Organic Agriculture Workshop

We will explore key challenges and opportunities facing the organic industry today, including the following topics:

• Producer Options and Obstacles

• Market Growth

• Strategies to Facilitate Organic Sector Development

• Broadening the Education Infrastructure in Organic Agriculture

• Measuring and Communicating the Benefits of Organic Food Production

• Building a Research Base for Organic Production

Organic farming became one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture during the 1990s. U.S. producers are turning to certified organic farming systems as a potential way to lower input costs, decrease reliance on nonrenewable resources, capture high-value markets and premium prices, and boost farm income. Organic farming systems rely on ecologically based practices, such as cultural and biological pest management, and virtually exclude the use of synthetic chemicals in crop production and prohibit the use of antibiotics and hormones in livestock production. Many producers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers specialize in growing, processing, and marketing an ever widening array of organic food and fiber products.

Thursday, October 6, 2005, 6:30 p.m.

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is coordinating this dinner. See the menu. The price will be $50 plus tips and drinks. Space is extremely limited for this event, and separate registration is required.

Please email Tom Hutcheson at thutcheson@ota.com to register.

About Restaurant Nora:

For the last 26 years, Restaurant Nora has been a leader in showcasing an organic food and lifestyle philosophy. In April 1999, Nora’s received organic certification - the first restaurant ever to achieve this designation, meaning that 95% or more of all ingredients used must come from certified organic farmers, growers and suppliers. Nora was originally constructed in the 19th century as a grocery store. The main dining room has been artistically transformed and decorated with a collection of museum-quality antique Mennonite and Amish crib quilts. We will be eating in the Wine Library which seats around 30 people. The restaurant serves seasonal organic new-American cuisine with Mediterranean influences in Nora's own creative style.

Friday, October 7, 2005, 1:00-6:00 p.m.

USDA-CSREES is sponsoring a tour of the Accokeek Ecosystems Organic Farm. Space is limited for this event to 30 attendees, and separate registration is required.

For details or to register, contact Jim Kotcon at jkotcon@csrees.usda.gov or 202-401-4879.

A bus will take us to the Accokeek Farm located just south of Washington, DC. A bag lunch will be provided.

Tour highlights include:

• The National Colonial Farm - 18th century garden with heirloom varieties, tobacco barns, heritage breed livestock, and a great view of Mount Vernon, all described by guides in period costume.
• Ecosystem Farm - modern, certified organic vegetable production and research, a prosperous and popular CSA, solar-powered irrigation and fencing, and a USDA-SARE greenhouse research project.
• Piscataway Park and Riparian Forest regeneration.