By Scout Nelson
Nebraska Extension is hosting its second annual Transition to Organic Farming Conference on Thursday, December 5, 2024. This event offers expert insights, practical workshops, and networking opportunities for growers interested in organic agriculture.
The conference will be held at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska, starting with registration at 8:30 a.m. Topics include organic certification, crop management, and marketing certified organic products.
“Organic farming is a fast-growing sector of agriculture, but becoming a certified organic operation requires careful planning, recordkeeping and changes in management,” said University of Nebraska’s Soil Health Extension Educator Katja Koehler-Cole. “This event aims to guide farmers through the process and build community among farmers, ag professionals, and researchers.”
The program begins with a keynote by Erin Silva, a renowned organic no-till expert from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additional sessions include a presentation on certification requirements, a panel discussion with growers, and an afternoon workshop on marketing organic products moderated by the Rodale Institute. The workshop also features insights from buyers and industry professionals.
Attendees can connect with fellow farmers, interact with vendors, and build relationships within the organic farming community. The event concludes at 4 p.m.
Participation is free, and lunch will be provided. Pre-registration by December 1 is required to ensure sufficient meals and resource materials. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
This conference is an excellent opportunity to learn about organic farming and expand your agricultural knowledge while building connections within the organic farming community.
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Categories: Nebraska, Education