Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Iowa Organic Conference to help producers meet growing demand for organics

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October 7, 2010

AMES, Iowa--The nation caught a glimpse of Iowa organic farming when President Barack Obama visited Morgan Hoenig and MogoOrganic last April as part of his Main Street Tour. Now, participants at the 10th Annual Iowa Organic Conference will learn even more about MogoOrganic and organic production on Nov. 21- 22 as Hoenig, other producers and experts from across the country speak at the Iowa State University conference at the Scheman Building on the ISU campus in Ames.

“The world market for organic products reached $35 billion in 2009 and the demand for organic grains and produce continues to exceed supply,” said Kathleen Delate, ISU organic agriculture specialist. “Growers everywhere are encouraged to consider the potential for organic production.”

Delate encourages organic farmers, those transitioning to organic and those interested in learning more about organic production to attend the Iowa Organic Conference. Bob Quinn, a fourth-generation Montana farmer recently selected for the Organic Leadership Award by the Organic Trade Association, will kick off the conference with his keynote address Monday morning. Quinn converted the family farm to organic production in 1988 and now produces 100 percent organic crops on the 2,400-acre farm. He speaks with great enthusiasm about his efforts in sustainable agriculture and soil conservation, work that has been recognized by USDA-SARE.

The conference agenda includes information on vegetable, fruit and livestock production and related topics – soil and water quality, crop insurance, diversifying marketing opportunities, government programs, the new pasture rule and transitioning issues. A pre-conference social on Sunday, Nov. 21, is planned for exhibitors and sponsors, but anyone can purchase a ticket to attend.

“This is our 10th anniversary and we have a lot to celebrate,” said Delate. “The Iowa Organic Conference is the largest university-sponsored organic conference in the country. Despite the challenges of flooding this year, we anticipate successful organic yields with organic soybean prices averaging $17 per bushel.”

Register online at www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/organic10/home.html. The cost of the conference is $105 on or before Nov. 1 and $125 after Nov. 1. Non-vendors must purchase a $15 ticket for the Sunday reception. For additional conference information and directions to the conference visit www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/organic10/home.html or contact Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu.

Conference partners include Iowa State University Extension, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Midwest Organic and Sustainable Educational Services, Organic Valley and Practical Farmers of Iowa. 

For more info contact:

Kathleen Delate, Horticulture and Agronomy, 515-294-7069, kdelate@iastate.edu

Willy Klein, Extension Communications and External Relations, 515-294-0662, wklein@iastate.edu

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