HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Growing PA’s Organic Farms Conference is right around the corner, Dec. 12–13. For details on the conference and on how to register, go to https://gpofconference.org/.
The GPOF conference supports Northeast and Mid-Atlantic organic farms by presenting information and discussions on the best available organic farming practices. Conference presenters focus on advanced organic production practices for beginning and transitional organic farmers, and address current organic farming issues. Featured this year are presentations by successful organic farmers, farm industry representatives dedicated to organic production, and speakers from universities and institutions with accomplished organic research programs.
Sessions include a variety of topics which range from animal health, dairy, pastured livestock, fruits, vegetables, small (heritage) grain, soil health, pest and weed control.
The GPOF conference is a collaboration of private, public and government agencies including organic farmers, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Rodale Institute, PA Certified Organic, Organic Valley Dairy, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, GMO Free PA and PA Farm Link.
The event will be held at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel.
Featured keynote speaker will be Dr. Jennifer Tucker is Associate Deputy Administrator of the USDA National Organic Program in Washington. She has been the second in command at the NOP for six years, guiding communications and outreach, training, technology development, and operations for the program. Before coming to NOP, she was a consultant specializing in strategic planning, communications, and leadership and team development. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Science and a Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies.
— Pennsylvania Farm Link