eNEWS
August 2009 > Conventional Florida growers interested in learning about organic production invited to upcoming workshop, farm tour
Conventional Florida growers interested in the growth in the organic industry are invited to learn more about organic production, certification and marketing opportunities at an upcoming workshop and farm tour.
FOG and UF/IFAS will hold an “Operation Transition” workshop Sept. 25 at Alachua County Extension in Gainesville. The workshop will benefit conventional farmers seeking information about transitioning to organic production practices. A farm tour Oct. 21 will provide farmers first-hand knowledge of a diversified organic production system at John Beville's farm, Promised Land, in Brooker. The 100-acre mixed vegetable operation has been certified organic since Jan. 2006. Beville also farms 35 acres of certified organic mixed vegetables in Alachua.
Despite the overall weakening economy, U.S. sales of organic products grew 17.1 percent to $24.6 billion by the end of 2008, according to the Organic Trade Association’s 2009 Organic Industry Survey. FOG’s “Operation Transition” allows qualifying transitional producers to work alongside experienced organic production crop advisors and receive answers to questions about organic production, regulations and certification. Participation in the program is free.
The Sept. 25 workshop will cover organic marketing, research-demonstrated benefits of organic farming, Farm Bill programs that support transition to organic production and National Organic Program regulations. Registration is $15 and includes refreshments, lunch and a resource binder. Participants of the Oct. 21 farm tour will learn about Beville's diverse vegetable production, crop rotation, soil fertility and organic approaches to pest and disease control. Registration for the farm tour is free.
For more information contact Florida Organic Growers at 352.377.6345 or email fog@foginfo.org.
RESOURCES
Operation Transition: Organic Transition and Pesticide Reduction Program