Organic conference slated Feb. 27-28

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

If you’re interested in sustainable and organic production, make plans now to attend the Organic Oklahoma 2015 conference in Oklahoma City Feb. 27-28.

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 during the two-day conference.

Partnering organizations include USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Cross Timbers Resources Conservation and Development Association.

Organic Oklahoma 2015 participants will meet in the Agriculture Technology Building on the OSU/OKC campus. Registration is $50 and includes educational materials and some meals. Registration for the conference had to be closed early last year because the demand exceeded the space available. The conference has been moved to a larger facility, but a full house is anticipated again this year. To be assured of having a seat and a meal, be sure to register early. Please register online at http://www.osuokc.edu/organicoklahoma/.

Lynn Malley, OSU Cooperative Extension assistant state specialist, solid waste management programs, said this is the second year for this conference.

“We had an excellent response to last year’s conference and we’re really excited to offer this educational opportunity once again 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, North Carolina, will serve as the keynote speaker.

“He was our keynote speaker last year and was so well received we decided to bring him back this year,” she said. “He has been given even more time on the agenda for this conference. 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 nutrient management, organic certification, cover crops, risk management, organic bioextensive management, food safety and food modernization, insect management and a review of organic literature.

Participants also will have an opportunity to take tours of greenhouses and high-tunnel facilities, as well as visit with product suppliers, educational exhibitors and industry related vendors.

In addition, there will be a locally sourced dinner at Will Rogers Conservatory Feb. 27 for an additional fee. Music will be provided by the local band Too Loose to Care.

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