The 24th annual Guelph Organic Conference offers the most comprehensive information on the state of organic production today in a one-stop venue at the University of Guelph, January 21 through
23.
However, the three-day conference is not just for growers, farmers or the retail and wholesale trade. In fact, a highlight of the event is the free, two-day Organic Expo Canada tasting fair January 22 and 23 where more than 25 vendors will be offering samples of organic food products and another 100 exhibitors will round out the display of leading organic products and services.
Consumers can taste a wide array of organic food products from cheeses to empañadas to breads. While organic vegetables have become familiar to consumers with an increased presence in major grocery stores, exhibitors at this show will expose guests to unique foodstuffs such as: fair trade, shade-grown coffee; certified fair trade chocolate; foods made with hemp such as tortilla chips and tasty salad dressings, etc. For a complete list of exhibitors visit: www.guelphorganicconf.ca/exhibitors2005.html
A key dimension speaking to the popularity of the conference is the line-up of workshops and seminars, from introductory to advanced.
For 2005, approximately 30 educational classes offer practical advice to novice or experienced growers on organic production techniques and closely related issues. Two full-day, stand-alone educational programs accompany the conference on January 21, with the Organic Landscape Alliance, a non-profit trade association committed to the development of organic horticulture, presenting on topics such as organic golf courses. Farmers and scientists will also discuss how organic farming can mitigate climate change in another full-day program. Brochures available.
Dr. John Ikerd of the University of Missouri-Columbia will give this year’s keynote address. A professor emeritus of agricultural economics, he will discuss how local organic agriculture saves farmland and communities.

Registration for the workshops and seminars is required. Prices and times are posted on the web site. Admission to the tasting fair/expo is free organix@georgian.net www.guelphorganicconf.ca