Lincoln, Neb. —Nebraska Extension invites growers to its second annual Transition to Organic Farming Conference on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, offering expert insights, practical workshops, and networking opportunities to advance organic agriculture.
The conference will cover topics ranging from the certification process, organic crop management, and marketing certified organic products, beginning at 8:30 a.m. with registration at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska.
“Organic farming is a fast-growing sector of agriculture, but becoming a certified organic operation requires careful planning, recordkeeping and changes in management,” University of Nebraska Statewide Soil Health Extension Educator Katja Koehler-Cole said. “With this event, we want to shed some light on what it takes to become a certified organic farm. We are hoping this event will help to build connections and community among newer and more experienced farmers as well as ag professionals and researchers.”
This year's program kicks off with a keynote delivered by renowned organic no-till expert Erin Silva from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The agenda also features a presentation on what it takes to become a certified operation and a panel discussion with growers. Marketing organic products will be the focus of an afternoon workshop moderated by Rodale Institute, with an opportunity to hear from buyers and others in the industry.
There will be ample opportunity to engage with other farmers, visit with vendors and build new connections among the organic community, all concluding at 4 p.m.
There is no fee to attend and lunch will be provided. Please pre-register online by Sunday, Dec. 1 for meal planning purposes and to ensure enough resource materials are available. Seating is limited.
Please direct questions to Katja Koehler-Cole at (402) 624-8041.
ENREEC is located at 1071 County Rd G, Ithaca, Nebraska.
Sponsored by Nebraska Extension and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service — National Organic Program — Transition to Organic Partnership Program.