Organic conference registration now open

Growers interested in mixed or whole organic production systems are invited to attend the UK’s largest organic on-farm event this summer.

The National Organic Conference (NOC) aims to bring food and farming communities together and will be held at Green Acres Farm in Shropshire on 4 July.

Natural capital

Organised by Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G) and hosted by farmer Mark Lea, the event is in its 16^th year. This time, as well as organic arable and integrated livestock systems, it’ll take a look at natural capital and food supply chains, with evidenced data to highlight organic in action and the benefits it can deliver.

OF&G business development manager Steven Jacobs says despite consumer concerns regarding food prices, the UK organic market remains buoyant. “With many shoppers increasingly concerned about the potentially catastrophic loss in biodiversity and the effects of climate change on future generations, now is the time for the organic sector to step up and communicate its true value in helping to mitigate these challenges,” he says.

Farm tours

Offering an immersive environment, delegates will be shown around Mark’s 180ha farm business which has been certified organic for more than 20 years. The enterprise features organic oats grown for Organic Arable and more than a dozen diverse wheats including landrace, heritage, modern and specially bred crossed varieties. Mark also has a flock of 200 New Zealand Romney sheep and a living mulch trial plus areas of agroforestry.

Industry insight

Presentations will be delivered by experts from the global agri-food sector including independent plant and soil health educator, Joel Williams, and Dr Julia Cooper and Henny Lowth from the Organic Research Centre (ORC).

Online platform service providers, Open Food Network and Trinity AgTech will also be on hand to speak to delegates.

Registration

Registration for NOC 2023 is now open with the full conference line-up available follow soon. For more information and to book a place, visit National Organic Conference 4 July 2023 | OF&G (ofgorganic.org).