Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
11/17/04
Contacts:
Kathleen Delate, Agronomy and Horticulture, (515) 294-7069, kdelate@iastate.edu
Keven Arrowsmith, Continuing Education and Communications Services, (515)
294-7033, karrows@iastate.edu
Fourth Annual Iowa Organic Conference A Success
AMES, Iowa-- Stanley Johnson, vice-provost for Extension at Iowa State University, welcomed the crowd of 295 registrants at the Fourth Annual Iowa Organic Conference in the Scheman Building on Nov. 1, 2004, to the home of the "best organic research and extension program in the United States," according to Rodale Press.
Iowa ranks fifth in the nation in organic production, which is remarkable given the small population and isolation of the state from the largest organic markets-the East and West Coasts. The U.S. is now the largest market for organic foods and beverages in the world, equaling $11 billion in 2003, and forecasted to reach $20 billion by 2005. This growth corresponds to a 20 percent annual growth rate, compared to a declining rate for conventional agriculture. The adoption of the National Organic Program by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the application of the USDA seal on packaged organic products effective October 2002 has helped propel this interest.
Chuck Hassebrook, keynote speaker and executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs, highlighted the need for farmers to join together in alliances or cooperatives with "information as their bricks and mortar" in working together to keep the family farm structure strong.
"Get involved and stay active" was also the message from Lynn Clarkson of Clarkson Grain Company, one of the largest purveyors of organic and non-GMO grains in the country. With 66 percent of the U.S. population purchasing organic products, many consumers have made the connection between environmental pollution and agricultural practices. "The more educated the shopper, the more likely they are to make an organic purchase," Clarkson said.
With 17 presentations throughout the day, conference organizer, Kathleen Delate, associate professor in Agronomy and Horticulture at ISU, felt that all sectors of the organic marketplace were served-from organic flax producers to organic grape and wine entrepreneurs. After the 10-dish organic lunch, consisting of locally-raised organic soybeans, squash, apples and other ingredients, participants visited 52 exhibits displaying everything from organic insect pest management tools to information on organic certification.
"The growth of organics will be driven by new users," said Delate. "Our job at Iowa State is to educate producers on the best methods to fulfill that need."
Plans are now being made for next year's conference. One issue to be addressed will be methods to manage Asian soybean rust in organic systems, should the rust make its way to Iowa. For additional information about the Organic Ag Program at ISU, visit the Web site at http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/organicag.
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