| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Ginny Harrington |
| September 18, 2008 | (406) 444-2402 |
Meetings to Raise Awareness on Organic Certification
HELENA, Mont. — Grain growers in eastern Montana will have three opportunities next month to learn about organic certification and the process of switching grain production from conventional to organic farming methods.
Area organic farmers, grain buyers, members of the Montana Organic Association and agricultural support staff will discuss opportunities in organic farming at meetings October 28-30 in Glasgow, Plentywood and Sidney. Presentations will include the certification process, economics, challenges during the transition and management practices regarding soil health, rotations, weed control and buffers.
The sessions are part of the Montana Department of Agriculture's ongoing organic grower awareness campaign. Presentations titled "Is it Time to Transition? A Discussion of Organic Production" will be held at:
- Glasgow, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, at The Cottonwood Inn, Hwy 2 East. Dinner provided.
- Plentywood, 2-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, at Sheridan Civic Center/Sheridan County Fairgrounds in conjunction with the Great Northern Development Center’s Northeast Montana Agricultural Conference. The conference begins at 8 a.m. Attendance for the entire conference is not required to participate in the organic discussion. However, a wide range of helpful programs is offered. Contact Jeanna Adkins at (406) 653-2590 for more information on the regional agricultural conference. Refreshments provided.
- Sidney, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, October 30, at the USDA Plains Agricultural Research Lab, 1500 N. Central Ave. Lunch provided.
At the organic awareness sessions, growers will share experiences and buyers will explain the increasing demand for organic products. More events are planned, including organic education sessions at the Montana Organic Association Conference December 4-6. For more information, contact Ginny Harrington at (406) 444-2402 or by email at agr@mt.gov
