Guelph Organic Conference

This is the 28th year that there has been an organic conference held in Guelph. This year the Theme is "O" is for Opportunity.

During the 1980's the conference was organized by Guelph university students as a sustainable or alternative agriculture conference. During the 1990's it grew into a much bigger event focused on organic food production and marketing. As it has grown during the past decade it has become the premier organic conference in Canada with many of the leaders Canada's organic sector attending either as speakers, exhibitors or to attend one of the many meetings that take place in Guelph during the 10 days around the conference.

The conference will attract 1,500 to 2,000 people to one of the various sessions making it one of the largest agricultural conferences in Ontario and one of the largest and oldest organic conferences in North America. With over 70 speakers and 170 exhibits in the Trade Show there is lots to see and do. Saturday, January 24th is the highlight day with the largest agenda of speakers and Trade Show but Friday has some key sessions on very detailed topics, vegetables, Social Research, Organic Research, and the Friday forum, while Sunday has eight speaker sessions and is a more relaxed time to visit the Trade Show.

When new organic farmers approach me to learn more I always suggest they attend the conference and one of the main advantages is to see the breadth of the sector in Canada and to network with other people who are making it work and are willing to share their ideas. We are past the pre-registration date, but come and register at the door.

28th Annual Organic Conference, January 22 - 25, 2009,
U. of Guelph, Univ. Centre (workshops, training, seminars)
Jan 22, 2008 -The Great Lakes Grass Energy Symposium (by REAP)
Jan 22-23, 2008 Courses (by EFAO)
Jan 23, 2008 - 6th Annual Social Research in Organic Agriculture

Organic Research Symposium
Growing Certified Organic Vegetable Seeds
Efficient Organic Market Garden Production

Jan 24-25, 2008 - Speakers, Workshops, Trade Show

For further details, visit http://www.guelphorganicconf.ca/

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