Friday Workshops AM
Friday Workshop descriptions
Friday February 27th
Workshops throughout the day with many to choose from. This day is designed to provide all attendees with an enriched and diverse learning experience as well as ample opportunity for networking and sharing of ideas.
Session 1: Morning
| Workshop Title |
Description |
|---|---|
| Fertilizers and amendments for organic farming: making sustainable choices |
With the wide variety of fertility inputs available, how can you choose products that meet crop needs while meeting your goals for sustainability and not breaking the bank? We’ll consider factors contributing to the environmental impact or “footprint” of an input: the energy needed to produce it, sourcing of raw materials, distance traveled to you. An input distributor will offer information on product origins, manufacturing, and relative costs of different materials. We’ll also hear from producers about their experiences developing fertility plans and integrating animal production on-farm to meet crop fertility needs. Presented by Darren MacFarlane, Sales Manager, North Pacific Ag Products Division, Kelly Hoell, Associate, Good Company, Chris Overbaugh, Winter Green Farm, Jim Bronec, Praying Mantis Farm. |
| Renewable Energy and Efficiency Opportunities For Your Business |
The continued dependence on non-polluting renewable sources of energy poses many threats to the food trade from being hit with energy price spikes to contributing to global warming. This workshop will focus on ways to reduce energy use and to transition to renewable energy sources. We will share energy efficiency measures your business can employ in lighting, heating and cooling, industrial refrigerators, warehouses and other buildings. Speakers will discuss how to transition to renewable fuel sources and power systems in vehicles, as well as strategies for increasing distribution efficiency. Speakers will share including financial incentives and grants to make alternative energy investments pencil out. We will invite leaders from the food trade who have undertaken various measures to share their experiences. Presenters: Stephanie Page, Energy and Renewable Resource Specialist, Oregon Department of Agriculture; Dr. David Hackleman, Professor, School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University; Waynd Elson, Environmental Protection Agency; Abbey Lam, Bonneville Environmental Foundation. |
| Organic Certification 101 for Retailers and Processors |
Although titled “101” this session will get into some of the hot topics in the marketplace for processors and retailers to be aware of. Going beyond just the basic requirements in the regulation, this workshop will cover topics such as setting up systems to protect organic integrity, label issues and messaging to your customers! After this session you will come away with a deep understanding of the regulations and how you can effectively communicate certification to your customers. Presenters: Gwendolyn Wyard, Oregon Tilth Certified Organic: Brenda Book, Organic Certification Coordinator, WSDA Organic Program. |
| Managing Threats of Genetically Engineered Crops |
Managing isolation and preventing genetic contamination is a challenge concerning the whole organic industry from seed growers to produce farmers, to retailers. This session will cover strategies growers are using to protect their crop integrity and updates on GMO management strategies, regulations, and litigations in the industry. Presenters: Matthew Dillon, OSA: George Kimbrell, Center for Food Safety: Frank Morton, Wild Garden Seed |
| Organic Agriculture, Web 2.0, and You! |
In this age of technology and online consumers it is becoming increasingly important to have an online presence. This workshop will showcase tools from cyberspace that can help grow both your farm business and the organic community. Websites and e-newsletters can be incredibly effective marketing strategies that educate customers while also attracting new ones. We will discuss strategies for farm-specific web design including tips for CSAs and online marketing. We will also explore features of eOrganic, the new national organic agriculture web community, and eXtension website where you will be able to find detailed information on organic production. With a user-friendly approach, we will discuss a variety of ways you can use technology to your benefit. Presenters: Dr. Alex Stone, eOrganic: Simon Huntley, Small Farm Central: Chris Jagger, Blue Fox Farm |
