Monterey, CA — The first of two intensive educational sessions has been finalized for the second annual Organic Grower Summit in Monterey, CA. “Scaling Up Healthy Soil Practices” will dive deep into the benefits and usage of bio fertilizers and soil amendments, current research as well as the issues and opportunities to enhance organic farm operations.
Every farmer knows that healthy, fertile soils are key to their success. Healthy, fertile soils can sequester carbon, helping to balance carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. This two-and-a-half-hour-long workshop will explore how California is setting the stage nationally and internationally with its programs that provide grants to farmers for water conservations, healthy soil practices, manure management that reduce methane emissions, and farmland conservation.
Additionally, organic industry experts will discuss the benefits of using biofertilizers and other soil amendments to complement good soil management practices.
Featured panelists for the session include:
- Renata Brillinger, Executive Director, California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN)
- Jered Lawson, Co-Founder and Co-director, Pie Ranch
- Emma Torbert, Co-Owner, Cloverleaf Farm
- Tim Stemwedel, Founder, President, California Organic Fertilizer
- Dr. Aaron Waltz, Director of Field Trials and Nutrition, Concentric
- Gerald Davis, Agronomist, Cal Organic Farms/Grimmway
- Moderator: Katherine DiMatteo, Executive Director, Sustainable Food Trade Association
“The role that soil building practices play in carbon sequestration is one of the hottest topics in the organic industry,” according to Katherine DiMatteo, Executive Director, Sustainable Food Trade Association. “This intensive brings together soil experts, farmers, and policy advocates to show you the how, the why, and the benefits of soil carbon management. For attendees it’s a tremendous opportunity to dig deep and take away best practices,” she said.
OGS will be held December 12-13, at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California. Exhibitor registration is now open. General registration to attend the event is slated to open in July, with more details to be released in the coming weeks.
Over 50 companies have already committed to exhibiting at OGS. Exhibitors include soil amendment, bio-pesticide, seed, packaging, food safety, ag technology, and equipment manufacturers who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
Renata Brillinger, Executive Director of CalCAN, said, “With sufficient resources and incentives, California farmers and ranchers can play a unique and powerful role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and storing carbon in soil and plants. This session will provide an overview of the ways California is leading the world in unleashing the climate potential of organic and sustainable production."
For more information on the Organic Grower Summit, visit www.organicgrowersummit.com.
About OPN
OPN is a marketing organization serving as the go-to resource for the organic fresh produce industry. The company's mission is to inform and educate through a strong digital presence with an emphasis on original content and complimented by engaging live events which bring together various components of the organic food community. The OPN audience includes organic producers, handlers, distributors, processors, wholesalers, foodservice operators and retailers. www.organicproducenetwork.com
About CCOF
CCOF is a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California more than 40 years ago, today our roots span the breadth of North America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm. For more information about CCOF, visit www.ccof.org.
Source: OPN