Organic Conference Draws Crowds Of More Than 500 To St. Cloud

ST. CLOUD -- The 12th annual Organic Conference is expected to bring more than 500 organic farmers and processors to the Rivers Edge Convention Center today (Friday).

This is the tenth year the conference has been held in St. Cloud.

The two day event focuses on the transition to organic farming with more than 18 educational sessions on topics such as market planning and research as well as dairy and how to make your soils healthy.

Department of Agriculture conference coordinator, Mary Hanks says the conference is a way to help grow the organic farming market.

State climatologist Mark Seeley was today's keynote speaker. Hanks says Seeley is well-known throughout Minnesota and is an expert on the state's weather.

Organic food is also provided for attendees. The conference is held by the state agriculture department.