Transition to Organic Agriculture: Information Workshop

Interested in transitioning to Organics but not sure where to start?

This workshop will provide general information on the following topics:

• Who is SaskOrganics and what do we do?
• Organic Statistics from SK, Canada and Beyond
• General Organic Overview
• Organic Certification: Requirements, process, and introduction to a few of the major Certifying agencies
• Agronomics: Weed Control in Organic systems
• Grain Marketing Information
• Transition Experiences from a Farmer Panel

Program

• 8:00am Registration
  8:15am Welcome and Introduction
  Marla Carlson, SaskOrganics Executive Director
  Organic Industry updates from Saskatchewan and beyond.
• 8:30am Organic Farming Overview
  Will Oddie, SaskOrganics Director
  Learn the basics – what is organic farming? Overview of Organic Standards, Certification process etc.
• 9:00am Certification Options
  Representatives from Organic Certifying Bodies
  An opportunity to hear from representatives of major certifying agencies in SK. Overview of certification and why you may want to choose their agency.
• 9:45am Marketing your Organic Commodities
  Garry Johnson, SaskOrganics President
  Learn the main components of marketing organic commodities, including maintaining organic integrity, understanding what you can grow, storage and quality, knowing your markets, transport, contract terms and conditions etc.
• 10:05am Refreshment Break
• 10:20am Orgranomics 101
  Lena Syrovy, B.Sc., M.Sc.
  Learn about integrated weed and nutrient management practices in Organic Agriculture. Lena Syrovy is a Research Officer in the Agronomy and Weed Ecology program at the University of Saskatchewan. She completed her masters in the same program, and her bachelors at the University of British Columbia. Lena has spent her 15-year career as a “dual citizen” of both conventional and organic agriculture, working in a variety of crops on basic
  agronomy, pest, disease, and weed management.
• 11:10am Producer Experience
  Denis Brisebois, Recently Organic Producer, Swift Current SK
  Wendy Zeihl, Long-time Organic Producer & Organic Inspector, Wilcox SK
  An opportunity to hear from producers who have either recently become certified or have been organic for years; the process, benefits and challenges, best management practices, weed control and soil fertility, and advice from experience. There will be opportunities to ask questions!
• 11:45am Conclusion

Tickets:

Pre-Registration is encouraged! EARLY BIRD DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 18th AT MIDNIGHT!

Early Bird: $50 for first person from farm/organization
                       $30 for additional delegate from farm/organization (max 3)

Door Price: $70 for first person from farm/organization
                       $50 for additional delegate from farm/organization (max 3)

*This workshop takes place during the Canadian Western Agribition and does not include the gate pass to the show.*

To Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/transition-to-organic-agriculture-information-workshop-tickets-51432187056

Or Call: 306-535-3456

Thank you to our Sponsors of this workshop!