Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Not being able to see the forest for the trees may be one of the challenges organic producers face these days in an industry that is fast evolving to respond to consumer needs.
Marion McBride and the Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) hope to provide some guidance on October 29 at the Prairie Organics Workshop, to be held at Queensbury Centre in Regina.
“We really want to focus on the practical applications of the latest research and share the wealth of information out there, in a way that is accessible to those who earn their living from organic production,” says McBride.
To that effect, McBride—herself a Moosomin organic producer—is bringing in a string of expert communicators with a knack for clear analysis.
“We have called on Martin Enz, a professor of cropping systems at the University of Manitoba, to review 14 years of organic production research in the Eastern Canadian Prairies to tell us about results from agronomic trials and farm surveys.”
Alex Moreno, a graduate from the University of Nebraska who hails originally from another temperate country, Chile, is offering a JAS certification workshop. Welcome to the world of Japanese organics! Moreno will explain some of the terminology and expectations for those who have either already applied for JAS certification or are considering it.
Patricia Hanbidge, the Coordinator for Horticultural Programs at the University of Saskatchewan’s Extension Division, is staging a Master Gardener Workshop that will address organic practices, pest control, and fertility and weed management in the garden.
Dianne Knight, a Research Scientist in the Soil Science Department at the University of Saskatchewan, will help participants explore the biological processes controlling nutrient availability in soils. She will also focus on the evaluation and development of microbial inoculants.
“Dianne will talk about green manures, microorganisms and the types of amendments that can be added for their nutrient value,” says McBride. “Brenda Frick and Jennifer Bromm, two Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada professionals, will bring us up-to-date on weed management in organic operations, and on the best organic management practices when dealing with things like green manures, harrowing and seeding rates.”
McBride is especially proud of the fact that the workshop is accessible both in terms of information quality and in terms of registration costs: $30.00 for individuals and $40.00 for couples.
“A delicious organic lunch will be served. We ask that people register as early as possible so we know how many meals to plan for.”
Call (306) 543-8732 to book your spot or e-mail Marion McBride at: b.mcbride@sasktel.net.
For more information, contact:
Marion McBride
Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA)
(306) 543-8732
http://www.ocia.org
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