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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Cissy Bowman, 317-539-6935
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The National Organic Marketing Cooperative Feasibility Study
Regional Meeting
as announced in the Organic Organizer
Indianapolis, Indiana, November 8, 1995
The Indianapolis Meeting is the first of twelve to be held across the
nation in the months of November and December, 1995. The purpose is to
bring together organic farmers, consumers, and supporting public interest
and environmental groups to discuss options for more efficient marketing
of organic products within a region and beyond. In each region, the Farmers
Meeting will allow the Study's coordinators to gather input from organic
farmers on the barriers they face to efficiently marketing their crops at
reasonable prices. At the consumer meeting, a slide show will provide a
view of excellent examples of organic farm production, handling practices
and systems. Consumers strongly desire to know how their food is produced
and the impact of food and fiber production on the environment and their
health. This is a valuable opportunity to encourage dialogue between
organic farmers and consumers on a regional level. We hope you will join
us in our cooperative attempt to learn from one another!
Schedule for the Event:
Organic Farmers Meeting: How Can We Cooperate To Enhance Organic Markets?
9:40AM-10:45AM: Information and discussion on the Feasibility Study:
goals and objectives, etc.
10:45AM-1 :45 PM: Breakout by commodity groups to identify farmers' needs
1:45PM-3:00PM: Presentation and discussion of Cooperative Marketing Options.
3:00PM-3:30PM: What can we do to in our local region?
What are the solutions?
Organic Farmer/Consumer Meeting:
Organic Farmers Greet Consumers:
How Can We Create A More Effective Partnership?
Organic Farmers' Goals for the meeting:
-To answer consumer questions on Organic Farm Production and Handling
-To further build a grass roots Partnership between Consumers, existing
Public Interest and Organic Farmer Organizations for the promotion of
organic food and fiber products
-To refine regional consumer outreach programs
-To create awareness of our right to know what is in our food
-To encourage choices in purchasing organic farm products:
How close a partnership do you want with your food and fiber provider?
4:30 Slide Show: De-mystifying Organics
7:45PM-9:00PM: Organic Wine and Cheese Reception--Social Hour
We hope that these events will serve to build a lasting relationship
between organic farmers, consumers and organizations interested in
land stewardship, conservation, environmental and consumer protection,
and economic and rural justice! There is no cost for this event.
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The National Organic Marketing Cooperative Feasibility Study
is funded by a USDA Rural development Administration Grant