"We are doing things a little differently this year," said Dan Anderson, planning committee chair. Anderson explains that two formerly distinct meetings will be combined to bring the best, most complete research- and farmer-based production and marketing information available to those interested in organic farming and consumer-driven marketing.

On the first day, registrants will have access to cutting-edge organic production and certification information on grain crops, specialty crops, and livestock. On day two, registrants will attend a separate conference: Marketing Strategies for Consumer-Driven Agriculture, sponsored and organized by Extension's IDEA and Market Maker programs.

"These two meetings have a substantial overlap of audience," said Kim Tack of the IDEA program. "By combining the two conferences we'll save farmers and entrepreneurs the expense of traveling to two different events." Attenders will have the option of signing up for either day alone or both days together for a discounted rate.

An organic and marketing trade show featuring over 50 exhibitors will span both days. A taste-of-organic reception on the evening of December 6 will feature local and organic food prepared by area chefs, with cooking demonstrations and entertainment. The reception will be open to the public.

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