The first of two intensive educational sessions has been finalized for the second annual Organic Grower Summit in Monterey, CA. “Scaling Up Healthy Soil Practices” will dive deep into the benefits and usage of bio fertilizers and soil amendments, current research as well as the issues and opportunities to enhance organic farm operations.
Every farmer knows that healthy, fertile soils are key to their success. Healthy, fertile soils can sequester carbon, helping to balance carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. According to the organizers, the two-and-a-half-hour-long workshop will explore how California is setting the stage nationally and internationally with its programs that provide grants to farmers for water conservations, healthy soil practices, manure management that reduce methane emissions, and farmland conservation.
Additionally, organic industry experts will discuss the benefits of using biofertilizers and other soil amendments to complement good soil management practices.
Featured panelists for the session include:
- Renata Brillinger, Executive Director, California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN)
- Jered Lawson, Co-Founder and Co-director, Pie Ranch
- Emma Torbert, Co-Owner, Cloverleaf Farm
- Tim Stemwedel, Founder, President, California Organic Fertilizer
- Dr. Aaron Waltz, Director of Field Trials and Nutrition, Concentric
- Gerald Davis, Agronomist, Cal Organic Farms/Grimmway
- Moderator: Katherine DiMatteo, Executive Director, Sustainable Food Trade Association (pictured, right)
“The role that soil building practices play in carbon sequestration is one of the hottest topics in the organic industry,” according to Katherine DiMatteo, Executive Director, Sustainable Food Trade Association. “This intensive brings together soil experts, farmers, and policy advocates to show you the how, the why, and the benefits of soil carbon management. For attendees it’s a tremendous opportunity to dig deep and take away best practices,” she said.
OGS will be held December 12-13, at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California. Exhibitor registration is now open. General registration to attend the event is slated to open in July, with more details to be released in the coming weeks.
The organizers say over 50 companies have already committed to exhibiting at OGS. Exhibitors include soil amendment, bio-pesticide, seed, packaging, food safety, ag technology, and equipment manufacturers who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors, and food safety experts.
Renata Brillinger, Executive Director of CalCAN, said, “With sufficient resources and incentives, California farmers and ranchers can play a unique and powerful role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and storing carbon in soil and plants. This session will provide an overview of the ways California is leading the world in unleashing the climate potential of organic and sustainable production."
For more information:
Matt Seeley
Organic Produce Network
Tel: +1 (831) 884-5058