Minnesota Organic Conference Set For St. Cloud

ST. CLOUD (AP) -- Organic farmers and experts will be gathering in St. Cloud on Friday and Saturday for the annual Minnesota Organic Conference and Trade Show.

According to organizers with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the conference offers learning and networking opportunities for farmers new to organic production as well as for old hands at it. Over 400 people attended last year.

Some of the featured speakers include George Siemon, founder and CEO of the Organic Valley dairy cooperative.

Some events get going Thursday with pre-conference workshops on grazing and pollination.

The state agriculture department estimates that Minnesota had around 650 certified organic farms as of last spring.