Join The Organic Center on Thursday, July 15, 2021 - 2:00 pm Eastern / 11:00 am Pacific, for a Webinar on Managing Soil Amendments for Food Safety and Soil Health

Soil amendment use is one option among a number of management practices that growers have to support plant growth and build healthy soils. Some soil amendments are biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) and they are primarily used as a nutrient source and to build up organic matter in the soil. However, the use of BSAAO in produce production can present a microbial food safety risk by introducing human pathogens into the soil as well as the broader farm environment. This two-part webinar series will outline benefits and risk reduction practices when using manure, compost, and other BSAAO often used on produce farms. The relationship between these BSAAO recommendations and the requirements in the National Organic Program, Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule, and third-party Good Agricultural Practices audits will also be explored. Both webinars will include a Q&A session at the end.  

As the first presentation in a two-part series, this session will introduce how the use of BSAAO improves soil health. Research on pathogen survival in BSAAO-amended soils will be presented, as well as how growers can minimize the risks of using untreated soil amendments through proper application, storage, handling, and recordkeeping practices. Other common practices will be introduced, including rotational grazing.

• Esteemed Panelists:
• Donna Pahl Clements, M.S., Product Safety Alliance's Southwest Regional Extension Associate | Cornell University
• Elizabeth A. Bihn, Ph.D., Senior Extension Associate, Department of Food Science | Cornell University
• Amber Sciligo, Ph.D., Associate Director of Science Programs | The Organic Center (Discussion Leader)

Open to all. This Webinar will be recorded and shared on demand approximately 2 business days following the presentation.

REGISTER NOW

The Organic World Congress (OWC) is taking place September 8-10, 2021 in Rennes, France. 

The organic sector assembles to host the Organic World Congress (OWC), the world’s largest organic gathering, every three years. Drawing from the motto, ‘From its Roots, Organic Inspires Life‘, this conference will address questions around resilience, societal transformation, ecosystem regeneration, health and food sovereignty are more. 

OWC 2021 will aim to provide organic and likeminded stakeholders working toward sustainable agriculture, value chains, and consumption with an opportunity to exchange their knowledge, innovations, and experiences. The congress offers momentum and inspiration to all who take part and is seen as a leading event for the global organic sector.

Organic Trade Association staff will be participating in some of the sessions. Check back soon for more details on session topics! 

For more informatoin, contact Angela Jagiello, Organic Trade Association's Director of Education & Insights. 

Anuga will be taking place October 9-13, 2021 in Cologne, Germany. This is the world’s largest trade fair for food and beverages, breaks new grounds for the developments of the entire industry. It is the most important industry meeting point as the figures of 2019 once again impressively demonstrate: With 7,972 exhibitors and about 169,653 visitors, Anuga Cologne is clearly the number one food fair!

Organic Trade Association will host a pavilion at the show for 8 U.S. organic companies. If you are interested in participating, contact Alexis Carey, International Trade Manager.