FARRMS ANNOUNCES UPCOMING ORGANIC PROCESSORS WORKSHOP

MEDINA - The Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resources Management and Sustainability (FARRMS) will be holding an Organic Processing Training Workshop October 22 and 23, 2009 in Medina, ND.  This two day training is intended for processors or others considering an organic processing enterprise.

In a recent survey released by the Organic Trade Association, OTA said that three in ten U.S. families indicated they are actually purchasing more organic foods compared to a year ago with many parents preferring to reduce spending in other areas before targeting organic product cuts.  In fact, 17 percent of U.S. families said their largest increases in spending in the past year were for organic products.  “There is an increasing demand for organic products,” said Marcy Svenningsen, Executive Director of FARRMS, “we need more organic processors to fill that demand.”

Various topics such as the National Organic Rule, requirements for an organic system plan, applying standards to a participant’s individual operation, sanitation materials, pest control alternatives and evaluating inputs and ingredients will be covered in the workshop.  “We are very excited about the quality and expertise of the presenters that will be providing the training,” said Karri Stroh, Program Coordinator. “We know that the participants will be very pleased with the valuable and timely information they will receive and be able to apply it in their processing operations.”  There will be a $500 charge for the workshop but need based scholarships are available.

Interested participants can contact FARRMS at 701-486-3569 or by visiting www.farrms.org/proctrain.html for a workshop application.   More information about FARRMS and the other educational opportunities they provide can be found on the website at www.farrms.org.

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FARRMS ANNOUNCES UPCOMING ORGANIC FARMING 101 COURSE

MEDINA - The Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resources Management and Sustainability (FARRMS) will be holding an Organic Farming 101 Course beginning October 24, 2009.  Ten classes will be held in Medina from October to March. Participants will learn about all aspects of organic agriculture. “This will be the second time we have organized this course,” stated Karri Stroh, Project Coordinator, “and I expect it to be just as successful as the first one we held in 07-08.”

“The course is designed for anyone considering entering organic farming,” said Marcy Svenningsen, Executive Director of FARRMS.  The classes are taught by experienced organic farmers and agricultural professionals.  Participants will have an opportunity to attend on-farm educational opportunities and take part in mentoring groups.  The cost for the course is $500 per farm/family and there are scholarships available but they must be applied for by September 15th.  Course applications are due by September 30th.  “The organic industry is the fastest growing segment of agriculture at this time,” said Svenningsen, “this course will help someone who may be trying to decide if organic agriculture is right for them.”

Interested participants can contact FARRMS for applications at 701-486-3569 or info@farrms.org.   More information about FARRMS and the other educational opportunities they provide can be found on the website at www.farrms.org.

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