9th Annual Iowa Organic Conference

Iowa State University cordially invites you to attend the 19th Annual Iowa Organic Conference on Monday, November 25, 2019, at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

The Conference is a joint effort between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. Producers and experts from across the country will share tips for transitioning into organic production and methods to enhance organic operations.

The conference’s keynote speaker is Alex Heilman of Mercaris, Inc. speaking on “Profitability of Organic Ag: Now and Into the Future.” Mercaris is a leading source of organic marketing information in the U.S.

The conference begins at 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, with a special movie at the
UI Memorial Union featuring one of our speakers: Dreaming of a Vetter World

A reception follows, 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 production, and alternative crops such as hops and hemp. Sessions on improving soil quality, pest management, and a special Bill Stowe Memorial Session on Enhancing Water Quality in Iowa will feature scientists from UI

“The Iowa Organic Conference is the largest university-sponsored organic conference in the country,” said Delate. “Last year’s conference brought over 40 exhibitors, ranging from organic seed sales, to local food system non-profits, to government offices working with transitioning and certified organic farmers. Despite the challenges of wet weather at planting, organic farmers are anticipating successful organic yields with organic soybean prices currently averaging $18.95 per bushel and organic corn at $8.20 per bushel.”

Conference registration is available online. Registration is $100 until November 17 and $120 after that date.

Hotel rooms are available at the Iowa House Hotel for Sunday, November 24. Guests may access room reservations by going to the website and entering group #1280, or calling the hotel at 319-335-3513 and mentioning the Iowa Organic Conference.

For additional conference information and directions to the conference, visit the 2019
Iowa Organic Conference webpage or contact Kathleen Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu
or 515-294-5116.