ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Hundreds of organic farmers in Minnesota are gathering to network and learn about the latest trends in their industry.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says the majority of organic producers in the state live in Stearns County, so St. Cloud will again host the state's organic conference Friday and Saturday.
About 650 Minnesota farmers were certified organic in 2010. Agricultural officials say the popularity of organic food has grown steadily and that's attracted more producers.
Conference coordinator Cassie Dahl tells the St. Cloud Times (http://on.sctimes.com/1xYRJgg ) some of the conference workshops will cater to new farmers hoping to break into the industry. She says established producers can learn more about pest control methods, organic food processing or tax and market planning.
Singing, ceremonies and straw hats: Olympics opening ceremony in Tahiti centers Polynesian culture
![Viva Froeming, left, touched the face of friend Virginia Goering as her twin sister Vera Sims looks on. The three ladies, all 101 years old, have been](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZRFTXJFYUVHBTFGD4UNQNYTEGI.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Three 101-year-old friends recall fond memories in 1940s Alexandria
Celine Dion makes musical comeback at Paris Olympics with Eiffel Tower serenade
![Former Gophers diver Sarah Bacon, right, will compete with Kassidy Cook in the women's 3-meter synchronized springboard competition at the Paris Olymp](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/N37HMV3KY5CYPB4SIMTKQVIH7M.jpg?h=91&w=145&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)