WENATCHEE, Wash. — The latest research results on organic and biologically intensive farming techniques will be presented by northwest researchers this fall at the first northwest symposium to be held on the subject.
Topics will include pest management and seeds and systems evaluations. Washington State University’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, Oregon State University, Tilth Producers of Washington, and Oregon Tilth, are organizing the symposium.
The one-day “Northwest Symposium on Organic and Biologically Intensive Farming: Advances in Research and Education” will be held at the Yakima Convention Center on Friday, Nov. 8 beginning at 8:30 a.m. It will immediately precede the annual meeting of Tilth Producers of Washington that weekend in Yakima.
Invited keynote speakers include Iowa State University agronomist Matt Liebman discussing the latest research on weed-suppressive soils, and Chris Koopmans of the Louis Bolk Institute for sustainable farming in the Netherlands talking about nutrient recycling in organically managed soils.
According to David Granatstein, WSU Cooperative Extension sustainable agriculture specialist, and one of the symposium organizers, an afternoon poster session will feature a variety of current projects in the region.
Growers and researchers will be able to meet, discuss on-going projects, and plan cooperative efforts for the future.
“Many people are not aware of the diversity of research going on that is relevant to not only the particular needs of organic growers but the benefit to all growers,” Granatstein said.
More information as well as instructions for presenting research posters at the event can be found on the Web at http://csanr.wsu.edu.
Symposium organizers hope a broad cross-section of the agricultural industry will participate in the information exchange at the symposium, Granatstein said.
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