The Minnesota Extension Service, the Minnesota Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) Chapter #1, and Pembina Trail RC&D, in cooperation with other area partners, will be offering an organic farming event, 'Organic Education and All That JAS' on Tuesday, July 11, 2006. The event will take place at the Best Western on the south side of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, along HWY 32. Registration will start at 8:00 a.m.

There is a demonstrated need and interest for training for organic producers. This training is designed to enable producers to sell sustainable crops to other markets and other countries. There is also a growing interest in Northwestern Minnesota for conventional producers and livestock growers to begin the transition into organic and or sustainable cropping systems. This program will provide a forum for education, discussion, and networking for transitioning farmers, as well as, established organic growers.

The event will offer several morning presentations related to organic farming including: weed control strategies for organic crops; cover crops in rotation; transitioning to organic livestock; and herd health issues. A concurrent morning session will cover the revisions of the Japan Agriculture Standard (JAS) certification including: changes in the handling of certification files; requirements for certification; labeling of JAS products; and more.
Northland College Farm Business Management personnel will be on hand to discuss their new organic business management project. A representative from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is scheduled to speak on the organic cost-share program. OCIA MN Chapter#1, University of Minnesota Extension Service, and other partner personnel will be on-hand to speak with the participants and answer questions.

The educational sessions will be followed by lunch and an Organic Farm & Research Plot Tour in the afternoon. Fee for the day, including lunch, handouts, and tour is $10

JAS Training is required for JAS Organic Certification Anyone certifying to the JAS organic program must have attended a JAS course on the new law, or be enrolled in a JAS course, prior to submitting application for organic certification. Even those certifying to the JAS program with a prior JAS course must take a refresher course on the new law.

JAS participants only: please R.S.V.P by July 7th to Lorri Ann Hartel, Program Manager, via e-mail lhartel@prairieagcomm.com or by calling 218-253-4907.

For more information, visit the Minnesota OCIA Chapter's website at:

http://www.mnocia.org

or the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers website at:

http://www.smallgrains.org