NOFA/Mass is a majority farmer-run organization. Our staff and board have a wide range of experience and skills in soil health and fertility, organic production and certification, and best practices around potentially contaminated soils.
We offer affordable technical assistance including soil lab analysis and inputs recommendations, soil health analysis, organic certification, and custom technical support.
Analysis & Recommendations Only
Already have a soil test from Logan Labs or UMass Amherst but not sure steps to take next? Send us your soil report for analysis and recommendations.
We’ll interpret your soil test and provide clear recommendations on what amendments to apply and when. We’ll support the development of your production plan, utilizing what you have on hand and advising on what you may still need.
Soil Test With Analysis & Recommendations
Everything included in Analysis and Recommendations, but also includes the fee for soil testing through Logan Labs. Collect your sample at home and we’ll provide you a form to submit directly to Logan Labs.
We’ll interpret your soil test and provide clear recommendations on what amendments to apply and when. We’ll support the development of your production plan, utilizing what you have on hand and advising on what you may still need.
Soil Health Assessment
We’ll visit your site to perform a full series of field tests that assess your soil’s condition. After the visit, we’ll provide a detailed report that includes test results, analysis of your soil health and carbon levels, and customized recommendations based on your site, soil health indicators, and goals.
Soil Food Web Analysis
To determine if your soil has the right biology to support your intended crops, we conduct a microscopic analysis of the microbes in your soil. You’ll receive a soil biology report with statistical analysis, along with our interpretation of the results, including your soil’s successional stage and ideal organism counts.
Organic Certification Assistance
NOFA/Mass offers consulting for those who need help with their application for organic certification for crops, livestock, poultry, eggs, wild crops, mushrooms, sprouts, processed product and cranberries.
If you are an importer of organic certified products, as of March 19, 2024, you need to be a certified handler. We can assist you with this process.
Custom Technical Support
Have a specific technical issue you need help with? NOFA/Mass is a farmer-led organization with a wide network of expertise. Our Soil Technical Assistance Program Staff can review your request and let you know if we’re the right fit. If we can assist, we’ll collaborate with you to design a tailored plan and budget that meets your unique needs.
Meet the Team
Rubén Parrilla
Education & Technical Assistance DirectorRubén Parrilla (he/him) leads and performs all components of NOFA/Mass soil technical services, including Soil Test Analysis & Recommendations for soil chemistry, Soil Health Assessment testing, and Soil Microbiological Qualitative Assessments. He is an incredible soil health knowledge resource and leads urban and rural events and workshops. Finalmente, Rubén es bilingüe y quiere saber de usted.
Laura Davis
Soil Health Technical Advisor, Certification Coordinator & TOPP Mentor CoordinatorLaura Davis (she/her) oversees all aspects of the Organic Certification Program and leads the Soil Testing Analysis & Recommendations for soil chemistry. She is the go-to for organic compliance and certification questions at NOFA/Mass.