MOSES Organic Farming Conference

Jamie Johansen

Moses Organic Farming

Greg and Mary Reynolds, 2015 MOSES Organic Farmers of the Year

The MOSES Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, Wis. this weekend had record attendance, illustrating the dramatic growth of organic agriculture. More than 3,500 people participated in the 26th annual conference, organized by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES).

The MOSES Conference included 67 workshops, 10 pre-conference all-day courses, an exhibit hall with 177 vendors, and organic meals. Participants came from all over the U.S. and several other countries, including Nigeria.

Keynote speaker John Jeavons, executive director of the nonprofit Ecology Action, shared how his “biointensive” methods are helping small-scale farmers in 151 countries yield more using less water and resources, making organic farming truly sustainable. He told the packed auditorium, “Organic agriculture is a major step in the right direction, but we need to keep walking.”

Long-time organic farmers Greg and Mary Reynolds of Riverbend Farm in Delano, Minn., received the 2015 MOSES Organic Farmers of the Year award at the conference. The Reynolds grow vegetables and small grains on their certified organic farm, selling to restaurants, co-ops, nursing homes, hospitals, and schools. They are building resilience in their systems by selecting seeds from crops that fare best in the changing Minnesota climate.

Every year, the MOSES Conference educates and inspires members of the organic community, bringing together farmers, researchers, and educators to discuss and share new ideas, products, and organic farming practices. The conference is just one of the educational services the nonprofit MOSES provides to promote organic and sustainable agriculture.

Ag Groups, Organic