By:
Carole L. Jaworski

Source:
Jim Ferguson (352) 392-1996, Ext. 302

GAINESVILLE – The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is sponsoring the second annual Florida Organic Farming Workshop on Friday, Sept. 5. The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.

The workshop is designed for both commercial organic fruit and vegetable growers and those interested in organic farming, gardening and community-based agriculture, said Jim Ferguson, UF/IFAS extension horticulturist in the horticultural sciences department at Gainesville and workshop coordinator.

“According to industry sources, organic food production is increasing by approximately 20 percent per year nationwide,” Ferguson said. “It is a rapidly growing specialty market, particularly for consumers concerned about food quality and the environmental impact of synthetic agrichemicals.”

The workshop will include general and concurrent sessions on a range of topics, including biological control in Florida vegetable production, citrus and vegetable disease identification, management of soil-borne pathogens, organic certification and national standards, organic fertilizers and manures, transition from conventional to organic farming, wholesale marketing and further development of Florida’s organic farming industry.

Cost of the workshop is $20 if registered before Aug. 25 and $25 thereafter. The registration fee includes lunch, beverages, two breaks, a coffee mug to use throughout the workshop and speaker handouts. Checks should be made payable to FFVA Research & Education Foundation and mailed to: Organic Workshop, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, P.O. Box 140155, Orlando, FL 32814-0155.

For more information, contact Ferguson by phone at (352) 392-1996, Ext. 302; by fax at (352) 392-5653; or by e-mail at jjfn@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu.

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