The 18th annual Iowa Organic Conference, a joint effort between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa Office of Sustainability and the Environment, will be held on Nov. 18-19 at the Iowa Memorial Union. Producers and experts from across the country will share tips for transitioning into organic production and methods to enhance organic operations.
     The conference begins at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18, with a reception in the IMU  featuring local and organic food and drinks. The conference lunch on Monday afternoon highlights local and organic produce, meats and dairy products assembled into a gourmet meal by Barry Greenberg, executive chef, and his UI Dining team.
Monday’s break-out sessions start at 8 a.m. and include information on transitioning into organic farming, weed management, organic livestock processing, organic no-till and alternative crops such as small grains and edible beans.
     The keynote speaker is David Montgomery, professor of earth and space sciences at the University of Washington, author of "Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations."  Liz Carlisle, a lecturer at Stanford University and author of “Lentil Underground” will speak with a fellow Montanan, farmer Dave Oien, about the many benefits of growing edible beans. The conference also includes information on water quality, the economics of organic production, and local food system initiatives such as Feed Iowa First and Global Greens.
     Online conference registration is available. Registration is $100 until Nov. 11 and $120 after that date. Reduced rates and scholarships are available for students. Volunteer opportunities are also available for students, including set up on Nov. 18 and conference assistance on Nov. 19. Sign up here.