Organic famers meet hoping to tackle their biggest challenges

Gardens of Eagan organic farm
Martin and Atina Diffley own the "Gardens of Eagan," an organic farm.
MPR Photo/Mark Zdechlik

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture kicks off a two day conference on organic farming today in St. Cloud, Minn.

The conference is set to tackle some of organic agriculture's biggest challenges, like weed control for crop farmers and animal health for livestock producers.

More farmers are considering getting into organic farming. Mary Hanks with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture says that's being driven by strong consumer demand for organic food.

"Now is an excellent time if you're already thinking about transitioning or are in transition, this is an excellent time the market is excellent," says Hanks.

It can take years for farmers to achieve organic certification for their operations. Hanks says the state has a good network of organic farmers who are willing to help new producers enter the field.

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