Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Mason City Public Library, Mason City
 

• 9:00-9:15 - Welcome and Introductions (All attendees)
  
  
• 9:15-10:15 - What is “Organic”? (Kristine Lang, Rodale Institute/Midwest Organic Center - history of National Organic Program, basic steps to certification, benefits and challenges of organic, trends, and resources)
  
  
• 10:15-10:30 - BREAK

• 10:30-11:45 - Organic Regulations and Production Overview (Matt Miller, IDALS Organic Certifier - organic regulations and production considerations for crop production including nutrient management, pest/weed management, rotations, buffers, land transition, and natural resources/biodiversity)
  
  
• 11:45-12:00 - Organic Resources in Iowa (Wendy Johnson, Iowa Organic Association)
  
  
• 12:00-12:45 - BREAK FOR LUNCH

• 12:45-1:30 - Organic Research in Iowa (Kathleen Delate, Ph.D., Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture Iowa State University)

• 1:30-2:15 - Organic Seed Production and Systems Overview (Matt Leavitt, Albert Lea Seed)

• 2:15-2:30 - BREAK
  
  
• 2:30-4:00 - Organic Producer Panel & Discussion (producers describe their operation, why they farm organically, challenges, opportunities, and open Q&A)
  
  
  • Dennis Abbas, Hampton
  • Matt Miller, Allison
  • Bop Pearson, Wesley

• 4:00 - Adjourn