Organic dairy certification workshop

The price premium paid to dairy producers of organic milk is more than double that for conventional milk, and has been holding steady for the past five years. As conventional prices now descend again on the rollercoaster ride of national milk pricing, producers are taking a very serious look at transitioning their operations to organic. The Marin and Sonoma dairy industry, with it's fine pastures and

mid-sized herds, is well positioned to take advantage of

the increased customer demand for fresh organic milk.

       To help answer questions on organic certification and production, Cooperative Extension, the Marin Agricultural Commissioner's office and the Marin Agricultural Land Trust are offering a half-day workshop on "Certifying Your Dairy Organic" on Wednesday, May 24, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Tomales History Center in Tomales. There is a $10.00 donation requested. 

       Join us for a morning with experts on organic certification, to learn what is required to move your dairy operation over to USDA certified organic production. We will cover the basics of how to transition your dairy, help clarify the organic rule, and answer your questions. We will also have a short presentation on how to find organic feed and inputs.

The presenters will be:

Stacy Carlsen - Agricultural Commissioner

Anita Sauber - Marin Organic Certified Agriculture

Ray Green - California Organic Program

Albert Straus - Straus Family Creamery

Dan Giacomini - Dairy Consultant

Elizabeth Inman - CCOF

The speakers are all experts in organic certification, and will be covering pasture and dairy certification, transition, organic feeds and inputs, replacements, and will help clarify some of the difficult-to-understand aspects of the Organic Rule for dairy operations. Coffee and light refreshments will also be provided.