US (IN): How-to farmer training on organic vegetable seed production

Nationally renowned experts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Organic Seed Alliance, and Purdue University will present a one-day classroom and field-based workshop on organic vegetable seed production.

Participants will learn the fundamentals needed to grow organic vegetable seed, including seed biology, harvesting, storage and how to conduct variety trials.

Hosted by Purdue Extension, the training will be held on Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Daniel Turf Center, 1340 Cherry Lane, and The Student Farm, 1491 Cherry Lane, West Lafayette.

Photo credit: Tom Campbell, Purdue Agricultural Communication

“Participating in varietal development programs and learning how to produce quality seed will ensure organic farmers have access to varieties that are best adapted to their production system, and yield produce with high nutritional quality and flavor,” said Lori Hoagland, associate professor for Purdue Horticulture and Landscape Architecture.

A tour of The Student Farm and taste tests of advanced carrot and tomato varieties will be provided. A local chef will identify varieties that shine in the kitchen.

The workshop is sponsored by Purdue Horticulture, Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture and Tomato Organic Management and Improvement.

Registration is $15 and includes lunch catered by The Juniper Spoon, http://www.thejuniperspoon.com/.

To learn more and register online, go to http://tinyurl.com/y7da7dsh.