Farmers can explore organic grain farming as a way of adding value to a portion of their crop, at a workshop here Friday, Jan. 30.
The “Organic Grain Production: the Opportunities and Challenges” workshop provides an opportunity for growers to learn how to find or develop viable markets that will add value to their crops.
Diana Roberts, WSU area extension agronomist, says it’s important that growers have a viable market before they attempt to add value to their crop.
“A highlight of the day will be a panel discussion with four millers and processors who use organic grains and see increasing demand for them,” Roberts said.
In another session, three eastern Washington farmers, Owen Jorgensen, Coulee City; Joel Jahn, Davenport, and Rod Repp, Endicott, will outline their own successes in organic grain production.
The workshop also will include an overview of national organic standards and the Washington certification process, and an update on developing organic winter wheat and perennial wheat varieties for Washington.
“Washington growers lag behind most states in organic production, and I’m excited about the potential for this system,” Roberts added.
The workshop is sponsored by WSU Extension, Spokane County, in cooperation with the WSU Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network, and the Total Health Center, Spokane.
The workshop will be held at the Spokane County Extension Education Center, 222 N. Havana St. Coffee will be served at 8:30 a.m. The program will be 9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. Lunch is included in the $12 registration fee.
Registration is required by Jan. 26. Send a check, payable to WSU Extension, 222 N. Havana, Spokane, WA, 99202.
For further information, or to sign up for e-mail notification of meetings, contact Diana Roberts, WSU Extension, 509-477-2167 or E- mail robertsd@wsu.edu. If you need special accommodation for a disability please contact WSU Extension, Spokane County 509-477- 2048, beforehand or we cannot guarantee availability.
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