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10-16-07
ISU HOSTS SEVENTH ANNUAL IOWA ORGANIC CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 19
Seventh Annual Iowa Organic Conference
November 19, 2007
Scheman Building, Iowa State Center, Ames, Iowa
AMES, Iowa -- Organic sales have more than doubled in the past five years,
reaching $16.9 billion last year, according to the Organic Trade Association.
The demand for organic crops currently exceeds supply and growers everywhere are
encouraged to consider the potential for organic production.
This year's Iowa Organic Conference at Iowa State University will include
multiple sessions on organic livestock production taught by farmers who have
successfully managed their animal systems, as well as local foods including
marketing options for beginning growers. The transition to organic farming also
will be emphasized, including hearing from producers who have successfully made
the transition and ISU researchers who will offer tips on weed management. In
addition, there will be presentations about organic grains, vegetables, herbs,
fruits, soil health and incentives to help producers get started or enhance
their marketing skills.
A trade show of 30 vendors featuring organic products and services will be held
during the conference with ample time for visiting. The all-organic, four-course
lunch will include organic products from Iowa and the Midwest.
“Iowa State has made a commitment to source local and organic foods and more
producers are needed to fill this demand,” says conference organizer Kathleen
Delate, of ISU’s Agronomy and Horticulture departments.
Registration for attendees and exhibitors is now open at: http://www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/organic07/home.html.
More information about the conference and the ISU Organic Agriculture program is
available on the web at: http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/organicag/, or by
contacting the Organic Agriculture lab at (515) 294-5116.
Conference sponsors include Iowa State University Extension, the Leopold Center
for Sustainable Agriculture, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Midwest Organic and
Sustainable Educational Services and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship.
For more information,
contact:
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