Organic Agricultural Production Workshop

Arizona farmers and ranchers are invited to learn more about organic farming at a one-day workshop sponsored by the Aqua Fria Natural Resource Conservation District and Estrella Mountain Community College, in collaboration with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

When: Oct. 28, 2009, 8:30am - 3:30pm
Where: Estrella Mountain Community College, Room: Planning and development, 3000 North Dysart Rd.  Avondale AZ 85392, meeting room will be posted at the college 

Please register by phone 623 535 5055 x120 or email mohammed.zerkoune@az.usda.gov.  

Agenda - Organic Workshop

8:30-9:00: Organic Farming Experience   
TBA, organic production farming

9:00-910: Organic production survey  
Steve Manheiner: National Ag Statistics Service, Director Arizona Ag Statistics  

9:10-9:50: Organic Certification and Integrated Pest Management
Rex Dufour: Manager, National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), Davis California

9:50-10:50: Soil Microbiology in Relation to Plant Growth and Health
Dr. Robert Linderman, former ARS Research Scientist, Plant Pathologist, currently founder and owner of Plant Health Company, Corvallis Or

10:50-11:00: Break 

11:00-12:00: Weed Control in Organic Production and Cover Crops
Dr. Ron Odin, Research Scientist Colorado State University and Extension Soil Specialist Organic/Sustainable Agriculture 

12:00-12:30. Bio-fungicides as Effective Tools to Manage Vegetable Diseases in Arizona
Dr. Mike Matheron Research Scientist and Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Arizona  

12:30-1:10:   Break for lunch

1:10-1:50 Marketing Considerations with the Organic Production
Dr. Russell Tronstad. Professor and Extension Economist, University of Arizona

1:50-2:10 NRCS Assistance for Organic Production and compost utilization    
Dr.  Mohammed Zerkoune, Soil Conservationist 

2:10-3:30: Hosting Organic Farming Field Day
TBA: Organic Farmer