Organic vegetable production workshops are planned for early spring at Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva.

Organic fruits and vegetables are one of the fastest growing aspects of commercial farming with a 20 per cent annual increase in sales over the past four years. In 1996 organic foods accounted for $3.5 billion in retail sales.

While once considered only of interest to health food fanatics, organic foods these days appeal widely to consumers of all types and can be found at natural food stores, health food sections and produce departments of supermarkets, produce wholesalers and at farmers’ markets.

Many restaurant chefs across the country are using organic produce because of consumer demand and the superior quality and taste. Organic food is also gaining acceptance on a worldwide basis, with nations like Japan, New Zealand and Germany becoming important international organic food markets.

Many home vegetable gardeners are initially motivated to raise some of their own food because of an interest in having organically raised vegetables untainted with chemicals, pesticides and preservatives.

The first Cornell workshop, on February 27, will focus on soil and nutrient management with specific attention to tillage and soil quality, testing and interpretation, soil life and fertility management.

Subsequent workshops on March 6 and 13 will deal with topics such as weed management, insect and disease control, cultivation tools and strategies and managing habitats.

The workshops will be led by Cornell researchers, cooperative extension field staff and area organic growers with extensive hands-on experience.

Both commercial growers and home gardeners are welcome. Space is limited.

A discount for pre-registration (before February 16) is available, otherwise each workshop is $20. For more information call 800-635-8356 or log-on to: www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ipmnet/ny/calendar/org_veg_mtg.html

For more information about the organic farming industry go to www.ofrf.org/about_organic/index.html