Symposium targets organic dryland ag
Published 5:24 am Thursday, September 29, 2011
Registration is open for an all-day symposium devoted to dryland organic production.
Washington State University will host the symposium Nov. 11 in Yakima, Wash., during the 2011 Tilth Producers of Washington Conference. The symposium will cover challenges and opportunities for organic agriculture in dryland ecosystems.
“It’s become clear that this is a group that essentially is not being addressed by other conferences,” said Lynne Carpenter-Boggs, WSU Biologically Intensive Agriculture and Organic Farming (BIOAg) research leader.
Organic farmers use different inputs and systems, Carpenter-Boggs said.
The conference will target Northwest farmers. Carpenter-Boggs estimated that about 30 to 50 producers are currently certified organic in dryland systems.
Montana organic grain farmer Bob Quinn will be the keynote speaker.
Most of the morning will be devoted to marketing organic goods, providing farmers with options and opportunities to sell through other markets or cooperatives.
“Some people may need to start quite a different business plan than they’re used to, in addition to changing the way they farm agronomically,” Carpenter-Boggs said.
In the afternoon, the focus will shift to agronomics. The event includes organic livestock and vegetable producers in addition to grain producers.
The cost is $65, including lunch. Registration is available through the Tilth Producers of Washington. Travel grants are available for those coming from a distance, Carpenter-Boggs said.
— Matthew Weaver
Online
Symposium: http:/csanr.wsu.edu/pages/Dryland_Organic_Agriculture_in_the_PNW_2011
Tilth Producers of Washington: http://tilthproducers.org