How to Become a Certified Organic Grower
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Coordinated by The Plug Connection and Organiks
Moderator: Joe Messer, Organiks
Speakers: To be announced
Sponsored by
Everyone is talking about organics, but few greenhouses have done the research, work and investing to actually grow organically. Plug Connection is one of the few who has. They’ve converted all their vegetable and herb plug production over to certified organic status, and are producing organic finished plants, as well. Why go organic? And what does it require? That’s the idea behind this day-long track of sessions. Plug Connection’s organic division, “Organiks,” is going to share all that they’ve learned along the way in their quest to produce organic plants. This six-session primer will cover everything from the certification process, through production techniques, to marketing and retailing. You’ll be equipped to make the big decision about going organic at your own business.
The Certification Process
What exactly does "organic" mean and where did the term come from? What’s the history or organic growing. What does it mean to be a "certified" organic grower and how do you get there? This session will cover the history, basics and certification procedure for true organic growing.
Organic Inputs and Documentation
In this session, our speakers will cover all of your organic inputs, including seeds and cuttings, potting media, fertilizer, pest control materials and more. What’s allowed and what isn’t, and why? Where do you find organic products, and what do you have to watch out for? Plus, we’ll cover the separation of your organic and non-organic production facilities and supplies, and the official documentation of your inputs and your growing facility.
Organic Inputs and Documentation (continued)
The Nuts and Bolts of Growing Organically
This is where you’ll get into the serious details of actually growing your crops organically. You’ll learn how to manage your crops’ needs, including timing, nutrition, height control, insect and disease control and more.
Marketing your Organic Plants
If you grow organically, will they come? Well, maybe, since so few growers are doing it. But you still have to get the word out. And you have to package your product in a way that attracts the organic consumer. Who is she? Why does she buy organic products? How can you hook her? And most important, how much of a price premium can you get for an organic product?
Organic Plants: A Retail Perspective
Retailers such as Whole Foods and Trader Joes and now even Wal-Mart are making a big deal out of carrying organic products, and because demand is greater that the supply it would seem like getting into retailers would be easy. But is it? What do retailers require from their organic vendors? How do they market and price them? And what opportunities are there for organic growers in the retail marketplace?