.Stransky Park, 17th Street & Harrison AvenueFree concerts and free refreshments, sponsored by Open Harvest! July 12: Jackie Allen. July 19: Sandy Creek Bluegrass. July 28: Jarana.Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso, 1624 South StreetFresh celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are reinventing our food system. Forging healthier and more environmentally responsible alternatives, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet.Lincoln Community Foundation Building 15th & N Streets, 5th FloorGreen by Design’s mission is to bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies to promote a sustainable Lincoln and Lancaster County. Open to the public.Two Pillars Church, 1430 South StreetMember-owners are encouraged to attend! Parking for these meetings is available behind the South Street Barber Shop and Boxing Gym. Visitors should enter Two Pillars Church from the 15th Street side.Pioneers Park Nature Center 3201 S CoddingtonNo need to be an expert; an experienced person will accompany each group. The count involves walking about 2 hours and covering 2 to 3 miles. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call (402) 441-7895 to register by July 12.13th & F StreetsM Street between 16th & Centennial48th St. & Madison Ave.570 Fallbrook Blvd.Westfield Gateway, south side of the shopping center7th & P Streets55th St. & Old Cheney Rd.In the busy and competitive world of cashiering, sometimes you need an edge. Enter Source of Life Energy Shake! I use it in my morning smoothie to get my daily dose of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and nutrients. Not gonna lie, though-- the herbs are where it’s at! With a blend of herbal adaptogens, I’m primed and ready to seize the day. Keeps me healthy, keeps me focused, and tastes great!

