ISU HOSTS SEVENTH ANNUAL IOWA ORGANIC CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 19
By Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Seventh Annual Iowa Organic Conference
Scheman Building, Iowa State Center, 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.
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Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Iowa State University/209 Curtiss Hall
Ames, IA 50011-1050
(515) 294-3711; FAX: (515) 294-9696
All news releases also are posted on our web site: http://www.leopold.iastate.edu