The Iowa Organic Association and Aaron Lehman, IFU President and Polk City organic farmer, are hosting an Organic Field Day for Drake University Environmental Regulation in Agriculture law students on Tuesday, March 8 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.  This field day is open to public.

The organic industry in Iowa grew 30% over the last five years; farmers across Iowa and the U.S. are turning to organic practices and principles for dependable market-driven premiums, farm resiliency, climate mitigation and ecosystem benefits.  Increasing awareness, resources and support encourages greater organic production and success.

This Organic Field Day will provide college students, farmers and anyone interested, an opportunity to learn from industry experts about the U.S. organic movement, the National Organic Program, Iowa and Midwest organic production options and a range of resources and support for organic transition and certification. 

Aaron is a fifth-generation family farmer where he and his family grow corn, soybeans, oats, and hay in both organic and conventional rotations. Aaron has served as the President of the Iowa Farmers Union since 2016; he previously served as both Executive Director and Legislative Director for IFU.  Aaron and his family have been steadfast members of the Iowa Organic Association for the past ten years.

This “Growing Organic Expertise in Colleges across Iowa” Field Day is part of an Iowa DNR REAP Conservation Education Program grant to deliver an organic outreach and education program to students entering a career in agriculture, conservation and environmental sciences at 10 Iowa colleges.  The Iowa DNR REAP CEP provides grant funds to teach people of all ages about their environment and how to make intelligent, informed decisions about its well-being. 

If you are interested in attending the Organic Field Day and learning more about the USDA National Organic Program and organic production in Iowa, join us at the Lehman Farm.  Please RSVP to receive Field Day information and logistics.