FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 25, 2019
Contact: Rosalyn Lehman, executive director:  [email protected] | 515-608-8622

Annual Meeting and Presidential Forum
Presentations from OGRAIN and Rodale Institute

Des Moines, Iowa. The Iowa Organic Association (IOA) will hold their 2019 Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 5, 2019, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Fairview Lodge in Story City, Iowa.

This meeting is for members and anyone interested in organic production, distribution or supporting the organic market.  The meeting is an opportunity to connect, network, and help strengthen Iowa’s organic community. The program will focus on highlights from 2019, an updated Strategic Plan and the opportunity to hear from attendees about organic priorities for the coming year.

The meeting will also feature three important presentations.

Dr. Erin Silva, Assistant Professor with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Plant Pathology and head of the Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN), will share information about her research, OGRAIN and the new financial assessment tool, “Compass,” that was developed to help organic farmers make decisions about organic transition and expansion. 

Scientists from the nationally recognized leader in organic research, The Rodale Institute, will discuss the new Midwest Organic Center; a collaboration between Rodale and Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids. Dr Carl Rosier and Kristine Lang will present plans for the Iowa project and learn from attendees about organic farming research needs in Iowa.

All of the current Democratic presidential candidates have also been invited to attend a 2019 Presidential Forum co-hosted by IOA and the Organic Farmers Association.  Each candidate is offered an opportunity to discuss their platform focused on regenerative and organic agriculture.  IOA and OFA members will be invited to submit questions for the candidates.  “Iowa is a leader in U.S. organic production, first in organic corn production and fifth in overall organic production, said Roz Lehman, IOA’s executive director. “Iowa farmers are looking for opportunities to participate in the booming industry, we are hoping to hear the candidates’ views on supporting the organic producer while also helping them to learn more about this growing demand.”

An organic meal is being sponsored and prepared by Hy-Vee.  The chef will be on hand to discuss how the food for the meal was sourced and prepared.

The meeting is at the Fairview Lodge in Story City, located at Grove St & North Park Streets next to the Carousel.

There is no-cost for IOA members to attend and only $20 for non-members. A cash bar is available, and a meal is provided.  The registration deadline is Monday, December 2, 2019, register online at www.IowaOrganic.org, by emailing [email protected]g or by calling (515) 608-8622.

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