An examination of how organic growers can best use approved bio inputs in the most efficient and effective manner for their crops and bottom line will be the subject of a just announced educational session as part of the 2021 Organic Grower Summit presented by Western Growers and OPN (OGS) educational program, slated for December 1-2 in Monterey, CA.

“Innovative and Compatible Ag Inputs for Today’s Organic Grower” will explore the various tools available in the production of organic crops, how growers choose new products, the environmental impact, and how these bioproducts can impact costs. Moderated by Neal Gutterson, president of Radicle Growth, the panelists are leaders from organizations directly involved in the approval, distribution, and application of biological inputs for organic growers. The panelists include Pam Marrone, founder of Marrone Bio, Doug Currier, technical director of the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), and Tim Stemwedel, founder of California Organic Fertilizer.

^{Left to right: Pam Marrone, Doug Currier, and Tim Stemwedel.} 

The fourth annual OGS is designed to provide information vital to organic growers and producers, as well as an overview of the opportunities and challenges in producing organic fresh food. The newly announced session is part of an educational program designed to inform and engage organic producers, their service providers, and supply chain partners.

Among the topics for discussion in the session are the role of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) in determining what USDA allows or eliminates from the organic grower’s toolbox, how growers can be stakeholders in the process of bio input selection, new OMRI approved products and how farmers can best utilize these inputs, the environmental impact of various inputs, and what trends are happening for specialty crops.

“While farming is a biological process, the organic grower is faced with the question of when biology becomes chemistry in the development of organic materials? Further, how best can a grower choose what items to be a part of the toolbox?” said Tonya Antle, co-founder of the Organic Grower Summit.

OGS exhibition and general registration are open. With only four trade show booths available before the show floor sells out, exhibitors include soil amendment, ag technology, food safety, packaging and equipment manufacturers connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest control advisors, and food safety experts.

^{Right: Neal Gutterson will moderate the panel.}

“In partnership with Western Growers, this year’s OGS will provide resources and information to support the continued success of organic producers, with an emphasis on the role of ag technology,” said Antle.

OGS 2021 will be held December 1-2 at the Monterey Hyatt Conference Center in Monterey, CA. More details on the educational program will be released in the coming weeks. Click here for more information on the Summit.

For more information:

Organic Produce Network