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Good Day, 
My name is Gina Colfer. I am a CCA/PCA on the Central Coast of CA.
I have worked in organic and non-organic agriculture over 30 years
and see first hand the benefits of farming organically. The biggest
factor is the elimination of synthetic pesticides. An organic
grower depends more on cultural practices and some non-synthetic
interventions to control various pests. When you remove synthetics
from the soil, the microbiome is able to survive, and with proper
management, thrive. Growers need to be encouraged to farm more
holistically without the threat of total crop loss from some
outbreak of a pest. I believe some sort of insurance or safety net
of some kind be offered to the grower who decides to transition to
organic. This would need to last until the soil is regenerated and
able to help the plant withstand stressors. It is also important to
incorporate reduced tillage and cover crops into the system to
build organic matter in the soil. This needs to be incentivized to
the grower without them having to write a grant.
Thank you for your consideration,
Gina Colfer
Key Account Manager
Wilbur Ellis Co.