The Iowa Organic Association is excited to host a "Getting Started in Organic" workshop on Monday, September 23, 2024 in Cedar Rapids, IA, that will will introduce attendees to USDA Organic Standards, explore current organic market trends, and highlight new USDA programs supporting organic transition in Iowa.
The workshop, one of two held this September, will offer valuable insights into organic farming practices and available support, presentations from industry experts, as well as a tour of the 190-acre Etzel Sugar Grove Farm at the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center.
Event Overview
September 23, 2024
12 noon - 4 p.m.
at the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, IA
Event is FREE to attend, but registration is required. Please register at the bottom of this page.
Food & Drink
Light refreshments and snacks will be available.
Workshop Speakers
-
Jamey Meyer Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Comprehensive overview of organic inspection requirements, regulations and certification -
Al Smith Optimum Service Group
Overview of organic crop insurance tools through the USDA Risk Management Agency -
Organic Farmers' Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM) Representatives
Information on organic crop markets and effective marketing strategies.
Tour of Rodale Midwest Organic Center farm
The event will also feature a visit to the 190-acre Etzel Sugar Grove Farm, home to the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center. Here, Farm Manager Drew Erickson will showcase organic production, research, and equipment used in organic crop management.
The Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center at Eztel Sugar Grove Farm provides research, education, and assistance to farmers looking to implement organic practices on their farms or diversify their crop rotations. It’s also an educational center for the public, and the site of collaboration between Rodale Institute researchers and local partners. The farm implements and educates the public on regenerative agriculture practices that restore the health of Iowa’s farms, watersheds and environment.
Schedule
12:00 - 12:10 pm | Welcome and Introductions |
12:10 - 12:25 pm | USDA Organic History and Background |
12:25 - 1:05 pm | Organic Regulations and Certification Overview (Jamey Meyers, IDALS) |
1:05 - 1:15 pm | Break |
1:15 - 1:45 pm | Organic Crop Insurance Tools through USDA RMA (Al Smith, Optimum Service Group) |
1:45 - 2:15 pm | Organic Grain Marketing (OFARM) |
2:15 - 4:00 pm | Tour of farm at Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center (Drew Erickson, Rodale Midwest Organic Center) |
Need more information?
Please contact Ethan Book, IOA Education & Outreach Coordinator at 641-321-3352.
Funding Acknowledgment
This material is based upon work that is supported by the Risk Management Agency (RMA), U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the program agreement with the project number 15061 titled "Risk Management Outreach and Education for Beginning, Transitioning and Organic Producers". Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the RMA and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
5300 Otis Rd SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
United States
Google map and directions