For my Master's research I looked at small and medium-scale ecological farmers in the North Fork Valley of the Gunnison River, in western Colorado. My research aimed to examine five spheres of organic/ecological growing: agroecological practices, economics, labor, markets, and growing philosophy.
To gather data within these spheres, I conducted semi-structured interviews with a selection of farmers within the Valley Organic Growers Association of the North Fork Valley. I also interviewed local sellers and the organic extension agent for the area, and spent time observing at different farmers' markets in Western Colorado.
As a way to supplement this local data and give my analysis a historical perspective, I also carried out semi-structured interviews with long time activists and leaders in the U.S. organic movement. I used a political ecology approach to analyze my data, trying to locate research findings and local practices within a greater context of history, ecology, and political economy.
As time allows I will make papers based on my research analysis available here as downloads.contact me: stephanie[at]stephanieogburn[dot]com