More than 500 people are expected to attend the annual Minnesota Organic Conference this week at River's Edge Convention Center in downtown St. Cloud. The conference offers learning and networking opportunities for people new to organic production as well as to experienced veterans.

The conference brings together farmers, researchers, educators, consultants, technical assistance providers, and business people. Sessions on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 9 and 10, include talks on organic certification, energy efficient farm technologies, cover cropping on vegetable farms, conserving pollinators, marketing organics, and financial and estate planning.

A trade show with more than 80 booths will also be part of the event and will feature equipment manufacturers and suppliers, seed companies, agricultural consultants, soil labs, organic traders, buyers, distributors and other resources.

The conference is organized by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture with financial help from numerous sponsors, including the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.

For more information, go to: www.mda.state.mn.us/organic