Many farmers are looking for ways to diversify their operations and make them more profitable. At the same time, consumers are demanding that growers produce healthy foods without polluting the environment. The production of organic vegetables and fruits is definitely an area that small farmers should consider. Farmers can participate in a commercial organic vegetable workshop on November 12, at the Burden Conference Center in Baton Rouge.

The main presenter will be Paul Wiediger, co-owner of Au Naturel Farm in Kentucky, a certified organic farm. Wiediger is also an expert on the use of high tunnels or hoop houses and has published Walking to Spring - Using High Tunnels to Grow Produce 52 Weeks a Year.

Au Naturel Farm has been managed organically since 1989. It was one of the first farms certified organic by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in 1991. Paul and Alison Wiediger both have more than 35 years experience growing using organic methods.

Scholarships are available for county agents and other agriculture professionals which includes lunch, and workshop materials (workshop manual and DVD about Au Naturel Farm). This is also a great opportunity for growers to attend the workshop. Currently, we do not have grant funds for grower scholarships, although we are seeking funds. Growers and students may have to pay a nominal cost for the workshop manual and lunch will hopefully be provided free.

The workshop is sponsored by the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group and the Louisiana Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Program.

For more information, please contact SARE PDP State Coordinators:

Owusu Bandele, owusu_bandele@suagcenter.com or 225-771-2262 x 206
Carl Motsenbocker, cmotsenbocker@agcenter.lsu.edu or 225-578-1036


Read more on organic certification:
Producing and Marketing Organic Produce