The Geography of Organic Farming in Minnesota and Wisconsin

In this study, I examine the agricultural geography of Minnesota and Wisconsin and the history of organic farming. I discuss economic and social factors in the spatial distribution of organic farming. Through field work, mapping, statistical analysis, and farmer surveys, I determined that organic farms cluster in southwestern Wisconsin and central Minnesota. Southwestern Wisconsin\u27s hills limit row cropping, making the land available for organics (especially dairy operations.) The local CROPP cooperative is also a stron support. Finally, most organic farmers farm conventionally before switching to organic. Since they tend not to move, the change rarely affects location