Iowa City, Iowa – On November 27, the University of Iowa will play host to the nation’s foremost university-sponsored organic conference, in a collaborative initiative with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The conference will gather a diverse group of producers and specialists from across the United States to discuss the advancement of organic agriculture, with a particular focus on the transition to organic farming and the optimization of existing organic operations.
With registration fees set at $100 until November 10 and rising to $120 subsequently, participants are encouraged to secure their spots early via the dedicated online platform.
This year’s conference will pivot around the theme “Organic Farming: Healthy Soils-Clean Water: Building Integrity into Every Practice.” A highlight of the event will be the keynote address from Jenny Tucker, the Deputy Administrator of the USDA-National Organic Program, who will elaborate on the USDA’s efforts to reinforce organic standards and support for farmers shifting to organic practices.
The event is set to commence on November 26 with a preliminary setup for vendors, followed by an evening reception celebrating local and organic fare.
An array of breakout sessions is scheduled to start from 8 a.m. on Monday, covering a range of topics including methods for transitioning to organic farming, strategies for weed and pest management, organic livestock production, and exploration of alternative crops. Additional discussions will touch on soil quality enhancement, organic no-till techniques, preparation for organic inspection, and the broadening of crop rotations. Culinary delights featuring local and organic ingredients will be served for Monday’s lunch, crafted by Chef Anne Watson and the University of Iowa dining team.
“The Iowa Organic Conference proudly stands as the largest of its kind sponsored by a university in the nation,” states Kathleen Delate, a professor and extension organic specialist at ISU Extension and Outreach. “Last year we welcomed over 30 exhibitors, including organic seed vendors, local food initiatives, and government entities aiding organic and transitioning farmers. Despite this year’s weather setbacks, the organic sector remains optimistic, with organic soybeans and corn fetching premium prices in the market.”
Accommodations for attendees are arranged at the Iowa House Hotel for the night of November 26, with reservations available online or by phone.
For more details on the conference and for navigation assistance, attendees can visit the 2023 Iowa Organic Conference website or reach out to Kathleen Delate directly.
Hotel rooms are available at the Iowa House Hotel for Sunday, Nov. 26. Guests may access room reservations by going to https://iowahousehotel.uiowa.edu and entering group #112723 or calling the hotel at 319-335-3513 and mentioning the Iowa Organic Conference.
For additional conference information and directions to the conference, visit the 2023 Iowa Organic Conference webpage at https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/iowaorganic/ or contact Kathleen Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu or 515-294-5116.
