February 18, 2005
Purdue Extension takes organic farming to the next level
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – When people think organic, they often think of fruits and vegetables, but a Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service event could help change that.
On March 30 the Purdue Extension New Ventures team and Small Farms team will present Organic Marketing Opportunities for Production Agriculture via an IP videoconference at 21 locations throughout the state. This free event runs from 7-9:30 p.m. EST.
Jerry Nelson, the Purdue Extension New Ventures educator, said this conference is geared toward producers looking for new markets.
"We want to raise Hoosier producers’ awareness of the opportunities in organic agriculture," he said.
Conference topics include markets for organic livestock, organic grains and oil seeds, opportunities for Indiana farmers, an overview of the organic fruit and vegetable market, and wholesale and retail markets.
Michael Mazzocco, of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois, will lead the discussion about organic grains and oilseeds. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Illinois, Mazzocco was a commercial banker for seven years and worked for Clarkson Grain of Cerro Gordo, Ill.
"Clarkson is one of the Midwest's largest purchasers and sellers of certified organic grains. Mazzocco's experience at this company gives him a unique perspective on the opportunities available in the organic market," Nelson said.
Nelson said that anyone interested in organic production can walk away from this conference with ideas.
"We're trying to make all producers, even those who may think that organics are for someone else, aware of organic market options," he said. "There are opportunities in grains and livestock as well as fruits and vegetables."
Viewing locations for "Organic Marketing Opportunities for Production Agriculture" include:
• Allen County – Purdue Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.
• Clinton County – Purdue Extension office, 1111 S. Jackson St., Frankfort.
• Decatur County – Purdue Extension office, 545 S, 200 W., Greensburg.
• Franklin County – Franklin County High School Library, 1 Wildcat Lane, Brookville.
• Hancock County – Purdue Extension office, 802 N. Apple St., Greenfield.
• Harrison County – Purdue Extension office, 124 S. Mulberry St., Corydon.
• Hendricks County – Purdue Extension office, 955 E. Main St., Danville.
• Jennings County – Southeast Purdue Ag Center, 4425 E C.R. 350 N., Butlerville.
• Knox County – Southwest Purdue Ag Center, Southwest District Office, N. Purdue Road, Vincennes.
• LaGrange County – Purdue Extension office, 114 W. Michigan St., LaGrange.
• Lake County – Purdue Extension office, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point.
• Marshall County – Purdue Extension office, 112 W. Jefferson, Plymouth.
• Monroe County – Purdue Extension office, 119 W. Seventh St., Bloomington.
• Orange County – Purdue Extension office, 205 E. Main St., Paoli.
• Scott County – Lifelong Learning Center, 1092 West Community Way, Scottsburg.
• Shelby County – Purdue Extension office, 1110 Amos Road, Shelbyville.
• Tippecanoe County – Purdue University, Stewart Center, Room 209, West Lafayette.
• Tipton County – Education Center of Tipton County, 239 Ash St., Tipton.
• Vanderburgh County – Purdue Extension office, 13301 Darmstadt Road, Evansville.
• Vermillion County – Purdue Extension office, 255 S. Main St., Newport.
• Vigo County – Indiana State University, Nursing Building, Room 106, Terre Haute.
Organic Marketing Opportunities for Production Agriculture is funded by the North Center Region Sustainable Agriculture, Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Program.
Farmers interested in organics also have another avenue to find out information. The New Ag Network is a collaboration among Purdue, Michigan State University, the University of Illinois and Iowa State University that consists of Extension specialists and educators, and organic farmers from each state. These individuals contribute to a newsletter that is published twice a month during the growing season and a Web site.
"The network and its Web site and newsletter will serve those interested in transitioning to organics, as well as those practicing low-input or organic agriculture," said Liz Maynard, a Purdue Extension commercial vegetable specialist who also coordinates Purdue's contributions to the network.
To view New Ag Network newsletters.
Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu
Sources: Jerry Nelson, (812) 886-9582, jnelson@purdue.edu
Liz Maynard, (219) 785-5673, emaynard@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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