International Society of Organic Orchardists

     The International Society of Organic Orchardists was created in 2017 by brothers Robert and Charles Baucom in rural Danville, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

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     The Baucom brothers were raised in a home where growing Chestnut trees organically from seed originated as a "hobby", frequently taking a "back seat" to their family members' "other jobs". As their "hobby" evolved, the first-generation orchardists realized the uphill challenge they faced in developing a high quality and reliable network of orchardists adopting an organic approach with whom they could interact. 

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     They also found that literature regarding organic gardening was easily accessible and well organized, while such literature relating specifically to organic orcharding was much less plentiful and less well organized. As "Googling" and "YouTubing" their way through addressing their many challenges became time consuming and inefficient, the need for an organized source of such literature became obvious. 

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     Following a great deal of discussion with like-minded orchardists at agricultural shows, farm shows and online forums, both domestically and internationally, they were motivated to begin an international society which would advocate for an organic approach to orcharding. This led to the creation of the International Society of Organic Orchardists or ISO2. The society was created with three simple goals:

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1. Provide unfettered access to both general and crop specific organic orchardists throughout the world. 

2. Provide an organized source of high value literature relating to organic growing in general, and organic orcharding in particular. Within this goal will be an attempt to provide an organized source of high value literature covering a multitude of other "trending" agricultural topics.

3. Increase inclusivity and access by minimizing obstacles to membership for both domestic and international orchardists. This goal will be supported by maintaining a policy of zero cost membership.

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     As we strive to meet these goals, and sometimes fall short, we remain extremely motivated and continuously humbled by the valuable input and constructive feedback we receive from orchardists all around the world. 

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     With ongoing gratitude,

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              The ISO2 Staff