Organic conference slated Feb. 28 and March 1

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Sustainable and organic production continues to be an important topic in Oklahoma. Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension and OSU-OKC are partnering with several other organizations to help provide research-based information to both new and advanced growers.

Partnering organizations include USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Cross Timbers Resources Conservation and Development Association (RC&D).

Organic Oklahoma 2014 will take place Feb. 28 and March 1 in the Agriculture Technology Building on the OSU/OKC campus. Registration is $50 and includes educational materials and some meals. To be assured of having enough food at the conference, farm tour and dinner, registration deadline is Feb. 25.

Lynn Malley, OSU Cooperative Extension assistant state specialist, solid waste management programs, said this two-day conference is the first of its kind.

“We’re really excited to offer this educational opportunity to both new and seasoned sustainable and organic producers,” Malley said. “We’ll have both university and industry professionals on hand to offer the latest research-based information about organic production. In addition, there will be a number of vendors on site during the conference.”

Ray Archuleta, conservation agronomist at the NRCS East National Technology Support Center in Greensboro, N.C., will serve as the keynote speaker. Archuleta has 25 years of experience with the NRCS and is a certified Professional Soil Scientist with Soil Science Society of America.

Some of the topics on the agenda include hands-on growing techniques, season extension, varietal selection, organic insect control strategies, organic weed control, food safety and post-harvest handing, establishing and promoting farmers markets, organic composting and small farm management practices.

Participants also will have an opportunity to take tours of green houses, high tunnel facilities and the OSU-OKC farmers market.

In addition, a tour of Crestview Farms, an organic diversified picturesque farm east of Edmond, is on the agenda. The farm features a Community Sponsored Agriculture program as well as farmers market sales. Following the tour, participants will take part in a locally sourced dinner with music provided by Local Honey.

For additional information please contact Cross Timbers RC&D at 918-623-0658 or via email at crosstimbersrcd@gmail.com.