HARRISBURG, Pa. — At the Growing Pennsylvania’s Organic Farms Conference, specialists and Pennsylvania farmers discuss how to solve problems with growing organic vegetables.
Featured speakers this year include 12-year organic farming veterans Tricia Borneman and Tom Murtha of PCO-Certified Blooming Glen Farm:
“Our presentation is about delegating, handing out responsibility and inspiring people to stay committed to efficiency. After twelve years of farming, we have effective processes in place to keep our employees moving because every hour is worth money. This also contributes to our paper trail to maintain organic certification.”
— Tom Murtha
Tom Murtha and Tricia Borneman are Pennsylvania family farmers. Growing up in Bucks County, Tricia witnessed firsthand the rapid loss of productive farmland to development. She and Tom are driven by a passion for food and community and committed to preserving the rich agricultural heritage of this region. They live their values through the daily work of the farm and share the bounty with a community of eaters.
The GPOF Conference supports Northeast and Mid-Atlantic farmers by presenting information on the best organic farming practices currently available. Attendees include beginning and existing organic farmers, conventional farmers and those transitioning from conventional farming practices to organic. With a keynote speaker straight from National Organic Program’s leadership, attendees will receive the latest information on organic regulations and standards. If you have questions regarding growing organic vegetables, the origin of livestock, integrity of international imports and animal welfare rules as well as hydroponics, this is the conference for you.
GPOF Conference will be held Dec. 12-13 at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel, Harrisburg, Pa. The deadline for hotel registration is Nov. 20. For reservations, call 866-837-5181. The deadline for the discounted rate for the conference is Dec. 4. Walk-in registration is available. To register, go to https://gpofconference.org/.
The GPOF conference is a collaboration of private, public and government agencies including organic farmers, the PA Dept. of Agriculture, Rodale Institute, PA Certified Organic, Organic Valley Dairy, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, GMO Free PA and PA Farm Link.
In conjunction with the Growing Pennsylvania’s Organic Farms Conference is the Pennsylvania Certified Organic Annual Meeting to be held Dec. 12 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. This meeting is open to the public. Join PCO members and staff for an educational evening that will include remarks by Cheryl Cook, the PA Department of Ag Deputy Secretary for Market Development and recipient of the 2017 Meritorious Service to Agriculture Award presented by the National Farmers Union. Attendees will also enjoy the Founding Farmer Awards, discussion circles, PCO’s business meeting and a delicious dinner! Additional registration is required for this meeting. Please register at http://www.paorganic.org/membershipmeeting.
— GPOF Conference
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