A free workshop focused on food safety and conservation for diversified vegetable farms will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 8 at Happy Hollow Farm in Jamestown, according to an April 17 announcement.
The event aims to help local growers learn about safe produce practices and available resources for improving their operations. Juan Cabrera, state horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension, said Liz Graznak of Happy Hollow Farm will share her experiences growing healthy, safe produce. Other speakers are expected to discuss ways farmers can identify resource concerns and adopt conservation practices that benefit soil, water, animal and plant health, air quality, and energy use.
Cabrera said participants will also learn about U.S. laws regulating fruit and vegetable production as well as basic principles for identifying contamination routes and risks on the farm. The agenda includes information about the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), with opportunities to see funded practices in action. Presenters plan to explain how farmers can apply for technical or financial assistance through these programs—including the new Regenerative Pilot Program.
Additional resources from the Missouri Department of Conservation, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture’s CRCL Project will be highlighted during the workshop.
University of Missouri Extension supports community well-being through initiatives promoting healthy environments, youth growth, family strength and ecosystem resilience according to the official website. It serves as the outreach arm of the University of Missouri according to its official website, providing research-based education aimed at enhancing quality of life according to its official website. The organization extends services across every county in Missouri according to its official website by partnering with county governments, state agencies and community groups according to its official website, offering educational programs in agriculture as well as other fields according to its official website.
There is no fee for attending but registration is requested so organizers can provide lunch sourced locally. For more information or questions regarding inclement weather plans—which may be communicated by email—attendees are advised to contact Cabrera-Garcia directly.
