FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 28, 2011

CONTACT:
Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator
651.201.6131, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us

Get early registration discount for 2012 Minnesota Organic Conference

Early registration ends December 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Take advantage of the registration discount by signing up now for the 2012 Minnesota Organic Conference! The conference will held January 13-14 at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has organized the conference for the past 10 years and every year interest in the event has grown, according to MDA organic specialist Meg Moynihan.

“Last year this conference broke attendance records with more than 500 people, and this year we expect an even bigger turnout,” said Moynihan. “Organic food sales are climbing and there’s increased interest in organic production from farm to table.”

The educational conference will offer three general sessions and 36 individual breakouts. Speakers include 18 seasoned organic farmers who will share their own experiences in everything from weed control to water management to poultry production to on-farm seed breeding to marketing. Other speakers include researchers, extension educators, consultants, marketers, organic certifiers, regulatory staff, attorneys, and a veterinarian.

In addition to the educational program, a large trade show will feature equipment manufacturers and suppliers, seed companies, fertilizer dealers, certifying agencies, agricultural consultants, soil labs, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, organic traders, buyers, and distributors, and a host of other resources of interest farmers.

Registration includes bountiful meals and snacks made with mostly organic ingredients specially sourced for the conference from farms and companies in Minnesota and neighboring states.

Early bird registration costs $125 for the two day conference with significant discounts for those registering from the same farm or business operation. One day registrations are also available. Early bird rates for the conference and hotel room block end December 30.

The registration brochure, which contains program details and registration materials, is available now at www.mda.state.mn.us/food/organic or by calling 651-201-6012.

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