The 2009 ASHS Annual Conference

Certified organic production throughout the southern region lags behind other regions of the US.  There are few training opportunities for Extension agents as well as few Extension resources available to producers interested in organic production.  Arkansas, Alabama, North and South Carolina collaborated to offer trainings to improve knowledge and confidence regarding organic production and improve organic resources to agriculture professionals including Extension, farmers market managers, and school teachers.  In Arkansas, 28 agriculture professionals participated in a 2-day organic workshop which included sessions on soils, nutrition, pest management, certification along, case studies and farm tours.  Second level training will be offered to these professionals to expand their organic production knowledge and experiences.  Opportunities to learn organic apple and bramble production practices have been offered to producers through workshops and farm tours.