A conference entitled ‘Production or Preservation’, is being held at the Royal Welsh Showground on Thursday 21 October and will concentrate on the current challenges facing organic producers in Wales. The Conference is being organised by Organic Centre Wales as part of the Farming Connect Organic Development Programme.
The speakers in the plenary session will not only reflect on organic achievements over the last ten years, but also the changes required to ensure that agriculture is sufficiently sustainable for the long-term future. One of the keynote speakers is Patrick Holden, an organic dairy farmer near Lampeter, who has recently stepped down as Director of the Soil Association. However, his commitment to organic production is as strong as ever, and he will share his ideas about transforming our food and farming systems to a more sustainable alternative.
Workshop speakers in the morning and afternoon will cover a wide range of topics relevant to organic producers, including Glastir, animal health and welfare, dairy calves, lamb marketing, tools for horticulture, the understanding of soil, increasing relevance of carbon calculators, and the importance of getting the organic message to the consumers.
Carolyn Wacher, the conference organizer at Organic Centre Wales says “This event is a fantastic opportunity for farmers and other organic producers to meet and discuss many of the challenges they are facing at the moment. The certification organisations will also be present, and they too will be participating and answering questions from producers. At £20 per person, or £32 for two people from the same postal address which includes an organic lunch, it’s an event not to be missed.”
For more information about the conference and to book a place, please contact Carolyn Wacher 01970 621852, or e-mail [email protected]. You can also download a programme and booking form from: www.organiccentrewales.org.uk
