The Organic Crop Improvement Association’s Research and Education Board have put their heads together to come up with a stimulating and timely full-day conference entitled, “Organics…What We’ve Learned,” at the Travelodge in Regina, Saskatchewan on April 2nd, 2011. This conference includes a trade show and a delicious organic lunch for the whole family. The day will begin with registration at 8:30am and end with our heads and our hearts full at 5pm.

Three concurrent sessions will run throughout the morning and afternoon giving you the opportunity to choose three, 2-hour presentations. Children ages 8-13 will also have their own space, with lunch being served together with their families. The mini trade show will be available throughout the lunch hour and we welcome like-minded organizations who would be interested in a table to consider the nominal fee of $30.00 plus registration, to expose the world to their passion.

Len Piggot will share the ‘why and how’ of livestock holistic management. Paule Hjertas and Jim Ternier will share organic gardening tips for the urban gardener and where to find heritage seeds. Paulette Millis will work with students to teach them about choosing and preparing wholesome foods. Dr. Brenda Frick will share research and ideas on Canada thistle and weed management. Watershed authorities will discuss what to do when you receive too much rain. Other session topics include: alternative energy, cooking with nutrient dense foods and diversification. Also, if you decide to become certified organic with OCIA, at the conference, you will receive $50 off your certification fee for the year.

Interested parties are asked to pre-register with names and contact information to Marion McBride at b.mcbride@sasktel.net or by calling (306) 543-8732, for purposes of planning lunch. Rates include $60 per adult; $110 per couple; $25 per child (9-13); $40 for half day; $30 for trade show table. More information will be coming soon on the new OCIA R&E website at www.ociaresearchandeducation.org . This day is meant to get us all kick started into spring with new information, great relationships and a feeling of confidence in producing the best food for our customers, our families and the environment.

OCIA Research and Education is a charitable organization, created in 2003, by certified organic members of OCIA International, a global leader in organic certification. OCIA R&E’s mission is to support organic research; facilitate connections between farmers, researchers, consumers and decision-makers; and educate producers and communities regarding organic farming and foods.

Bio: Marion McBride, a Board member for OCIA R and E, lives in Regina and has farmed organically since 1995 with her husband in Moosomin. Most recently, Marion has been the Media Coordinator forhttp://www.saskorganic.com/ the Saskatchewan Organic Directorate’s, Food Miles Committee where she has been creating awareness of local and organic foods in Saskatchewan. She is the producer of the upcoming television series “Dining with the Stars”.

Contact: Marion McBride, Board Secretary
OCIA Research and Education
Phone: (306) 543-8732
E-Mail: b.mcbride@sasktel.net