West Virginia University’s Organic Research Farm is a living laboratory. From teaching to outreach, the farm links scientific discovery with applications supporting an increasing number of organic growers and gardeners.
The farm will be open to the public from 1 – 7 p.m. on Aug. 7 for its annual field day.
Hosted by the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and WVU Extension Service, the event introduces new research and highlights ongoing projects in organic production methods through intensive workshops and organized or self-guided tours of the farm, one of the largest certified organic research farms in the nation.
“The needs of organic growers are constantly evolving, and our research helps address the new opportunities and emerging problems they face,” said Jim Kotcon, associate professor of plant pathology. “We enjoy putting together this event every year and hope participants benefit from our efforts.”
Workshops led by WVU faculty and graduate students will provide overviews of plant disease identification and control, monitoring and managing squash vine borers, no-till vegetable production, internal parasite control in sheep and a summary of accomplishments in organic production.
As an invited speaker, Kristine Nichols, research program director at the Rodale Institute, a leading sustainable and organic agriculture research and education organization, will discuss soil health in organic systems.
The event will also include a walking tour of research and demonstration plots emphasizing market garden and site management practices for producers of horticultural crops.
Gates open at 12:45 p.m. with workshops beginning at 1:15 p.m. Guided tours begin at 4 p.m. Dinner featuring organic produce grown on the farm will be served at 6 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is appreciated.
To register, e-mail plantandsoil@mail.wvu.edu or contact Tessy Warnick at 304-293-2961.
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CONTACT: Lindsay Willey, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
304.293.2381, Lindsay.Willey@mail.wvu.edu
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