ST. CLOUD  (AP) - The 2012 Minnesota Organic Conference gets under way in St. Cloud, and the annual event has grown to include even more trade show vendors, educational breakout sessions and keynote speakers.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says the conference Friday and Saturday is a great opportunity for organic farmers and processors to network and to showcase their products.

MDA Organic Specialist Meg Moynihan says the event is aimed at farmers just starting out in organic, those who are in transition and those who've been doing it for years.

Nearly 36 breakout sessions will cover topics like weed control, water management, soil biology, poultry production, beef genetics, extending the vegetable season, contracting, and market outlooks.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)

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