Join researchers and students from West Virginia University for the annual Organic Field Day on Saturday, Aug. 27.
Hosted by the WVU Organic Research Farm, a multidisciplinary project from the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and WVU Extension Service, the Organic Field Day is an annual event that helps illustrate the latest research in organic production methods through intensive workshops and walking tours of research plots.
New to the lineup this year is a 5K Fun Run and Walk.
The 5K is sponsored by the WVU student organization ‘People for Organic Practices’, and will be held entirely on the Organic Farm, allowing participants to see the grounds like never before.
Gates open for the 5K at 8 a.m. and the race will begin at 9:30 a.m. T-shirts will be available for the first 100 people to register and prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third male and female finishers.
The educational portions of the event, including workshops and field tours, will begin at 1:00 p.m.
“The needs of organic growers are constantly evolving and our research helps address the new opportunities and emerging problems they face,” said Jim Kotcon, associate professor of plant pathology. “We enjoy putting together this event every year and hope participants benefit from our efforts.”
This year’s program will include presentations on wholesaling organic vegetables, organic dairy, novel fruits, organic pest management and livestock health and nutrition.
“Other new and exciting things this year will be field tours of industrial hemp, organic Quinoa, herb production, and high tunnel production, along with updates on long-term projects,” Kotcon said.
Although anyone who has an interest in organic production will benefit from the information shared, the event is particularly attractive to organic growers, home gardeners, agriculture teachers, veterinarians, extension agents and crop advisers.
“We are also adding a student-oriented track, with projects, contests and workshops by and for WVU students” said Kotcon.
“Field Day is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in organic farming to learn about some of the practices used and the research being conducted at WVU,” Kotcon said. “We encourage you to ask questions, walk around and take pictures.”
A dinner featuring organic produce grown on the farm will be served at 6 p.m. The dinner is free; however, tickets will only be available for the first 150 people to register.
For more information on the day’s events and to register, visit http://fieldday.wvu.edu. To register by phone, contact Kotcon at 304.293.8822.
-WVU-
law/08/22/16
CONTACT: Lindsay Willey, Public Relations Specialist
304-293-2381, Lindsay.Willey@mail.wvu.edu
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