Interest in organic food production continues to grow in Illinois. The 2009 Organic Field Day Series provides an opportunity to learn about it from those who are growing it. Register now to see organic farming in action and talk to farmers who make it work.

Beginning Organic Farmers: De-mystifying Certification and the Choice Not to Certify
Friday, June 12, 2009, 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Farmer Browns Produce, Pomona, IL
Farmers, Josh Brown and Devin Brown (interestingly, no relation) are a fine demonstration of early stages of a small, diversified organic operation and direct marketing alternatives in Southern Illinois. They have been marketing to the Co-op, and the are looking at several other marketing options including Fair Shares (the combined CSA in St. Louis: http://www.fairshares.org/home), and niches such as garlic varieties valued by area chefs.

Clear Creek Farm, Cobden, IL
Clear Creek Farm is nestled in the heart of the Illinois Ozarks, between Bald Knob and Iron Mountain on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Proprietors, Adam and Anne Kaszubski, adhere to the USDA regulations for organic production to build soil fertility, to prevent erosion and to minimize nutrient depletion, though have chosen not to certify their operation. Participants will tour the intensively farmed operation and learn about the Community Supported Agriculture model of direct marketing, as well as the pros and cons of certification.

For more information contact Dan Anderson at aslan@uiuc.edu.
For directions to the tour, click HERE.

Snacks and drinks will be served. A $10 per person registration fee will be charged. Register here

This event is jointly sponsored by...

Illinois Stewardship Alliance
Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative
University of Illinois