Organic Transition Workshops at Great Lakes EXPO

December 11, 2024 9:00AM - 10:30AM

Grand Gallery Overlook GH, DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Contact: Katie Brandt, brandtk7@msu.edu and Mariel Borgman, mborgm@msu.edu or

Are you considering going organic? This session will connect you with new and experienced organic farmers AND help you get started on an organic plan for your farm. First, you will hear from farmers transitioning to organic along with their experienced farm mentors from the Transition to Organic Partnership Program. The panel will include organic farmers Kyle Mitchell, Rachelle Bostwick, Sam Otto and others to give you insights into why and how to transition to organic. Then, you’ll have an opportunity to start writing your own Organic System Plan (OSP). This is part of the annual application for organic certification. You will likely be surprised to see that you know many of the answers to the questions in the OSP form! It simply asks about your farm maps, soil management, pest control, seed sourcing and farm records.

Going Organic Farmer Panel - Getting Started  and Getting Certified
9:00am - 10:00am
Hear from farmers transitioning to organic along with their experienced farm mentors from the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). The panel will include organic farmers Kyle Mitchell, Rachelle Bostwick, Sam Otto and others will share why and how they have transitioned to certified organic. Details on how to sign up to work with a mentor or join TOPP events will also be discussed.


Kyle Mitchell-Mitchell's Patch of Blue

Cameron Davis-North Sky Farm

Rachelle Bostwick-Earthkeeper Farm

Sam Otto-The Woven Trifecta

 

Going Organic Interactive Session: Writing an Organic System Plan
10:00am - 10:30am
This will be an interactive, discussion-based session to help you start on an organic plan for your farm. You’ll have an opportunity to page through an Organic System Plan (OSP) template and start filling out a section. This is part of the annual application for organic certification. You will likely be surprised to see that you know many of the answers to the questions in the OSP form! It simply asks about your farm maps, soil management, pest control, seed sourcing and farm records.


Katie Brandt-MSU Organic Farmer Training Program

Registration for Great Lakes EXPO includes three days of educational opportunities as well as access to a large tradeshow. Early bird registration is $110 until November 15. After November 15, the price increases to $130. College student registration is $40. Scholarships are available.

Register

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