11-30 FB Organic Conference

 Organic farmers and others interested in organic production are invited to attend an organic marketing conference on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 7 – 8 in Twin Falls.

 Organic food sales were growing at around 20% per year prior to the recession. Sales continue to outpace that of non-organic foods, but slowed to 5% growth in 2009. The first day of the conference will feature information on organic food market trends nationally, regionally, and in Idaho.

 National and regional organic food companies will report on organic marketing trends, including David Lively of Organically Grown Company from Eugene, Oregon. This organic produce company is the largest wholesaler of organic produce in the Pacific Northwest and has experienced solid growth during the recession.

 The second day includes trainings on developing an effective marketing plan, social media for marketing, good agricultural practices audit, a mock certified organic inspection by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, and ISDA’s plan for an organic promotion in 2011, as well as a series on financial management tools.

Spokesperson Jen Miller explains the slowdown in sales growth: “Obviously people have changed their purchasing habits through the recession.”