The Organic Center's Director of Science Programs, Dr. Jessica Shade, will deliver the keynote at the 21st annual Iowa Organic Conference. The conference will be held Nov. 28-29, at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City. Her keynote will focus on the contributions of organic in mitigating climate change.

The conference is a joint effort between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, with the theme of “Save the Planet Through Organics: Managing Climate Change with Organic Practices.” Sessions will focus on environmental and social impacts of organic food production and farming. Producers and experts from across the country will share tips for transitioning into organic production and methods to enhance organic operations.

“The Iowa Organic Conference is the largest university-sponsored organic conference in the country,” said Kathleen Delate, professor and extension organic specialist in horticulture and agronomy at Iowa State. “Despite the challenges of wet weather early in the season and drought in many locations in July and August, organic farmers are anticipating successful organic yields with organic soybean prices currently averaging $32 per bushel and organic corn at $9.22 per bushel.”

For additional conference information and directions, visit the 2021 Iowa Organic Conference webpage or contact Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu or 515-294-5116.